Remote working is a new experience for many of us following the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the lines blurred between work and home, some may find it difficult to switch off – while others may find it a little too comfortable.
These are our top 10 remote working tips to help you be productive when working from home.
1. Invest in a comfortable office chair
It’s important to be comfortable when you’re working from home, so don’t just make do with a dining room chair.
A quality office chair will give good support to your back – and it will also provide a subtle reminder that you’re on the clock!
2. Work your usual hours
If you choose to dip in and out of work throughout the day and evening, you’ll forever be in work mode and may find it less productive.
It’s important to know when it’s time to switch off and relax.
3. Create a dedicated workspace
Again, we can’t be in work mode all the time so little cues can help us know when it’s time to switch off.
Having a dedicated workspace – whether it’s an office room or just your dining room table – will help you separate work time from your time.
4. Give yourself time to wake up
It’s tempting to wake up 10 minutes before you’re due to start, but you’ll probably be half asleep and feel lethargic for the rest of the day.
Taking the time to wake up, have breakfast, freshen up in the shower and get dressed will make you feel ready to start work.
5. Be available
Staying in regular contact with your team will keep you engaged and focused on performing your duties to the required standard.
From daily morning catch-up calls to on-task calls with your manager, it’s important to be available and stay connected.
6. Take a lunch break
Yes… take an hour off and relax! You’ll be fresher and more productive in the long run.
7. Lunchtime exercise
No commuting means you’re probably not as tired, so why not make the most of it by exercising on your break?
You’ll feel reinvigorated for the afternoon and the evening will be all yours!
8. Don’t be glued to your workspace
It’s easy to feel guilty if you get up to make a tea and discover you’ve missed a call from your manager, but think about how many times you get up when you’re in the office!
It’s recommended we get up once an hour to keep our minds fresh and our bodies relaxed, so be sure to keep moving when you’re home.
Just remember to call your manager back once you’re settled back in!
9. Save your work in shared folders
With remote working there is an increased reliance on technology, so it’s always wise to save your files in a shared folder that your team can access.
This means that should your laptop or work PC go down, your manager can access your work and send it to you locally.
10. Working from home with kids!
The little ones can make it challenging when you’re working from home.
The good news is – everyone knows this.
So make sure you have communicated this with your colleagues and manager so that expectations are set.
Next, discuss it with your family and try to establish some boundaries during the working day.
Kids need routine – so if they know you’ll be with them at 12 for lunch and then at 5 for dinner, you might just be able to get something done the rest of the time!
Good luck!
We hope this helps you stay productive, happy and healthy while you’re working from home.
