Let's Stay Connected - Working from Home

For many of us working from home is a new challenge as we all try and adapt to our new reality. There are many ways we can make it as comfortable and productive as possible until we all return to our normal work processes when the time comes. If you’re sharing your living space with others, then it’s even more important to have a structure to your day and avoid distractions where possible.

START YOUR DAY

Tempting as it may be to stay in your pyjamas all day it’s really important to continue with your normal work routine. So, get up, shower and get dressed and be ready to start work at your usual time, it will help to focus the mind and you’ll feel prepared for the day ahead.

TAKE IT IN SHIFTS

For families where both partners are working from home, take it in shifts so that one parent looks after entertaining or home-schooling the kids leaving freedom for the other to start work. To get a good run at productivity give yourself at least three hours before swapping over roles and repeat the process.

DEFINE A SPACE

Where possible remove yourself from the main living area and find somewhere relatively quiet to work in. If there’s a separate dining area use the table as your worktop or repurpose a dressing table or sideboard to use as your desk space. This will alert people to the fact that you are working and not to disturb you.

CREATE A STRUCTURE

Keep to the same working schedule and start work at the same time each day where possible. Be sure to take a break for lunch just as you would in an office setting and get back to work at a set time. Of course, where kids are involved our days our fluid and unpredictable but where you can adhere to a structure.

KEEP IN CONTACT

Keep a good connection with work colleagues through video calls, we’re all in the same boat so it’s nice to see a familiar face and to catch up with people much as you would in the workplace when you take a coffee break. Email is great but it’s no substitute for human interaction and the video calls will ensure you make an effort with your dress code and appearance!