As someone that has spent many years of their career working from home I’ve been asked by a few people for tips when it comes to working from home successfully.
Our Director of Marketing Services, Kat Mitchell, shares a few general tips here:
1 – Set up a dedicated workspace
This one may sound obvious, but where possible set up a dedicated workspace in a quiet part of your home. Keep this tidy and uncluttered as much as you can. If you can, make this a “no go” zone to any mini mes and pets.
2 – Dress for success
The temptation to work in PJs is very real but resist. You’ll focus better and be prepared for that unexpected Skype call with a client if you wear smart casual. Daily grooming rituals will help you mentally prepare for the day.
3 – Sort a backup internet connection
Nothing will screw up your day quite like your broadband/fibre going on strike. Sort out a MiFi with whichever network has the best signal around your house (yes you can order these online).
4 – Take regular breaks
Set yourself a timer to make sure you take a break every couple of hours. Otherwise you will soon burn out. Maybe even schedule a chat with a friend or colleague for a bit of a gossip.
5 – Eat a proper lunch
Resist the pull of the Pot Noodle! You are at home so use your lunch break to practice your culinary skills. A lunch with plenty of fresh fruit and veg will help you make it through the day
6 – Clock off for the day
Set yourself a time to finish work and then finish it. Don’t be tempted to keep going with just one more little task.
7 – Social media can be a curse
Resist the urge to keep perusing social media feeds (unless that is your job of course). If you didn’t do it in the office, then don’t do it now. Give yourself set times for checking social media and be strict with yourself.
8 – Keep in touch
Arrange regular team catch ups, via video chat. Make sure everyone knows what everyone else is up to and of course check in to make sure everyone isok. Someone may need help with work or for personal reasons but be too proud to reach out.
9 – Coffee coffee coffee
You don’t want to run out. When working at home for the first time you may be surprised just how much caffeine you crave – those co-workers of yours may have been keeping you well caffeinated in the office without you really noticing.
10 – Fresh air and exercise
Don’t become a hermit. Even if you are in self isolation try to find an appropriate space to exercise in some way at least once a day. In my case I chase the toddler round the garden during my lunch break and she “helps” me do yoga.
11 – Childcare
If like us right now you have kids unexpectedly at home, try to split the load if you have help. Have a meeting with your partner 1st thing to discuss who has what on and any client calls etc and plan who is in charge of the mini mes and when.
12 – Don’t be a martyr
Finally, and most importantly, reach out if you need help. Maybe you need advice on a project or just want a second pair of eyes. Or maybe you are feeling anxious and isolated. Whatever it is reach out for help and don’t try deal with it alone.
Brandon Consulting Services Ltd 