For most of us, working from home is now the mode of choice to keep the daily grind moving for most businesses. This is in keeping with the mandate on social distancing and self-isolation. Having to work from home sometimes becomes a challenge given the comforts that our homes provide creating distractions that we may encounter in doing our deliverables. Given this new social norm applied to the whole workforce (the ones who still have their jobs)
- SET GROUND RULES FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY. The comfort and security of being at home may be wonderful BUT you have to remember that there’s still work to be done. Get all the distractions out of the way by getting your family in with the programme. This includes limiting interaction (playtime, asking questions etc.). If you work with your family, then they can help you achieve your goal of accomplishing tasks and prevent you from being cranky.
- CHOOSE A GOOD WORKING SPOT IN YOUR HOUSE. This means ample light, possibly near a window (away from the TV or the ref), or anywhere that can allow you to think and focus. Having this space reminds you that you are at work and “not” at home. Seeing your kids run around, hearing the programs on TV, or just hearing your husband or wife on the phone may intrigue your inner gossip and force you to stand and find out what they are talking about.
- BEGIN THE DAY THE WAY YOU USED TO. Get up early, take a shower and brush your teeth, wear fresh clothes and end it with breakfast or coffee. This process actually prepares your mind to the long process of working and gets it ready to deliver like clockwork. Going straight to work in your pyjamas gives you an excuse to break the work process (also the thinking process) to either change clothes, eat breakfast or brush your teeth and before you know it, the work that has to be done just piled up.
- BE MINDFUL OF BREAKS. Remember that the breaks are there to de-clog your brain and allow it to recoil for better mental function. Have your morning tea (10:15 am) and afternoon break (3:00 pm). This also allows you to stretch and walk around to get the blood flowing – as we now know, prolonged sitting times takes its toll on our spine which is the major cause of slipped discs (that cushion in between the bones of your spine that helps in the fluidity of movement). So take a break. Stand and stretch and rest your eyes from the strain of looking into the computer.
- END WORK AT THE USUAL TIME. Working at home should not activate your inner workaholic. Remember that work-life-balance is still key to living a healthy life. People would understand when you leave your desk to change your focus from work to your family. The rest of what needs to be done can be for another day.
Remembering these steps will help you with your productivity and your sanity. But because its now the new normal, it works better when you have your family to support you and help you get through these trying times.