Making Working from Home - Work for YOU

For those that that found themselves fast – tracked to home working, the reality of this new way of working may take a bit of getting used to. 

However, when managed effectively, remote working can provide considerably more flexibility, time to enjoy life and the opportunity to be more effective and productive than ever before. 

If you have been struggling with switching off at the end of your working day, overworking to the point where you day never seems to end or finding it hard to maintain motivation and energy when it is left to you to self-manage, my top tips may help.

I have worked from home for over 20 years and having experienced the highs and lows understand how to make this work in a healthy positive way.

Create New Habits and Routines

Working at home may feel like it would if you were working for yourself.  

You do not have colleagues or bosses around you. You may not have the immediate access to resources, feedback, and help. You may have to wait for responses that you were able to access more quickly when you were in the office. However, you are in your own space working at your own pace. You are in control, trusted to just get on with it. 

When you work alone, remotely, without the familiar routine and structure around you, it can be easy to fall into bad habits. Habits that over time can drain your energy, stress you out and can reduce your effectiveness. You need to be aware of this. What is energy draining verses energy giving. What assists your productivity and wellbeing as opposed to detracts from it. 

If working from home has become your new normal, this could be a great opportunity to create new routines and habits. Habits that will serve you in a positive way.

Here are my top tips:

Tip Number 1

Start with Structure   

• Take away the stress of indecision away by creating a daily routine 
• Build in a ‘MorningSet Up’ that gets you in a good state to start work productively (Walk, Yoga, Workout)  
• Set direction with 3 clear goals and intentions for each day, and review
• Create ‘Healthy Habits’ plan in lunch and breaks between meetings
• Focus your time with ‘Power Hours’ and blocks of time for set tasks

Tip Number 2

Implement Boundaries 

• Re Create a Commute – and give yourself space and downtime 
• Create a dedicated, comfortable, clear workspace 
• Set ‘Office Hours’ and stick to them
• Inform Others (at work and home) when you are on and off
• Unplug by closing your lap-top down when you are finished for the day

Tip Number 3

Manage Energy Levels

• Invest in the Power of 3 – Sleep, Water, Nutritious Food
• Take ‘YOU’ time – Do something every day that gives you a boost
• Move Regularly - Get up from your desk, stand, stretch, walk, 
• Build Walking into your day – Try walking meetings, walking calls
• Get Green Time - plug into natures energy by going outdoors 

Tip Number 4

No More FOMO – Be Visible 

• Organise coffee break chats with colleagues
• Participate in office meet ups and socials
• Contribute ideas and give feedback 
• Inform relevant people of completed work and achievements

Tip Number 5

Manage Mental Wellbeing 

• Be Self Aware – Notice how you are doing
• Buddy up – arrange to check in regularly with each other
• Communicate – Talk to people about how you are feeling
• Practice Being Present and Gratitude 

Research says that ‘Remote workers are happier and more productive than their office counterparts with lower stress levels and a smaller carbon footprint.’

How could this be true for you?

Helping your home working team

Jackie delivers an interactive online 1 or 2-part interactive talk, ideal for supporting and inspiring your team to make working from home, work in the best possible way. 

Click here for more information