Working From Home

First time working from home? Is it what you expected?

According to a study conducted by Indeed in 2019, 68% of employers say their company allows employees to work remotely.  The biggest difference is that pre-COVID-19, working from home (WFH) was often reserved to 1 or 2 days a week and potentially coordinated not to coincide with your partners WFH days.

The challenge many people are facing is sharing a very small space 24/7.  Apart from not allowing couples and families a natural break from each other as they venture to separate workplaces, we throw into the mix converting the home office into accommodating more than one person and potentially all conducting Zoom/Skye meeting simultaneously.    So, what are some tips to not just survive the new world of working from home but to thrive, remain productive, keep motivated and enjoy the experience? 

  1. Define your work time and set a schedule that works for your household as well as your organisation

Take into account kids schedules, mealtimes, and meetings and determine a plan that takes into consideration all key parties and communicate it with your family and work.

  1. Define your workspace

Perhaps you get the dining room and your partner has the study, even if you live in a small apartment, everyone can have their own defined area.

  1. Pretend you are going into the office

This way you ensure you are dressed, had your coffee/acai bowl and ready for work and you can make the mental shift to work mode.

  1. Utilise technology

It can be tempting to revert to phone calls for meetings and not utilise the great resources available like Zoom, Skype, Webex etc.  It does make a difference when we can see each other, create a connection and assess non-verbal behaviours and cues.

  1. Be present (avoid multi-tasking during meetings)

You’re kidding yourself if you think your team members are unaware that you are ironing, hanging up the washing or answering emails during a meeting.  If you have joined a meeting maintain the discipline of being present.

  1. Look on the bright side and practice gratitude

There is so much uncertainty in the world right now that it is easy to forget how fortunate you are and take advantage of the opportunities that WFH presents.  Perhaps it allows you to have coffee with your partner or lunch with the kids.  It can also be interesting to see your partner at work, a side of them you are not normally privy to and enjoy seeing them in a new light.

  1. Lock the fridge and snack cupboard!

Ok that maybe a little overstated, but it is important to set up your day like any regular working day with your normal lunch/tea/snack breaks.  How about preparing your lunch and snacks as though you were going taking them to work so you don’t have to fossick around in the cupboard?  Finally, do a quick mental check before reaching for a snack – are you really hungry or just bored?  If the latter how about a glass of water?