Working From Home Tips

As the majority of us find ourselves having to work from home, we want you to be well, supported and successful during this period. To help you get yourself on the right track, we’ve put together some helpful tips to get you up and running.

Create A Comfortable, Separate Space For Working

This is critical to your success when working at home. Your space should be relatively free from distractions such as family, pets, home telephone and the television. Try to find a spot with a nice view from a window if you can. Importantly, make sure your chair is comfortable too!

Make Sure You Have Everything You Need

Your laptop, the laptop charger, pad of paper, pens, and anything else you need to use on a regular basis. Think about what you normally have on your desk in the office, and would it help you feel better and more in work mode if you had them around you at home?

Set Boundaries With Your Family And Friends

When you first begin working from home, friends and family may not understand the demands this requires of you. In the beginning, you need to be careful to set boundaries for your family and friends as well as good work habits for yourself.

Stay Connected

If you’re not used to working from home, it might feel a little strange at first. It’s important to stay connected with your fellow colleagues and use video conferencing and the telephone to stay in touch. You will find you and your co-workers may e-mail or call more often to stay in touch.

Schedule Daily And Weekly Breaks

Schedule breaks into your day, just as you would if you were at work. Take a regular lunch and stand up and walk around periodically. You might find it helpful to set an alarm to remind you to move away from the computer.

Understand Your Work Style

It is crucial for you to understand how you work best. Do you work best according to your moods? If so, keep track of your tasks according to task type: computer work, telephone work, meetings, etc. This way you can perform these tasks when you are at your best.

Keep Track Of Your Work

It is important to organise your work in such a way that enables you to quickly and clearly see what you have accomplished. Keeping track of what you have finished will help you keep your priorities in order. You will have less people around you reminding you of deadlines and giving you ‘a nudge’ when deadlines approach.

Ask For Help Or Input

Have regular meetings with your Manager and colleagues using video conferencing or the telephone. Working from home can be lonely and it’s important for you to still feel part of the team (and your colleagues are probably missing you like crazy!).

Take Care Of Yourself

Get up at a regular time and get dressed. Have your breakfast and coffee before work if that is your habit. Set regular breaks and a proper finishing time. Avoid the temptation to work when it should be family time and remember to exercise and go to bed at your normal time. Don’t be tempted to have later nights because you don’t have the morning commute – it’s a slippery slope.