How to make the most of working from home

In this era of hybrid work models and the increasing prevalence of home offices, the concept of working from home has become a new normal for many of us. My journey into the world of remote work has been nothing short of transformative. After spending over a decade in a traditional office, I decided to make the shift to working from the comfort of my home, and it’s a decision I haven’t regretted for a moment. If you’re embarking on your own work-from-home journey, embracing a new job, changing your company’s policies, or venturing into remote business operations, you’re in the right place. In this blog, I’ll share valuable tried and tested tips on how to make the most of working from home.

Comfort is Key

First things first, let’s talk comfort. Take the time to create a calm, productive environment. Ask your employer if they have any budget to help you create an ergonomically safe location; desk, chair and screen use is all valid from a health and safety perspective. So ask! If you are working for yourself, make sure you consider this too.
One area I didn’t consider, but makes a massive difference, is unlearning what “office attire” is. Now is the perfect time to focus on comfort and colours that boost your mood. Most of the time, people only see you from the waist up, anyway!
Also, consider ditching the self-view on video calls – not only is it liberating for your self-esteem, but it also helps you maintain better eye contact and create a more engaging face-to-face conversation. I did this recently on Zoom, and it made such a difference to how I feel about myself and reduces an element of Zoom fatigue!

Boost Productivity

I’ve found four key areas that significantly boost my productivity, especially on slow-start days.

1. Time Blocking. Allocating specific blocks of time for different tasks to maintain focus and productivity; means that I am realistic about what I can accomplish during the time I have!

2. Rolling Appointments: Plan your day, including lunch and your end-of-day routine. Make use of out-of-office notifications to help you psychologically finish your workday. This is especially relevant if you don’t have a standalone office space and can’t physically close a door on your day.  Resist the urge to check work emails on your phone once your out-of-office is on– it’s a recipe for tech creep.

3. Soundscapes: While I’m all for a good Spotify playlist to enhance your mood, sometimes they can be distracting. Ever heard of brown noise? It’s a calming background sound that can help you concentrate. Give it a try!

4. And don’t forget about the social side of things. Leave the house occasionally and if you can’t even a virtual coffee break with colleagues makes a massive difference. It’s essential to stay connected with others, even if you’re physically apart. It may sound counterintuitive, but taking that time out can help with productivity, through the boost that other people can create.

Creating a Commute

Starting and ending your day with a defined routine can make a world of difference. If you have a family or other responsibilities, like a school or nursery run, incorporate that into your daily “commute.” If your kids are older or more independent, consider a walk outside to mark the start and end of your workday.

Stay Active

Keeping active during the workday can be a challenge, but it’s crucial for your well-being. For me, it’s a constant battle. I tend to get lost in my work, so I’ve had to be intentional about movement. Find what works best for you – perhaps a lunchtime dog walk or some chair yoga during a break (I’ve recently signed up for DownDog and it’s made such a difference). I’ve also recently discovered the concept of  “movement snacking,” which essentially means incorporating short bursts of physical activity into your day. Try it! You can even have a kitchen disco while waiting for the kettle to boil (one of my favourite, non-food, snacks)

Nutrition Matters

You can’t run on empty. Don’t forget to eat. Block out time in your schedule for meals, and make sure you actually sit down to eat. As for meal planning, find what works best for you. It could be leftovers or the same meal on repeat (both work for me!). The key is to keep it simple, so you don’t need to stress about what’s for lunch or dinner.

Managing Costs and Staying Eco-Friendly

Especially with the winter chill approaching, it’s essential to keep an eye on your costs. Unfortunately, for all the benefits of working from home, it can bring extra financial costs.    I’ve found many of the tips from the MoneySavingExpert helped us last year to reduce our energy consumption, such as adjusting the thermostat and using low-power mode devices. Make sure you check out the latest from the site. Last year, we implemented a strategy that worked for us – heating the house for a couple of hours in the morning, layering up with blankets and hot water bottles, and enjoying warm, hearty meals. These tips not only save money but are also more environmentally friendly. It’s unfortunate that these steps need to be made, but the heat the human not the home was a a great resource, and it’s recently been updated.

As you navigate your work-from-home journey, consider these tips to help create balance and make the most of the opportunities this can create. And if you want to share your own work-from-home wisdom, don’t hesitate to join us at Creating a Career to Enjoy. After all, we’re in this together!

If you would like to speak more about my career and return to work support, and the budget you have available, then book a call here.