Ah, working from home! A phrase we hear ever so often now, but what does it really entail? Before I ever had a job, I imagined working from home to be a glamorous and soothing experience. In my young adolescent mind I always pictured a large, brightly lit room (lots of natural lighting, of course) with high ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors and French doors opened to allow a light breeze to gently cascade through the room, bringing with it the fresh scent of nature and sunshine. Oh, to be young and naïve! As for the actual “work” part? It never really crossed my mind. Apart from planning what type of desk and chair would match the décor of this fantasy room, I had never even stopped to think about how I’d actually get any work done. Let’s be honest though, if I had that room now (complete with gently billowing white curtains and fresh cut flowers in fancy vases) I’d probably never get any work done.
So what do you actually need in order to work from home (or WFH, as everyone calls it these days)? This would of course vary with each job, and so there is no single formula or magic recipe that would guarantee high productivity levels. There are, however, a ton of useful tips out there which can be tailored to fit your specific needs, some of which I’ve included below. Let’s get started!
Get Started Early
While not waking up at the crack of dawn just to beat traffic is definitely a perk of WFH, don’t get too comfortable with the idea of sleeping in late. If you are accustomed to a structured workday at the office, it’s a good idea to bring some of that structure to your WFH days. So enjoy the extra half an hour in bed, whether you’re catching a few more zzz’s or just relaxing with a book or scrolling through your newsfeed, but be sure to start your day early to ensure you get the most you can out of it.
Get Ready!
I sometimes find one of the hardest things to do on mornings is getting out of my soft, comfy panamas. If I could stay in pj’s all day I totally would, but that would also mean I’d want to stay in bed, or get cozy on the couch with a cup of coffee and a good book. Pyjamas don’t really scream “Work Mode” and one simple step you can take to get into that work mindset is to ditch the sleepwear and get dressed. So take a shower, don some casual clothing, apply a little make-up if you like, and save the pj’s for bedtime!
Create a Dedicated Work Space
Not all of us are fortunate enough to have an entire room dedicated to a home office, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fully functional workspace set out in your home. A small desk in an unused corner of the living room or bedroom can prove just as good as an office. Add a few small organizers to avoid clutter, such as a paper tray or stationery holders. It’s also a good idea to invest in a comfortable chair, especially if WFH is a regular occurrence. Remember, this is a space where you’ll be spending hours of your time and energy, so aim for a comfortable and ergonomic design best suited to your needs.
Prepare Meals Ahead Of Time
This may seem like a strange one but trust me, this is not a myth. I repeat, this is not a myth! You may be thinking, “Prepare meals? Pfft! I have a fridge full of food, who needs to prep anything?” Let me let you in on a little secret – preparing meals ahead of time is one of the most effective things you can do if you’re committed to squeezing every ounce of productivity you can get out of your workday. This not only impacts your productivity, it also helps you maintain a healthier lifestyle. Taking some time on the weekend to prepare healthy meals for the week will free up your time during your workday, which you would have spent fixing something to eat. You would also be less inclined to snack on something unhealthy if you have a prepared meal in front of you.
Communicate Your Expectations To Your Household
Many people wrongly assume that WFH means you’re home but may spend five or ten minutes at the computer from time to time. If you live in a house with others, whether they are family members or roommates, you will need to let them know exactly what your expectations are, and what you will need from them during these workdays. Ensure that your household is aware of your workspace and work times. You can also use signals (such as headphones on, or a door left ajar) to indicate that you are working, so the rest of the family knows not to disturb you. That being said, WFH is an excellent way to spend more time with family and that’s one of the main reasons people choose this option. Just be sure to discuss your WFH expectations with your family first, and enjoy the extra time you can spend with them!
Take Breaks
Taking clear breaks during your workday is standard procedure when you’re at the office; so don’t forego them when you’re WFH. Taking a break to have lunch or stretch your legs can help you recharge and work better. You can set timers so you don’t miss your break times, and don’t forget to give your eyes a break as well. If you’re at the computer all day it’s recommended that you rest your eyes every twenty minutes or so. This doesn’t mean taking a nap or closing your eyes, a simple change of environment can help. Taking a walk around your house or stepping outside for some fresh air are great ways to give your eyes a much-needed break from the screen.
Know When To Switch Off
It’s easy to get caught up in working when you’re in the comfort of your own home, but don’t assume that you have to be working all day and night to be productive. Your WFH hours should have clear start and end times, and you should try your best to stick to these times. Think of it as coming home from the office; you’d usually take a break and unwind before tackling any household chores. The same applies to WFH: end your workday as you would any other workday at the office. Get out of your workspace, relax on the sofa with a nice glass of wine, or just take some time to breathe and relieve the stress that builds up during the day. This is not only good for your health; it’s also good for your family and social life.
Working from home should be comfortable and productive (and yes, it can even be enjoyable!) so take some time to figure out what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to try something new!