Top Tips for Working from Home

1. Remember, you’re ‘at work’.

Try to make sure that those around you are aware that you’re “at work”. If you’re at home all day, it can be easy for others to assume that you’re available to handle chores, such as picking up shopping, tidying or walking the dog.

Let everyone know that you’ll be busy during working hours. If your job involves conference calls, or other activities where you have to be present for fixed periods of time, you may not even be able to answer the door.

2. Dress for work

Psychologists have shown that just dressing as you would in the office increases your productivity, motivation and effectiveness whilst working at home. So while it may be tempting to work in your pyjamas, it may be having a negative impact on your work.

3. Make sure your technology is working

Take the time to make sure your technology is working in advance. You’re unlikely to have have access to your office IT support at home, and discovering Skype doesn’t work on your laptop 5 minutes before a conference call is the last thing you want.

4. Embrace productivity

If you know you need to pick the kids up from school at 3pm, you’ll find that the time pressure will drive you to become more focused and productive. Make every minute count and embrace how productive you can actually be!

5. Create your office at home

Where possible, it’s a great idea to ensure that you have a separate space that is reserved just for working. This means you can walk away from it at the end of the day, providing a distinction between work-time and you-time. It also helps avoid distractions, as you’ll not be drawn in by other people in your home or chores that need doing around you.

6. Don’t get isolated

Working at home can be isolating without the camaraderie of the office. This can be great for focusing, but the lack of social interaction can also be hard. Why not go for a walk on your lunch break, or run an errand that you know will involve some social interaction.

7. School holidays

Working from home can be really helpful if you need to manage childcare during school holidays, particularly when children are older and can look after themselves. However, if you have young children it may not be so easy to focus on your work, so think about arranging childcare just as you would if you were working in the office.

8. Stay healthy!

The temptation to procrastinate when working at home can be strong, and this can take the form of snacking all day long! Try to stay focused on your work, and if you really can’t resist the temptation to snack, set yourself goals. For example, allow yourself a snack once you have finished writing a particular report.

You could also try preparing a healthy lunch the evening before and having it in the fridge, so you’re not spending work-time cooking. You could then use your lunch break to stretch your legs with a walk, or get that all important social interaction!

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