For many modern professionals, working from home has become the new way of life. This can pose new challenges in the way of dealing with distractions, organisaton, isolation, and focus.
Whilst working in the traditional office has many social benefits, it does not mean that these benefits will be lost, as well as those of productivity and success. To get the best out of working remotely, one must figure out when to work, where to work, and establish boundaries between work life and social life.
This handy guide gives a few tips about how to work effectively in a virtual office.
1. Build a Permanent Workspace
The first step in creating a permanent workspace is to set up an area which is designated only for work and to commit to working in this space every day. You may not be able to have a separate room for your home office, but you can always find a corner in your dwelling where you can set up your workspace.
It should feel as separate from your home as possible. You may also have to purchase a desk, a comfortable chair, and equipment such as a computer, printer, tablet etc.
2. Replace Your Morning Commute Time
Your usual morning commute gave you time to prepare for the workday but when working from home, this time can also be used in the same manner for the same purpose. If you enjoyed listening to music or reading on the way to work, use this time in the same manner as before.
You could also replace it with exercise like walking or jogging around the block, yoga, or meditation, but whatever it is, utilise your previous commute time to prepare for your workday.
The same applies to the time that you spent with the return commute. Rather than finishing work and rushing to prepare the evening meal, set some time to unwind and do something that you enjoy. It takes the focus off work and transitions you back into your personal life.
3. Get Dressed
This may sound like a simple tip, but it is a particularly important one. Working from home can allow for the temptation of staying in your pyjamas all day.
You do not have to dress formally as you would for work but the simple act of “getting dressed for work” signals the difference of being at home and being at work and puts you in the right mindset for the day.
4. Set Boundaries
It may be tempting for your friends to contact you for social calls or texts during the day in the belief that since you are working from home, you have much more spare time.
Politely letting others know that you are not contactable during the day apart from your “lunch break” or “after 5” allows you to remain focused on the work at hand. It is also crucial that you have strict hours for work each day so that you do not run the risk of burn out.
5. Beware of Idle Snacking
It is important to take breaks, but the temptation for constant snacking during the day can be an occupational health hazard of working from home. Certainly, have snacks on hand, but ensure that they are healthy ones.
Some good brain food options include:
- fruit plate with nut butter
- chopped vegetables with hummus or nut, or other higher protein dip
- boiled egg
- smoothie loaded with protein and fibre
6. Prepare Your Lunch the Night Before
Designate a daily morning snack break and lunch break. It's also a great idea to make up a lunchbox the night before, or first thing in the morning. It may seem strange, but it will really help avoid the pitfall of grabbing anything at hand, and ensure you get the daily vital nutrients.
Bento box style lunchboxes are perfect for incorporating a range of food in one container, including your healthy morning snacks.
Having a packed lunch and not having to organise a lunch gives you extra time for any social or personal calls that you wish to make during this time.
7. Structure Your Day
Plan your day the night before with detailed tasks and times required. It can also be useful to block periods for phone calls, e-mails, and communications with other colleagues.
By structuring your day the night before, time is saved in working out what needs to be done, and you become more focussed on the tasks at hand. Your daily agenda should also contain some flexibility, and be adaptable in case urgent tasks arise.
8. Log out of Social Media
It's important to make the effort to log out of social media, to ensure that you'll not be distracted during the day with an endless stream of content. When wanting to connect with social media, you'll be prompted with a login home page.
This provides a deterrent to log in and is a great reminder that you are supposed to be doing your work tasks, and keeps you focussed on the task to be completed.
9. Socialise
When working from home, many of the usual social interactions that you were used to in the office environment are cut off. This can create a sense of loneliness. You can combat this by talking with your co-workers or friends with one-on-one or group catchups such as “lunch” catchups via Zoom, calls, or texts.
Keeping in touch with others will help overcome the sense of isolation. Modern technology has enabled us to contact and communicate with others even though we may not be physically with them.
10. Working Hours
It's vital that you designate and clearly define your work hours, and if you collaborate with co-workers, it's best if your work schedule aligns with theirs. With distractions such as children, partners and pets, focus can easily be lost, so it requires greater discipline and organisation.
Communication is key within the home environment so that you can create the designated time required for productive work. Committing to working hours or 'work blocks' avoids the blurring of your work and personal life, and enables you at the end of the work day or 'work block' to give your time to those you care for.
