PR Futures' Tips for Working from Home
When working at home it is surprisingly easy to get into bad habits.
We've prepared ten quick tips on how to stay focused and keep your productivity levels and morale up.
1. Still do your routine as if you were going into the office...
... and get dressed!
The most important thing is to keep a regular routine. Get dressed for work. Of course you can be more casual than smart, but it will make you feel more in 'work mode' than 'at home on the sofa' mode!
2. Write a 'to do list'
Make sure you have a plan, and tick this off as you go.
3. Create a work-space
If you don’t have a home office, make sure you make a 'work-space' for yourself. Make room on the dining table or island. Don't use the sofa.
4. Take a break
Get out of the house. Go for a walk, get some fresh air. Consider it your walk to work. Or do some exercise, stay healthy. If we go into lock-down and a walk is not possible then You Tube has lots of free exercise classes from yoga to HIIT. Our favourite is an on-demand exercise platform called Les Mills, which is brilliant - check it out at: https://www.lesmills.com/uk/
5. Be clear about your working hours
You can be flexible and make time up. Generally, I find I work longer hours at home as there is no travel involved.
6. You can be flexible
If you find your focus wavering, then take a break do something that will focus you again, maybe some exercise, a walk, read some news (positive!) or just take a time out. Everyone deserves breaks.
7. Stay out of the kitchen
You will be surprised how often you go to the fridge door! Be conscious of snacking, try not to have anything in the house. I like to boil up a corn on the cob as an afternoon snack, it is really filling and yummy.
8. Get a noise-cancelling headset with a mute button
These are incredibly useful. The last thing you want is to be in an online meeting and have the doorbell ring or police sirens blaring the background.
9. Check in with your co-workers - AND your boss!
People will probably think you’re watching TV! Make a point of e-mailing them and - especially - your boss. Set up a Skype or Whatsapp group.
10. Have the radio on
Background radio is great for helping atmosphere. Our favourite station is BBC radio 6.