So, this isn’t the first article I have written about working from home (or flexible working) but considering the weather conditions we have had to endure this last week, I thought it timely to broach the topic once more.
How are businesses supposed to deal with weather conditions that have not been seen for almost a decade? Depending on the local and business circumstances, Gov.uk suggests options ranging from prompting staff to take paid holiday, to working from home or making up time later.
Working from home is certainly a viable option for most people and despite the obvious advantages like; zero commuting hours, no parking snarls, avoiding the cold weather and sitting in the comfort of your own home, working from home can present challenges to your productivity.
Here are a few steps to keeping productive…
START YOUR DAY AS YOU NORMALLY WOULD
We’re are influenced by our surroundings. We are happier working with people we like, and work more efficiently in an environment we’re comfortable in. Get ready for work in the same you would if you were travelling to the office – this includes getting up at the same time and not wearing pyjamas all day! Sticking to your regular morning routine gets you in the mind-set of work.
SET UP AN OFFICE
Create a workspace that will get your mind in gear to work. This doesn’t mean you need to buy an expensive desk and fancy leather chair – the kitchen or dining room table might suffice. Try to choose a room that isn’t a representation of fun or relaxation. So avoid the living room and bedroom and think about working from an area that you won’t be disturbed in.
WORK FOR THE USUAL AMOUNT OF TIME
Working from home doesn’t mean that you have to be sat in your chair at exactly 9am and not get up a minute earlier than 5pm. If you find that working the exact same hours works for you, then stick to it – I encourage you to do that. But if the reason your working from home is because you can’t work those usual hours and need more flexibility, make sure that you schedule your day and stick to it whilst avoiding the comforts and temptations of home life.
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
You have so much do that you probably wondering how you even found the time to read this. Working from home is already alien and distracting enough, so you want to increase your creativity with regular breaks from the screen. Breaks keep us from getting bored and improve focus, so you can stay on top of your workload
EAT HEALTHY
You should eat well regardless of where you’re working, but it’s more tempting to eat junk food at home simply because you have easier access to it. Try to eat sensible meals and snacks at set times. It’s vital that you start your day with a healthy breakfast and eat snacks with low carbohydrates throughout the day to keep your energy levels consistent, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
BE HONEST WITH YOUR PRODUCTIVITY LEVELS
Some of us get more work done in the mornings, while for others its mid-afternoon. Embrace the opportunity of working from home by working hardest during your most productive hours. Adopt the things that make you work more efficiently too – listening to music or reading inspiring articles. Find what works best for you to produce extra creativity.
GET OUT OF THE HOUSE
As you would normally take a lunch break at work, do the same when you’re at home. Have a separate area for eating to give you some time to recharge your batteries. You could even take a quick stroll around the block to get some fresh air or if you have a dog, take it for a walk.
Be professional in your work. It doesn’t matter where you are located, your work should always be to the best of your ability every single time.