Tips from improving your work from home
Working from home has all of a sudden become the new norm in 2020, and it looks like it’s going to be staying with us for some time (if not forever).
Whilst it can be a great way to improve your work/life balance, not all of us are experienced in setting a routine around home working, and in the long run this can negatively affect the quality of our work.
If you are struggling, here are some great tips to make your day go more smoothly.
- Create a permanent workplace
It is not without reason called “Home Office”. Working out of your bed, from your couch or in front of your TV wouldn’t be a good idea. You are used to relaxing in these places. Create an orderly atmosphere. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a whole room. But a place that signals that you are working there. If you have a space such as a garden room, it can be re-purposed for your work.
- Learn to communicate properly
Calls, emails, instant messaging services, or video chats are ways to communicate. Everyone has to find out for themselves which channel is best suited and how to combine it. Sometimes it’s more efficient to send an email than to make a call.
- Dress up for your job
Getting up, drinking a café in pyjamas and getting started right away with the job certainly has a certain appeal. For most, however, dress appropriately. This will help you to insert the working mode and focus correctly.
- Fixed working hours are important
Don’t tell yourself that you’ll start work tomorrow morning. Instead, be disciplined and start every day at the same time. Ideally, so that your homework does not conflict with your private life, you should always end your working day at the same time.
- Specific tasks for each day
Create to-do lists for every day you work from home. Whether you are a web designer or a professional chef, this helps you to focus on the essentials and gives you the opportunity to measure how much has already been done. Complete complicated and unpleasant tasks first and routine tasks at the end.
- Take breaks
If you’re already dressing as if you’re in an office, you should also transfer other habits to your homework. Take breaks. A one-hour lunch break is a perfect source of energy to get your head back on track.
- Don’t be distracted
Even if you have a hard time, try to avoid contact with your family or friends while at work. Clearly signal that you are unresponsive. Here it is to keep the line, otherwise your homework will not go well in the long run.
