Working from Home: 5 top tips

27 March 2020

Many of us are now working from home due to the coronavirus outbreak. Here are some top tips to help you stay productive during this testing time.

1. Stick with your routine

Go to bed at your usual time and set your alarm as you normally would. It is best to get up as usual and get washed and most importantly dressed! Although it might seem appealing to stay in your pyjamas all day getting dressed will psychologically get you ready to do some work.

If you typically work from 9 to 5 it is best to stick with this routine. Even though you are working from home your employer will still expect you to be working and available during your usual set hours.

When you have finished for the day make sure you switch off your computer and tidy up your desk. It is important to make a clear distinction between work and home life.

2. Create a work space

Ideally you need a designated work space. It is certainly not ideal to sit in bed or on your settee trying to get some work done. Sitting at a desk or table will make you feel like you are at work and is also much better for your posture.

If you have the room try to set up an area where you can work. I am currently working on one side of my dining room table with my daughter using the other side for her school work.

When you have finished work for the day don’t forget to tidy up your work space or desk area. You don’t want to feel like you are living in your office.

3. Move around and get some fresh air

You wouldn’t typically sit still all day long if you were in the office not moving from your desk. It is also important for your eyes to have a break from staring at your computer screen. So get up, move around and have a good stretch.

Although some people have been advised to completely self-isolate the majority of us are being encouraged to take some form of exercise once a day whether this be walking, running or cycling. Why not do this during your lunch hour? I am currently walking my two dogs at lunchtime. They still need their exercise and it gives me a break midway through the day. (Please ensure you carefully follow the Governments current advice with regard to self-isolation and exercise).

4. Stay connected with your colleagues

Working from home can be lonely especially if you are not used to it. It is easy to slip into the habit of just sending emails rather than picking up the telephone and speaking to colleagues. Video conferencing, Skype and Facetime are all ways of keeping in touch as well as using your telephone. Apart from the social aspect it is often easier and more productive to speak to someone rather than sending a string of emails.

5. Go easy on yourself

Working from home isn’t easy especially if you are used to going out to work and being surrounded by your colleagues. A lot of us have children at home and have been thrown into the roll of supply teacher which is certainly not an easy task!

Just remember to go easy on yourself as we all try to adjust to new ways of living and working.