For me, being set up to work from home or on the go is a must. I'v done this for year's now and I feel completely comfortable. I will however share with you that it took a few months to really get it right.
With the recent 2020 virus outbreak, there is now a large population working from home. I have written this blog to share with you some useful tips that I use to make working from home work.
1. Create a Space
Make a workspace at home, where you can set up your desk, and work comfortably. If this means re-arranging rooms, and spaces I would encourage you to do this. For example:
- Get yourself a nice comfortable chair so you can sit up straight, trust me it's good for your back (try to avoid sitting on the couch or at a table with uneven height)
- Set up your screens, and keep cords and cables tucked away so you don't keep stepping over them.
- Clear the clutter. A clean workspace is good for the mind. As you get up in the morning and start work you will feel refreshed walking into a nice clear space. (try to avoid too many things on the desk)
- Open a window or door to let the sunlight and fresh air in. Remember if you are working remote you need to still get some vitamin D. (avoid sitting in dark rooms, it's not great for your eyes)
- Get a pet plant. Crazy as it sounds, I spend hours looking at the plant on the shelf next to my desk. For some reason it makes me feel like there is other life in the room.
2. Get a Routine Together
A routine means not staying up too late the night before watching Netflix Series and then getting up late the next day. Remember you still working, so you still need to get up on time and get to your workspace on time. Your teams will be waiting for you.
- Keep regular hours and times for your work (try to avoid working late at night to replace lost time during the day)
- Get your exercise plan together (plan your weekly fitness regime)
- Try to eat healthy and have fruit for snacks
- Avoid too much caffeine (easy said than done I know)
- Drink more water, and monitor your intake
3. Organise your Work
Planning your work for the week ahead, means prioritising your tasks based on what's most important for you to deliver.
- Choose a technology platform for work and collaboration (Teams, Planner and Project for Web is amazing)
- Keep others up to date with visibility into your workload
- Pre-organise meetings in advance (it's ok to block time in your calendar for yourself)
Building an online community of workers requires regular interactions and commitment. Keep your teams motivated by:
- Organising regular face time (create rules like put your hand up if you want to speak)
- Creating channels for chit-chat. Upload and share images of your workspace, your pets. All those hallway conversations will soon get replaced with online sharing!
- Creating a community of events, games, and awards - keep your teams motivated and encouraged to get to work.
- Creating a support and feedback group (not everyone may cope, some may need a bit more assistance)
4. Take Breaks
Taking a break every now and then interrupts the cycle of stress that can for some be quite over whelming. It's a proven theory that increasing your oxygen intake and getting some fresh air will enable you to make better more informed decisions. If your looking for idea's on break time:
- Drink some more water (important to stay hydrated)
- Do some yoga (check out youtube for some great channels)
- Go for a walk and get some fresh air (take the dog with you)
- Sit back for 30 minutes and read your favorite book (take your mind off work)
- Put the phone away and create some technology free time (you don't need it)
5. Reward Yourself
For some working remotely and from home can be quite distracting and isolating. It's important to remember to reward yourself.
- Open your favourite bottle of wine
- Cook a nice meal
- Play some games
- Download a new audio book
Be sensitive, be kind to others, and enjoy working in your new space 😀