As coronavirus (Covid-19) has swept across the globe in recent weeks, working from home has, for millions of people, changed from being a luxury to a necessity.
For many, this will be the first time they have carried out their jobs without leaving their own four walls.
In theory, working at home should be straightforward – you’re just performing the same role in a different place. But it doesn’t always turn out that way.
So, for any first-time homeworkers, here are some tips to help you cope over the next few weeks or months:
Act Like you’re at Work
No that doesn’t mean spending eight hours staring at a clock, nor does it involve hanging around the water cooler waiting to hear the latest gossip.
It’s more about having the right mindset and the same level professionalism you would have at your normal workplace. This could include getting dressed, setting yourself break and lunch times and having a ‘to do’ list. Having some structure to your day should help you get off to the right start.
Have Somewhere to Work
It doesn’t matter how big it small it is, or where in the house it is, but having a suitable workspace is a must.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a home office or a large dining table where you can go about your daily business then lucky you. If not, then you’ll need to be a bit more creative. A small folding table should be enough to hold a laptop, a mobile phone and a mug (for tea or coffee). So, even if your flat isn’t the biggest, then you should still have enough space to get some work done.
Avoid Distractions
Unless your normal workplace is completely silent, you should be used to a bit of background noise. In fact, a bit of music from the radio or anywhere else might even help.
However, if you live at a main road, think about working away from the window if traffic, roadworks or everyday life are off-putting. Likewise, be facing away from the television and if your other half is also working at home, make sure you give each other space, particularly if either of you is speaking with customers or colleagues on the phone.
Consider the Kids
Under normal circumstances you would be able to plough on with work from 9-3 while your children were at school. But the world we are living in now is anything but normal.
While teenagers will probably be happy to be left alone with a device, don’t worry about coming away from your laptop (if your job allows) to spend time with the little ones. If that means having a long lunch, playing in the garden or watching a movie, then do it – the work will be still be there when you return.
The Career Hunter 