Well here we are. Thirty days into self isolation, social distancing, and working from home. Brick and mortar offices have closed up their doors and some employees are fortunate enough to be working from home. For some, this is a new experience. While others have worked from home for many years.
I have always maintained a home office, but have never before had to use it exclusively. It is definitely a huge adjustment from “going into work” every day and to be honest, I still have days when working from home is an absolute struggle. However, in my time at home, I’ve learned to adapt. My only alternative was to pack my bags and run away from home.
I have compiled some of my, and others, work from home tips to help those who may be entering this realm for the first time. Many forced into it.
Scheduling
Even before covid shut downs, a lot of people have commented how “lucky” I are that I am able to work from home. They think working from home is a leisurely and fun filled lifestyle…practically a vacation. They don’t realize I am still expected to do my job! Granted, work-at-homers, tend to have more flexibility than others, but in general, it can be overwhelming and very difficult to develop a schedule and set boundaries that works for you and your house hold. Work/Life balance can become a blur as chores and tasks over lap.
Setting work hours is key. If you work for someone else, the work hours may be dictated to you. While those who run their own businesses, need to “write their own schedule” Not everyone needs to get up at 5 am and jump on the computer. And not every one needs 8 hours, 5 days a week. However, setting your work day/business hours can be crucial. Some days I felt like I worked from sun up to sundown and others, I felt like I accomplished nothing.
Maybe getting up, showered and dressed in the proper attire sets you into “work mode”. A walk around the block can be some peoples “commute” into starting the work day. What ever works for you, getting started is half the battle.
Schedule breaks and lunch hour during your day. If you were “at the office” you would take a lunch. Put down your lap top and phone and eat a meal. With schools being closed also, those of us homeschooling are preparing lunch for the children as well. A lot extra time in your afternoon. You need it and so does your family. I take a few minutes to throw the ball in the back yard with the dogs.
Distractions
Accept the fact that you will get distracted, spouses, partners, children, pets, Amazon deliveries… it can be difficult to get them to understand you are working! Distractions at home will be different from your business office. A coworker stopping at your desk to chit chat, grab a coffee refill, vs a sink full of dishes (especially with all the kids at home) or laundry that needs to go into the dryer. Have the self discipline to leave the house hold chores till “after work”. Personally, I have indulged myself to complete a quick “chore” when I’m on a work break. Don’t let that spill over into taking the rest of the work day off and cleaning the house….or running the pressure washer… It is tempting.
I’ve had to learn the dogs ARE going to bark when I am on the phone. Especially with so many of those Amazon deliveries I mentioned… I can not keep them quiet for the entire day. After all, they live here, I’m only working here temporarily.
Work Area
I’ve adapted my thinking around this subject. We were always taught to “build a bunker” and get our work done. For some home bound workers, work at home space needs to be flexible. It’s not realistic that every worker be able to have a dedicated room or corner with a desk space. Especially since we are now sharing work space with spouses no longer able to go to their office, and children doing home schooling. I heard people say, never work in your bed… Truth is It doesn’t matter what other people say. Personally, I’ve gotten cabin fever being stuck in my home office. I’ve become flexible and sit for hours at the patio table or kitchen counter for a change of scenery and fresh air! Where ever your work space is, prepare it, and get your tasks at hand completed. It’s the mental shift that is required more so than any piece of furniture.
Clocking Out!
Ending your proverbial work day. For those who run their own business, this is especially challenging. Emails and calls continue to come in. The desire to answer just that one important client, or check on one more item online. Best practices can include making a todo list for tomorrow and then shutting off your notifications or silencing your phone. Try closing your email ap. Sometimes restarting your computer with all internet tabs now closed and having a fresh, blank screen. What ever it takes, end your workday! And get to that pile of laundry!
You are in charge…
There is no cookie cutter one size fits all answer for working at home. Every family and every house hold is different. Some people need to get up and dressed every morning while others will be in sweat pants and t-shirts. (you know we are going to do our hair and make up for those zoom calls!) Some of us require a desk and peace and quiet while others can type away laying in bed with a dog on their feet. Some people desire strict work hours while others learn to easily blend work time and personal time. Remember to be flexible. We all will make compromises. Just remember you are in charge of your day, your week, your month. You will discover how you work best and implement best practices. Surround your self with a good support system of friends, family, colleagues. And don’t stress over the laundry. It can wait till tomorrow.