Prepare to Work From Home
Eight steps to help transform your home into a productive and harmonious workspace.
Figure 1: Working From Home - Separation from the Animals
In recent years, accelerated by the pandemic, working from home (WFH) has transcended novelty into mainstream reality. However, working from home is a challenging skill to acquire whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or navigating this terrain for the first time. It takes discipline, persistence, and support. In this consultancy note, I want to summarise how organisations can provide self-help advice to people who choose WFH.
Step 1: Create A Dedicated Workspace And Sanctuary
Design Your Space
Imagine a serene corner bathed in natural light, adorned with a potted plant, and equipped with a comfortable chair. This is your dedicated workspace. Consider these aspects:
Lighting: Natural light is ideal, but invest in good-quality artificial lighting if impossible.
Ergonomics: A comfortable chair and an adjustable desk height are essential. Your back will thank you.
Minimalism: Keep it clutter-free. A tidy space fosters a clear mind.
Psychological Boundaries
It’s not just a desk; it’s your mental switch from home to work mode. Keep it clutter-free, organised, and inviting. When you enter this space, your brain knows it’s time to focus.
Step 2: Have the Proper Technology
Your trusty laptop, reliable internet connection, and perhaps noise-cancelling headphones are your tools. Ensure they’re in top shape. Invest in ergonomic accessories if needed. Remember, technology is your bridge to colleagues, clients, and the world beyond your four walls.
Internet Connection: A reliable internet connection is non-negotiable. Invest in a backup plan (like a mobile hotspot) in case of outages.
Computer and Accessories: Your laptop or desktop is your gateway to work. Ensure it’s up-to-date, secure, and equipped with the necessary software. Ergonomic accessories (keyboard, mouse, and monitor) enhance comfort.
Communication software: The critical difference for WFH people is that they are separated from colleagues, so they must agree on the tools to emulate an onsite experience.
Step 3: Establish Firm Office Hours and Set Boundaries
Discipline is your ally. Establish a consistent work schedule, wake up and start time, dress as if heading to the office (yes, even those shoes), and begin your workday. Communicate your hours to family members or housemates. Boundaries matter. But most importantly – if part of a team – aim to synchronise work schedules with your colleagues.
Consistency Matters: Wake up at the same time each day. Establish a routine. Your body and mind thrive on predictability.
Communicate Your Hours: Let family members or housemates know your work schedule. Boundaries are crucial. When you’re “at work,” interruptions should be minimal.
Synchronise with colleagues: Many WFH employees assume flexitime is part of the package. It isn’t – these are two flexible working arrangements (FWA) approaches. WFH should ensure synchronised working hours with colleagues; flexitime is an additional negotiated benefit that is challenging to synchronise.
Step 4: Dress for Work
The allure of pyjama bottoms is strong, but resist! Dressing for work primes your mind. You’re not just answering emails; you’re conquering tasks. Furthermore, you never know when a surprise (stand-up) video call might happen. Be ready!
Showering: Maintain a morning routine and aspire to be the best version of yourself; a morning alarm, yoga, a shower, meticulous use of interdental brushes and ready at your dedicated workspace before your established work hours.
The Power of Dressing Up: Dressing for work primes your mind. It’s not about impressing anyone; it’s about signalling to yourself that you’re in work mode.
Casual, Not Sloppy: You don’t need a suit, but avoid staying in pyjamas all day. Find a balance—comfortable yet professional.
Step 5: Develop “Work” Friends
Remember those water-cooler chats? Recreate them virtually. You’re not alone; you’re part of a team.
Combat Isolation: Regular video calls, team meetings, and informal catch-ups maintain social connections. Share a laugh, discuss weekend plans, and celebrate small victories.
Collaboration Beyond Tasks: These interactions aren’t just about work (transactional tasks) but camaraderie (social tasks).
Step 6 Stay Connected with Your Team
If separation is the problem for teams WFH, electronic media is the solution. Collaboration tools, instant messaging, and video conferencing are your lifelines. Use them wisely. Reach out to colleagues, ask questions, and share ideas. Schedule a digital coffee break as the new norm.
Choose Your Tools Wisely: Use collaboration tools, instant messaging, and video conferencing effectively. Transparent communication bridges physical gaps and establishes ground rules and team norms.
Ask Questions, Share Ideas: Don’t hesitate to contact colleagues. Discuss projects, brainstorm, and stay informed.
Step 7: Limit Distractions
Your home is a minefield of distractions to manoeuvre through from- social media, laundry, Netflix, Amazon Deliveries, pets, and hoovering the stair carpet.
Identify Your Achilles’ Heel: Social media, household chores, or that enticing TV show—distractions lurk. Acknowledge them and create strategies to minimise their impact. For example, use smartphone alarms to set break times.
Create a Focused Environment: Set boundaries. Consider it a quirky coworker if your cat insists on typing alongside you – but use tools such as a Pomodoro assistant to help track your work.
Step 8: Coordinate with Others in the Home
There is much to be gained by WFH from a personal, family and friends perspective. But in the same way that your workplace needs to establish protocols, your house needs to develop its ways of working.
Shared Spaces: If you share your house, consider coordinating schedules and breaks. Discuss noise levels during essential calls. Respect each other’s work needs. After all, your partner’s conference call is as important as yours.
Balance and Flexibility: Remember, working from home isn’t just about productivity but balance. Take breaks, stretch, and savour the quiet moments.
Balancing Work and Life
In short, working from home isn’t just about productivity; it’s about balance. Take breaks, stretch, and step outside for fresh air. Celebrate wins, even the small ones. And when the clock strikes your designated end time, shut down. Your home office transforms back into your cosy sanctuary.
Remember, you’re not just working from home but crafting a lifestyle. Embrace the flexibility, savour the quiet moments, and thrive in this new paradigm.