Your workday might look a lot different than it did a few months ago…. in light of the Coronavirus, many companies have launched work from home programs for their employees.Even if you’ve worked from home before, working from home now might feel different. You might not have been prepared to work remotely for an extended period of time and the stressors of so many unknown factors in the world that affect our daily lives can take a toll on your mental health, focus, productivity and attitude.
With today being “National Work from Home Day” we wanted to share a few of our favorite tips and insights that will help you make sure that you’re successful, both at getting your work done and maintaining your well-being.
1. Maintain your Routine
It might seem like a simple tip, but it’s a crucial one. Keeping your routine as close to normal as possible is the most effective way to keep your work/life balance now that you’re working from home. Do you have a routine in the morning before work? Continue it. Set your alarm, make your bed, put the coffee on and get dressed. (No working in pajamas!) Dressing comfortably but professionally, along with maintaining your normal routine will help focus your mind and get you into “work-mode”.
2. Designated Workspace/Home Office
Not everyone has a home office but try to find a comfortable/functional work area that feels as separate as possible from the rest of your home. It could be a kitchen nook or dining area, it doesn’t have to be its own room. Defining your work space will help you keep your work life and home life separate, when work invades your downtime space the boundaries become blurry. Wherever you choose to work in your home, having a comfortable chair and good lighting are both essential to your health when you’re putting in eight hours a day.Keeping your workspace defined is critical if you live with other people (spouse, children etc). Setting boundaries for your workspace will cut down on distractions and help you focus. At the end of the day, leaving that space will signal to your brain that you’re done for the day and it will allow you to be more present in your home life.
3. Keep Clearly Defined Work Hours
Now you don’t have to commute to and from the office, it feels like you have more time to get work done so you opt to work a little earlier or later than you might have been before. Six o’ clock suddenly turns into seven…. and then eight and the next thing you know you’ve worked a 12 hour day. Just like keeping a defined work area, keeping defined work hours will actually help you get the best quality out of your work and you’ll avoid burn out. Stick with your regular hours, unplug, put your work away and start tomorrow with a fresh mind.
4. Communication is Key!
On a typical work day if you have a question for someone on your team you might just walk over to their desk to chat or catch them in the hallway, but without working in the same physical space it’s easy for the lines of communication to fall short. Make sure to frequently touch base with your colleagues and managers to avoid miscommunication. Communicating expectations, needs and changes will help your team collaborate effectively under these new circumstances.With so many great digital platforms (Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams) it’s easier than ever to stay connected to your office mates. Don’t forego the water cooler chit-chat; taking a few minutes to message or talk with your co-workers about everyday things will help you (and your team) feel less isolated during your time working remotely.
5. Take Breaks. Get Outside. Move your Body.
If you find yourself staring into your computer screen blankly, you might have hit a mental roadblock. Get up, stretch and take a break! Although taking breaks might seem counterproductive, research shows that taking short breaks actually increase productivity and creativity. Experts also recommend giving your eyes a 10-15 minute break from screens every 2 hours to avoid eye strain. Take a few minutes to walk outside, rest your eyes and stretch your neck and back. Spending time outside everyday will help boost your vitamin D and serotonin levels which help you maintain a positive mood.
6. Make time for yourself
While life is busy (especially right now), it’s important to take some time for yourself. At the end of your work day take a 45 minute walk or bike ride, listen to a podcast you love, soak in a bubble bath or curl up with a book. You’re juggling a lot right now; work and home life responsibilities…it can be overwhelming and damaging to your physical, mental and emotional health. Taking some time everyday to do something that you enjoy will help you regain focus for your workday, reconnect to the ones you love and lower your stress levels.
Remember, just because you can do it all doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Juggling work (even remote is STILL work!) and home responsibilities plus additional stresses can be overwhelming for anyone, Carver Concierge can support you with both virtual and heels on the ground assistance, giving you more time to focus on what gives you joy and makes you money. Call us today for a complimentary consultation. (813) 546-4070
