A better homeworking experience
Working from home may be the new normal, but many people were thrown into it without much time to prepare.
As someone who's been working from home since 2008, I’ve got some suggestions to help you have a better homeworking experience. (This blog is based on a video I made for Women in Pensions.)
Make a dedicated work space - even if it’s temporary
What to wear
The number of 'style tips for working from home' articles has mushroomed, although a lot of them seem to be trying to sell leisure wear. It's well-known that clothes affect how you feel and think, which is why working in your pyjamas is a no-no as it keeps your brain in 'bed' mode.
I've evolved a sort of 'working from home' uniform of stretchy yoga-type trousers and T-shirts with a jacket or fleece depending on the temperature. I still put them out the night before like I did when I worked in an office, so I don't have to think about them in the morning.
Some people find getting dressed in smarter work-type gear helps them be in 'work mode'. I heard someone on the radio the other day say he still puts on a suit, even for working from home. If you have video conferences with clients, you probably need to wear something reasonably smart. On top, at least.
And of course there's Dress Up Friday when people are putting on smart office wear, full-on glam party gear or fancy dress. Why not?
Have a work routine
The beauty of this is, if your job allows, you can work in line with your personal rhythms rather than having to keep to a one-size-fits-all office routine. I'm a morning person and do my best work first thing, so I start about 7.30am and work offline until about 9am. Then I make some coffee, check my emails and messages and plan what I'm going to work on the rest of the day. You might have a different rhythm. I know some people who do their best work at night.
Take breaks
Above all, have a proper lunch break. You need to eat well to do good work.
Which brings us to …
Healthy habits
I find working out or going for a run just before lunch makes me more productive in the afternoons.
Dealing with distractions
'How on earth do you manage to work from home?' people used to ask. 'Don't you end up watching TV or doing household chores?'
Distractions are difficult. I am a prize procrastinator and my personal vice is randomly surfing the internet, which is hard to deal with when you work on a computer. You may have family members or housemates doing things near your workspace, having the TV on in the background or asking you questions.
Try wearing headphones, even when you're not on a call. I play music while I work as I find it shuts off the noise in my head and helps me concentrate, but you could also wear them if you need quiet to work. They'll block out some of the noise and signal to other people that you don't want to be disturbed.
Use a timer routine, like the Pomodoro Technique I mentioned earlier.
Give yourself a little reward every time you finish something without getting distracted. Preferably something that isn’t checking social media. I like to read a chapter of a book.
Agree with colleagues that you'll keep each other accountable, checking in with each other by phone or instant message.
When you finish, finish
It's really important to separate your work from other things you do at home, so have a definite end to your working hours. Turn everything off and don't look at it again until your working hours start again tomorrow. If you're using a shared space, clear all your work stuff away and return the space to its 'normal' use.
Find what works for you
I hope you’ll find at least some of these tips useful. As with everything else, some things may work for you and not others. Play about and find out what works for you. Happy homeworking!