It’s an odd time to say the least, and so far 2020 leaves a lot to be desired. Everything is changing, and in order to keep ourselves, and others safe and healthy we are all adjusting the way we live our lives. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, and joining long lines to buy toilet paper (of all things!) are all activities we likely never imagined we’d be having to take part in, and that seem more at home in a science fiction novel, a really weird one at that.
In the midst of this strange time many of us are choosing to work from home, it’s a smart choice, and one that’s being recommended by the many experts weighing in on the situation. For a lot of us, the idea of working from home is no big deal, we’ve done it before and we know the drill. The world is more agile these days anyway, so why not? But for others, working from home might be a bit of a horror situation. Isolation, poor internet connection, a dodgy laptop/old tech, and kids/partners/housemates/pets in the way can all combine to make things a bit difficult, to say the least.
So how can you take this situation and turn it in to a positive, productive experience? Here are a few quick tips for quickly turning your home in to an efficient, well-run, and even enjoyable home-office.
Pick a Good Spot
This new reality has developed so quickly that it’s unlikely you’ve had time to really think about, or even clear out a space for a home-office. If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room, or already have a bit of a home office set up then you’re ahead of the game, great work. For most of us, realistically it’s probably a choice between the couch, and the dining table, especially if you have a partner or housemates who are also working from home.
All you really need is a flat space, like a dining table or even the end of the kitchen bench. A surface that you can sit at comfortably (everyone sitting up straight please!) with enough space around you for your phone, books, files, whatever you need close at hand to get the work done.
Be Mindful of Ergonomics
While the couch may seem like the cozy choice (and who doesn’t need a little coziness right now) it’s not a super ergonomic choice, and if you’re prone to back pain, working from the couch could spell trouble. Physiotherapists everywhere are begging you to please consider your ergonomics!
The fact is, if you’re comfortable you will be able to get your work done more effectively. Find the most comfy chair in your house, one that will allow you to sit and work at the right height for your workspace. Your lower back should be well supported (a throw pillow could be your best friend here), your shoulders level, and your feet supported. Also, try to make sure you don’t have any under thigh pressure. After that, all you really need to worry about is, does the set up work for you? If so, then great!
Get “Ready for Work“
In uncertain times like these it’s important to keep to some kind of routine, it’s really helpful for your productivity, and your general well-being too. Getting up and getting ready for work (even if you’re working from a desk a metre away from your bed) will help to keep some form of normalcy, as well as help you to feel prepped and ready for the day. You’ll be glad you did the minute you get an unexpected video call from your manager, a coworker, or a client.
Take your Breaks
Whatever breaks you’d ordinarily take at the office, take them at home too. Set an alarm as a reminder if you have to. This includes getting up and walking around at regular intervals to stretch your legs and grab a coffee, perhaps even stop to have a brief chit chat with an imaginary co-worker (or your dog) about the weather. You really should take your lunch break too (at a reasonable time so you’re not left with a rumbling tum)…and try not to do anything work related during the break. Do you have a coworker you usually have lunch with? Why not have a video chat while you eat?
Stay in Touch
Right now it’s really important to stay in touch with your team. While regular emails are great, why not take advantage of the technology available to you and try to get some virtual face-to-face time in. This will not only help with feelings of loneliness and isolation, it will also help to avoid any misunderstandings among those of us who maybe aren’t so good at conveying tone in emails.
This should apply to friends and family too. During an isolation period it’s critical that you continue to socialise. Both for your mental health, and also so that you don’t miss out on any good gossip, or tv show and book recommendations.
Eliminate Distractions
Visible laundry crying out to be folded, a housemate playing video games, or the neighbour’s dog barking at the postman are all sure fire ways to impede your productivity. Your best bet is to dust off your best headphones (you just can’t beat noise-cancelling headphones), hide the laundry and ignore all household chores until after hours. Play some comforting music, nature sounds, sounds of people chattering, or your favourite tv show on low volume, whatever it takes to set the scene for your productivity.
Finally…
These are indeed challenging times. If you’re one of the lucky ones who can work from home we wish you all the best, and hope that the above tips help to make this time a little easier on you. Remember to check in with yourself, and your coworkers, friends and family. Take good care of your physical health, and just as importantly, your mental health. And finally, find something good to binge watch (after hours!).
We are all in this together.
