Five Work From Home Tips You Can Start Today
Like many people around the world, you may find that working from home is the new norm. You may also find that this new work model is not as easy as you thought it would be. It can be hard to focus and easy to get overwhelmed. A study by Owl Labs revealed that full-time employees are working an additional 26 hours a month, that’s about an extra day of work each week. Avoid the burnout with these quick tips you can start practicing today.
1. Don’t start work the moment you wake up
You may get the urge to dive right into work by responding to emails and Slack messages the moment you wake up. Though, giving yourself some time in the morning to rise and shine may set you up for a more productive day. Don’t be afraid to use the time that was once reserved for your morning commute to instead read a book, meditate or make a nice breakfast for yourself. Giving yourself this time in the morning will help set a boundary between work and home life.
2. Get Dressed
Chances are if you’ve been working from home you’ve spent a sufficient amount of workdays in your sweatpants, no judgment. However, getting dressed everyday will help shift your professional mindset in the right direction. This is important to keep in mind when you have a big presentation so that you will feel prepared, confident and ready. Bonus points if you make your bed first thing in the morning. Think of making your bed as the first to-do on your list, that way you’ve already accomplished one thing before breakfast, go team!
3. Designate a Workspace
Where you decide to work in your home is very important. Choose a spot with optimal lighting, minimal distractions and comfort. Having a physical spot designated for work will help you get into an “office” mindset while you are there. Picking a spot is just as important as keeping it clean so that you can work with a clear mind. Even though it is good to have a designated work spot, don’t be afraid to move locations from time to time. For example, if you find yourself losing focus or falling asleep at your desk, move to the dining room table.
4. Test Your Technology
“You’re on mute” could probably be the #1 slogan for 2020. You don’t want to be THAT person on the meeting call, so give yourself some time before each meeting to double check your settings. You can test your audio, video connection and background set up to assure optimal meeting performance.
5. Take Breaks Outside
Some people might think that working from home would make it easier for employees to take breaks, but this is often not the case. Working from home actually makes it harder to pull ourselves away from the computer. We don’t get stopped at the water cooler to discuss last nights episode of big game, theres no more donuts in the break room and lunch plans are probably non existent. So giving yourself breaks to go outside, eat lunch and even enjoy a walk. Not only will this help your vitamin D levels, but it will also help reset your mind so you can return to your desk with clarity.
Whether you enjoy working from home or can’t wait to return to the office, finding a method to help you thrive in the current situation is key. The work from home burnout it real, but practicing these simple steps daily can help you optimize your time and wellbeing.