Hello. My name’s Megan and I look after the social media here at Red Box. Now that we’re on day 6 of working from home, I wanted to share my experiences and offer a few tips that will hopefully help you as we face the new challenge of remote working.
Like many, it’s been a new experience and as a team, we’re learning more each day and testing things that help. At Red Box, one big thing we’ve found that is really helping is our new ‘Start of day email’. In this very short email, we let the relevant members of the team know what we’re planning and what we would like to complete that day.
We have also been utilising email, Slack and we are now using the video conferencing tool Zoom for our team meetings. It’s all about trial and error to see what works best for your business.
Working from home can seem daunting, however in the current situation of Covid-19; it is now a necessity for many. But there is no need to worry. If you implement some routine and set yourself boundaries, working from home can become comforting and inspire your mind that one step further.
Keep reading our tips for working from home, to create a positive and self-motivated experience.
Keep a routine
It may be easier to roll out of bed into your office and just take to working still in pyjamas, but not only will this make you feel sluggish, it will take a knock out of your productivity. If you take the time to wake up, shower and get dressed, not only will it improve your mindset, but it will psychologically prepare you for work.
You can still work in comfier clothes or even your office attire if that feels best; it all comes down to the nature of your job. Another helpful trick is when your workday is over, changing into a different outfit can help your mindset to clock off; helping your brain understand that your working day is now over.
When working from home, try to stick to your normal working hours and don’t overload yourself with work as this won’t create a healthy mindset. Start and finish work the same time you would, for if you were in the office. This will create a productive mindset, also it will help you to separate your work life to your normal home life.
Take Breaks
Another unhealthy habit is forgetting breaks and just eating whilst “on the job.” Not only will this reduce productivity, but it will also overload your brain. It has been found that short breaks throughout the day are more beneficial than less frequent, longer breaks.
Even completing tasks like reading or going on a short walk can help your mindset have a refresh. If you work all day looking at a screen, taking a few moments every hour or few hours will really make a difference.
But during these breaks try to keep from doing jobs around your house, have these moments for yourself; to help your creativity and productivity.
Establish Boundaries
Some people who are told that they can work from home will initially think that they can stay in bed and work, but doing this is a huge red flag. You aren’t creating any distance from work to home and sitting in bed all day will only make you more sluggish.
If you have a desk or even a table, try to recreate your desk from work; set out your computer, your nick-nacks and papers the same. Doing this will psychologically tell your brain, this is work and then working from home won’t feel as in the unknown.
At the end of the day, switch your computer off and tidy any papers or miscellaneous items away. This will act as if you are finishing for the day and will contribute to that separate work and home life.
Pick up the phone
When in the office we take for granted the luxury of being able to just get up and go and ask someone a question. Whereas at home that luxury is no more. It can seem easier to just message your colleagues through email or your instant messaging platform.
With the office noise and conversations gone, working from home can be quite lonely; especially if you haven’t got anyone at home to talk to. So, pick up the phone and call your colleagues! Not only will this create a conversation but it will help your mindset to stay positive.
“When you spend the day working on your own, actually calling people and having a conversation can be much more stimulating and indeed productive than a chain of emails.”
So here are our tips for staying the most productive when working from home. Please let us know what you do to stay motivated and also we hope everyone is feeling okay and safe in this scary time.
Please get in touch if you would like some advice or even a chat.
Speak soon, Megan.