In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have transitioned their employees from working in an office space to working from home. We can’t tell you what you should do if you run out of toilet paper from all the panic buying (hey, it’s not that kind of blog), but we can provide some helpful tips on how to work effectively in your new environment. Whether you find yourself home with kids, spouses, pets and other distractions, or you’re flying solo, our purposeful slayer, (and mother of twins under 2!) Morgan has some helpful tips!
Set up a dedicated work space
If you don’t have a dedicated office within your home, it’s important to try and makeshift a space so you’re not setting up shop in bed or on the couch. Having a place free from distractions where you can focus (without the risk of getting too comfy and taking a long nap) is key to having a productive day of working from home.
Not everyone will have an extra room they can turn into a home office. If this sounds like you, you may have to work with the space available in the corner of a bedroom or living room. Regardless of where you decide to work, make sure to have your “desk” set up with everything you need during your work day. Getting up frequently to fetch items (phone and laptop chargers, pens and paper etc.) will quickly disrupt your focus.
Some other important tidbits for your home office:
Make sure your chair is comfortable and you are set up as ergonomically as possible
Adjust your lighting if you start to experience headaches that you may not have had at the office
Know and adhere to your employer’s guidelines for working online safely (connecting to VPN, securing your wifi, etc.)
If you enjoy changing up your scenery by working in coffee shops or going outside with your laptop (options not currently available due to closures, social distancing, and cold weather in some areas), we suggest moving to a room with lots of sunlight. Open up a window if it's not too cold and work in that environment for a while. This will not only help to break up your work day, but the sunlight can really lift your mood!
Time blocking
Since many of us have other things on our plates while we are at home, calendar blocking can be a total lifesaver - but you have to stick to it! This article and this one provide great tips and tricks on how to time block your day. We recommend trying to stick to your regular office schedule as much as possible so that the transition back to work flows smoothly. Of course, given the circumstances, some things will need to be adjusted. Make sure to block off some time for a walk or a little exercise. Getting out for some fresh air can really help to recentre your focus!
Act like you’re in an office
Everyone who works from home knows how easy it is to get into a rut. This could mean staying in pajamas, not showering as much as you would if you had coworkers sitting beside you, and keeping strange hours. If you were working Monday to Friday, try to maintain the same hours each day. Get up at the same time (yes, continue to set an alarm!), get cleaned up for the day, and PUT ON PANTS. (Ok fine. Try no pants for one day. But then, pants!) Treat work days just as you would if you were going to the office. This doesn’t have to mean putting on a three piece suit; maybe start with jeans and a sweater, but save your pantsless days for the weekend (if you can!).
Minimize distractions
Minimizing distractions is important, but it’s easier said than done! Some quick and easy-to-implement tips:
Turn off the tv
Try listening to music to get in the working mood
Use headphones to eliminate background noises
Resist scrolling through your social media pages by switching on your do not disturb during focused work times
Try the pomodoro technique to get daunting tasks done
Communicate with your partner about your schedule so you can avoid taking important calls at the same time while sitting side-by-side (if your partner is also working from home)
Set up a time (i.e. use your time blocking!) for calls and other tasks that require razor focus when your kids will be occupied - whether that happens during nap time, school work, outdoor or screen time - so you don’t lose focus
Don’t be afraid to reach out to coworkers to reschedule calls for times that work best with your new schedule. Things will be different for everyone and it will be a continuous learning process.
Disconnect
When you’re working from home it can start to feel like you’re always at work. Some people will find it difficult to disconnect at the end of the day. It’s important to put away the laptop, mute notifications and essentially unplug for the night, just like you would when leaving an office building. Set a time each day that you’re “off the clock” and stick to it (have we mentioned time blocking?). Make sure to set boundaries with coworkers who could also be struggling with signing off, by avoiding late meetings and phone calls. Keep your calendar updated with your availability and share it with others on your team.
Love working from home?
We hope you can use some of these tips to better adapt to your new work environment during these uncertain times. If you are currently working from home because of the pandemic and have fallen in love with your new office, get in touch! We’re always looking for stellar administrators and bookkeepers to add to our team.