5 Tips for Working from Home

By now, it’s probably safe to say that most of us have fallen into one of three categories: You’re an essential worker, you’re out of work, or you’re working from home. All of these things bring different challenges and struggles. For those who fall in the latter — and those of us who may be faced with children in distance learning activities this coming school year — this is the help you need.

These tips were provided, in part, by the Populus Group shortly after many of their employees were preparing to transition from working in the office to working from home. We wanted to include some more actionable steps to help you with implementation.

5. Keep a dedicated space

Designate an area in your home where you’ll work and commit to working in that space every day. The more you can make it feel like space for business, the more you’ll be motivated to get things done. As much as possible, make sure this space is distraction free. If you’re required to be on screen for meetings and training, have as clear of a background as possible.

4. Maintain regular work hours

Set a time and stick to it. Having clear guidelines for when to work and when to call it a day helps to maintain work-life balance. Start with a time frame that is close to your regular work hours. However, when needing to involve the schedule of children, spouses or others in your home, that literal time frame may not be ideal. Look at the times of day when you’re able to be the most productive and build your work schedule around your peak productivity periods if your job allows.

3. Be Active

Exercise naturally boosts endorphins, which increases happiness, enjoyment, and interest levels; all of which are important for productivity. You can also use this time to spend time with others in your home. If you have children and it’s close to a meeting or your prime productivity period, engage them in a task to expel some of that energy so that you can be your most productive!

2. Schedule Breaks [and Take Them]

Step away from your computer to refresh and clear your mind. During this time, also resist the urge to pick up your phone and scroll. Use your break time to fulfill another household need. For example, take 15 minutes to put a load of clothes in the washer, or everyone’s favorite task, folding them up! (Insert eye-roll here!)

1. Check in

Stay connected, by setting up a daily email thread or Skype call to check in on how your colleagues are doing. It’s important not to feel isolated. Although many of us have, or will at some point, build a love/hate relationship with online meetings, be sure to participate in them. This fulfills some of the longing to be social and have a community.

Bonus: Make to-do lists

Start your day by reviewing priorities. Set goals and time limits for each task. After you complete each task, cross it off the list. If you begin to feel overwhelmed or if you need help, reach out to people in your department or others within your company for help. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Also, when making your list, don’t pack as if you were at work! If you’re single, it could lead to burn out because you’re overworking yourself. If you live with others, you’ll feel that you are not accomplishing anything as you’re trying to meet their needs and yours. If you don’t complete a task, move it to the next day’s list. Be sure to be aware of absolute deadlines and those that are flexible; at the opposite end of burnout is procrastination. While we feel like we have all day because we’re not going anywhere, it’s important to not let procrastination set in and go days without being productive.

None of these things are set in stone rules and they’ll look different for everyone. As with all things in life, consistency and work are key. Try things out for about two weeks. Week one is for working through the initial kinks of starting and by week two you should begin to feel your flow. If week two is ending and things aren’t beginning to feel fluid, then reevaluate and try a new thing. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Pace yourself in implementing the tips. Know your strengths — this is the best time to put them into action. It’ll help you to maintain a sense of normalcy, in these not so normal times.