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Top 10 Tips for working at home

Written By - Mathew Woolley - August 04,2020

Top 10 Tips for working at home

Take a look at our top tips for how to survive the virus apocalypse and still get your 9-5 work routine complete without killing the kids or yourself.

Try to maintain your normal work routine where possible

It’s very easy to get distracted at home and you must remain disciplined, get your washing up done and your clothes washed in advance, it’s easy to default to home chores when you are at home as it’s usually easier than doing whatever it is you are doing at work.

Get your house in order

Kids can not be controlled let’s face it, the best chance you have of getting your work done is to keep your kids entertained, distracted and as far away from you as possible. Consider setting your kids long tasks or long play activities or get them in front of the electronic babysitter (aka tv or tablet) as long as they are entertained they will not bother you and you can focus on your work.

Create a dedicated office space

If possible, try to find a quiet space away from other people and distractions like the TV / kids spaces.

Get everything you need in one place, before you start work chargers, pens, paper and anything else and shut the door if you can.

Lastly, get comfortable. While it might be tempting to sit on the sofa, it's much better to sit at a desk or table. Use the NHS guidelines to set up your workspace correctly, as much as you possibly can.

If you do not have office furniture like an adjustable chair, try using things like cushions to support you in your chair, or a box as a footrest, it is important you try to make your workspace as ergonomic as possible as you will be spending at least 7 hours or more here every day.

Take regular breaks

Working at home can make us feel like we have to be available all the time. But just being "present" is no use to anyone if your mental health is suffering.

Making time for breaks is important to help manage feelings of stress try to take regular screen breaks and ensure you take an adequate amount of time for lunch don’t short change yourself this benefits nobody especially not businesses if you are not getting enough rest you will not be productive , simple as that. Give yourself time to concentrate on something else so you feel more focused when you return. Even just 5 to 10 minutes of short breaks each hour can really help your productivity too. You might be spending a lot more time without moving your body. If you're feeling stiff or tense, try doing some light stretching or exercise, this will aid your focus as well as keep your body intact

Make the most of your outdoor space when possible

You are at home why stay at home? You have the freedom to go outside and go to places that normally wouldn’t be a part of your work routine, go and check out that new coffee shop or take your kids to that new park that you never got around to doing, or go on a bike ride, the possibilities are endless.

Don’t forget to Socialise

Working from home can be incredibly isolating and can take a toll on your mental health if you do not remain connected to others. Whether this be work colleagues or friends and family ensure you spend enough time each day getting your social charge, remember conversations with people can trigger ideas which could benefit either you or your company.

Maintain your resources

Don’t be afraid to ask for the resources you need to effectively carry out your duties, if your phone signal is bad ask for a voip phone, if your internet is slow see if your company can assist you with a faster line, if you don’t have a laptop or a pc suitable for working then ask your employer for help. You are only as effective as the tools you use.

Split your work life from your private life

Ensure that you have a work phone, voip phone from your company so you can ensure you can focus on your work activities without being distracted by the daily private interuptions.

Do something different with your daily routine

Working from home can be challenging and isolating but there also many benefits that come with the luxury of working from home. Why not try something different during your lunch break? Why not try cooking a new recipe, exploring a new place in your local town, go for a walk in places you have never explored, whatever it is make the most of being at home and do some things that would not be possible if you were working in an office environment.

Don’t be hard on yourself

Remember, this is an unusual situation and things will not feel normal! Everybody has different circumstances at home and some people may not have an enjoyable home life in comparison to you so treat everybody with patience and understanding. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you might not be as productive as you usually would be. Be realistic about what you can achieve given the circumstances, and relax when your work is done.