8 Top Tips for Working from Home

The COVID-19 pandemic will affect all of us in one form or another. One of the safest things we can do right now is to work from home (where possible), to slow the spread of the virus.

If you’re used to working in a bustling office environment with regular routine and people around you chattering in the background, suddenly working from home can throw you through a loop. It can be lonely but we must remember that this is temporary and we’ll get through it.

So, whether you’re a home-working veteran or this is new territory, we’ve compiled a list of 8 Top Tips for Working from Home to help you get you through.

1. Get up at your regular time
   It’s important to keep to your regular wake up time when working from home. Not only does it help establish a routine, but makes things a lot easier when you go back to normal and head back to the office. You could use your usual commuting time to do something productive - at times like these, it’s particularly important to consider self-care related activities such as going for a walk, having a home workout or making a tasty breakfast.
2. Create a designated workspace
   This is extremely important. Setting aside a dedicated workspace that’s only used during work hours will help you mentally separate work from downtime. This could be a home office, but it could also be a make-shift desk in a bedroom or just a section of a dining table. A great productivity tip is to make your space bright, fresh and yours.
3. Write a to-do list
   Writing a to-do list brings structure and helps organise your day. Ticking things off is a powerful motivator and a source of satisfaction as it shows you’re being productive.
4. Stick to a routine
   Waking up at your regular time, having a mid-morning coffee break, finishing at the same time you would do when you’re in the office are all things that will make working from home seem more like work.
5. Take regular breaks
   Take regular breaks to keep you refreshed, whether it’s to get a cup of tea or do some star jumps, it will help. If you normally get up and walk around when you’re in your office environment, take a walk around your house, this will help everything to feel ‘normal’.
6. Communication is key
   

   Establishing good communication is key for remote working. It will make everybody feel connected and supported. Especially important as home working will be a big change for some. Consider having daily team meetings to check-in and see what you’re all doing. Messaging colleagues that are not in your immediate team is also a great way of staying connected and retaining the positive ‘water cooler’ moments.

7. Create some background noise
   Going from working in a busy office environment full of people to a silent one where you are alone can be challenging for many people, especially for those who live alone or with strangers. Creating a work playlist, listening to the radio or having an old show in the background are great options.
8. Get outside!
   If it’s safe and you’re feeling well, head outside for a walk to get some fresh air. This will get your body moving, blood flowing and is a great way to split your work hours with your evening time. This also helps if working from home is making you go stir crazy! If you can’t get out of the house, open a window for some fresh air or do an at-home workout or yoga session.