12 top tips for working from home
A handy guide to staying sane and getting stuff done.
1. Get dressed (no, really)
Whether you opt for a power suit or joggers and a hoodie, set an alarm, shower* and put on some fresh clothes. With no commute, this is a really simple way to make the mental transition from home to work.
* I hope you’d do this anyway.
Whether you opt for a power suit or joggers and a hoodie, set an alarm, shower* and put on some fresh clothes. With no commute, this is a really simple way to make the mental transition from home to work.
* I hope you’d do this anyway.
2. Skip the sofa
It’s tempting to have breakfast in front of the TV. It’s a slippery slope though, so have a bite to eat in the kitchen, then settle down to work. It’s amazing how quickly ‘just one episode’ can get out of hand.
It’s tempting to have breakfast in front of the TV. It’s a slippery slope though, so have a bite to eat in the kitchen, then settle down to work. It’s amazing how quickly ‘just one episode’ can get out of hand.
3. Set the scene
If you don’t have a proper desk and office chair, take time to get the set-up right. Use cushions to give a dining chair more support and, if you’re using a laptop, take regular breaks to save your neck.
If you don’t have a proper desk and office chair, take time to get the set-up right. Use cushions to give a dining chair more support and, if you’re using a laptop, take regular breaks to save your neck.
4. Make time for tea
In the office you probably stop every now and then for a cuppa and a chat. Just because you’re suddenly solo, don’t beat yourself up for taking a break. Get the kettle on and take a minute to message a friend.
In the office you probably stop every now and then for a cuppa and a chat. Just because you’re suddenly solo, don’t beat yourself up for taking a break. Get the kettle on and take a minute to message a friend.
5. Bring the noise
The sound of silence can be pretty off-putting if you’re used to office hubbub. If it doesn’t affect your concentration, put on some music or a podcast, otherwise line up a lunchbreak playlist.
The sound of silence can be pretty off-putting if you’re used to office hubbub. If it doesn’t affect your concentration, put on some music or a podcast, otherwise line up a lunchbreak playlist.
6. Stay in touch
No meetings might seem like a bonus, but it can get a bit lonely at home. If you’re part of a team, set up a regular call, or Skype to see each other’s faces. Otherwise, swap the odd email for a phone call to check in.
No meetings might seem like a bonus, but it can get a bit lonely at home. If you’re part of a team, set up a regular call, or Skype to see each other’s faces. Otherwise, swap the odd email for a phone call to check in.
7. Take a lunch break
Without your regular routine and the cue of other people cracking open their sandwiches, it’s easy to get engrossed in work and sail through lunch. Set a reminder and try to escape from your desk for a bit.
Without your regular routine and the cue of other people cracking open their sandwiches, it’s easy to get engrossed in work and sail through lunch. Set a reminder and try to escape from your desk for a bit.
8. Get some fresh air
Not commuting means more free time but less fresh air. If you can (and official guidance still allows), spend some time outdoors – in the garden, on a balcony or by taking a walk around the block.
Not commuting means more free time but less fresh air. If you can (and official guidance still allows), spend some time outdoors – in the garden, on a balcony or by taking a walk around the block.
9. Keep track of time
If you’re juggling childcare alongside work, you might not be able to do the usual 9-5. If you split up tasks throughout the day, tot up your time as you go, so you don’t end up working non-stop and doing unintentional overtime.
If you’re juggling childcare alongside work, you might not be able to do the usual 9-5. If you split up tasks throughout the day, tot up your time as you go, so you don’t end up working non-stop and doing unintentional overtime.
10. Set some house rules
If you’re not the only one working from home, it’s important to set a few boundaries. For instance, if you need peace and quiet but they thrive on interaction, make time to chat but be clear when you need space.
If you’re not the only one working from home, it’s important to set a few boundaries. For instance, if you need peace and quiet but they thrive on interaction, make time to chat but be clear when you need space.
11. Watch the to do list
Working from home frees up time for other jobs around the house, but it’s very easy to get distracted. Lots of ‘quick’ chores soon add up, so set aside an hour for housework, then settle in at your desk and focus.
Working from home frees up time for other jobs around the house, but it’s very easy to get distracted. Lots of ‘quick’ chores soon add up, so set aside an hour for housework, then settle in at your desk and focus.
12. Respect the weekend
With no clear-cut routine to stick to, it can be tempting to open your laptop at the weekend. Most things can wait until Monday though, so come 5.30pm on Friday, log off, shut down and put everything away.
With no clear-cut routine to stick to, it can be tempting to open your laptop at the weekend. Most things can wait until Monday though, so come 5.30pm on Friday, log off, shut down and put everything away.
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