For many of us working from home has either become or is going to become a reality in the upcoming months. However, it can be hard to manage your time, stay productive, efficient and communicate effectively with other colleagues. Not to mention one of the biggest challenges that employers will face is employees struggling with loneliness from working remotely. It’s therefore vital that you have a strategy in place to combat these issues.
Have a designated work space
It is easy to be swayed by the comfy sofa or be distracted by the TV, but remember you are working. Set up an office type space in which you can work in and not be distracted by any of your home comforts.
You must be able to distinguish the difference between home and work mode, if not you will be far less productive in your work-based activities. Having a space in your home that simulates an office encourages you to stick to your normal work routine. Ideally have a properly adjusted desk and chair that is similar to the environment that you normally work in.
Routine
Self-discipline is key in setting boundaries between work and home life. Getting dressed in the morning and following your normal before-work routine increases your motivation and forces you to associate work clothes with work and relaxing clothes with relaxing.
Following your usual work structure helps your brain to understand what mode to work in. Your brain associates different types of clothes with different moods. So, stick to wearing your respectable work clothes to maintain motivation and productivity.
Likewise stick to your normal sleep routine, going to bed and waking up at your usual time. Start working at the time you usually do and finish accordingly. Make sure to switch off your computer and pack away any work materials to simulate the end of the working day.
Take breaks and go outside
You no longer have your commute to work so it’s important to have regular breaks and even go out for a walk for fresh air. If you aren’t taking breaks and stepping out of the workspace, the working environment will start to seem like an inescapable and daunting abyss.
A walk is a fantastic way of relieving stress or a mental block. Taking 30 minutes away from your tasks and switching off will allow you to come back with a fresh perspective.
Communication
Phone calls, emails and video-calling conferencing are all ways of communicating regularly between one member or multiple members of a team. Going from a sociable environment to working alone remotely can be extremely isolating, so make sure that you are checking up on fellow colleagues.
Whilst emailing may seem like the easiest method, don’t underestimate the power of a phone call or face to face interaction via video. Having a real conversation can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.