We live in a world in which remote working has become an increasingly talked about topic, a working strategy that many companies around the world have become adopting (with others also implementing a so-called ‘hybrid’ work pattern). We have put together some top tips of getting the best out of working from home (WFH).
- Get dressed- This may sound like common sense, but keeping a morning routine (as you would if you were going into the office) really helps. WFH has made it easy for employees to simply stay in bed or in their pyjamas, but getting up and dressed will help you be more productive and work-focused.
- Setup a designated workspace- Creating an environment which puts you in a working frame of mind is important. The choice of location here is entirely up to you, but try and choose a space that keeps you focused and on task, with as few distractions as possible.
- Take breaks – Just like being in the office, staying in the same place behind the same workspace can be mentally and physically draining. Take regular breaks and do something else… Make a cuppa, walk the dog, or simply just step away for a few minutes.
- Maintain relationships – Working remotely makes it very easy for you to create a disconnect with the people you interact with at work. Instead of sending emails all day, pick up the phone and give them a call. Contribute to internal conversations to see how everyone is getting on.
- Set daily goals- Set yourself daily tasks or goals to achieve in the day/week to keep yourself focused on the task/s at hand. Choose a time to finish for the day and stick to the ‘deadline’ – Don’t overwork!
And most importantly, ask for support where needed! Working remotely is not for everyone, and can certainly take some time to adjust. If you find you’re struggling and require assistance, further training or simply don’t want to work remotely anymore, ensure you speak up. You’re still part of a team after all, and support should still be available to you. In fact, many companies have also begun offering ‘hybrid’ roles to help tackle this, as well as provide employee flexibility.
