In the last few weeks, many people have discovered working from home isn’t as easy or fun as one may assume. Between home comfort, kids, television, or music the slightest action can become a distraction. On top of creating a routine in order not to develop bad habits. But working from home doesn’t have to be a challenge.
Working from home off and on for the last 5 years has helped me define and refine my ultimate guide to working from home, the coffee shop, or anywhere outside of the traditional office space. I’m sure it’ll take some time to develop your WFH routine but I hope what I’ve learned can help you perfect your routine.
get up, get ready
Even if you’re not going anywhere, having a virtual meeting, or will be seen, get up and get ready. Getting in the habit of following your morning routine even if you’re stepping out is the first tip to working from home. This step can help energize you while making you productive. If your normal schedule consists of waking, mediation, fitness, showering, brushing your teeth, or grabbing coffee and breakfast continue to follow that schedule. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean that you have to neglect your daily routine, yes you can skip some things like makeup and a full outfit but keep a day-to-day streamline routine.
you workspace
Designating a functional workspace can be imperative when working from home as it gets you, literally, into a space that has been set aside for work. I know for most the hardest thing about working from home is wanting to work in your big super comfortable bed but let’s be honest we also know that can be a big mistake. Working in bed can harm your productivity level, body, and personal life if your bed becomes the focus of work. Nothing is wrong is working in bed a time or two but if working in bed is your daily norm over time you may unknowingly correlate your bed with work. So creating this space that has reserved for work and work alone allows you to set boundaries, eliminate distractions, and stay on track.
great lights
This one should be easy. No matter what area your workspace is located, having the best lighting to work in is a must and WFH essential. Make working easier on yourself and reduce the strain on your body and eyes. Set your space up with perfect lighting that’s not harsh or too dim.
establish work hours
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you have to be on call 24/7…unless your job requires it. It’s okay to end work at a certain time, to not respond to that email that came in at 11 pm and so forth. Let’s attempt to not turn our homes into a second workplace or you’ll start to feel like you’re living at work. And let’s remember to respect life outside work.
A great way to do this is by defining your work hours when working from home and sticking to them. This includes not checking and responding to work emails every hour especially after work hours but rather finding tools that assist. Not taking client calls after hours especially without notice. Yes, emergencies happen all the time so make those exceptions when necessary but not the norm. I know setting work hours can be hard in a time of on-demand especially when you don’t have a brick & mortar to close and leave but it’s all about finding the balance, having structure, and keeping consistent.
set intentions
This step is important no matter where you’re working from because it’s always important to set your intention, goal plan for the day. Before you get started figure out what you want to accomplish that day with the time you’ve allotted for work. If you’re able to determine that you want to complete 2 projects by the close of business you know how to map out your day to complete both projects. This in turn enables you to have a more effective workday and isn’t overwhelming.
create a routine + plan your schedule
If you were heading into the office you would have your day prepared so you could properly maximize your time right? Same for working from home. You want to set solid work hours and your priority list for the day. This includes creating blocks of time dedicated to a specific task, checking emails, responding to clients, pre-scheduled breaks, lunch, and having a hard stop to transition to personal time. Creating a solid routine allows your mind to prepare for the day ahead along with staying on top of different tasks and appointments. You’re able to attack your workload with a plan in mind meaning you’ll be able to create working time-blocks to keep you successful.
use the walls
A big tip I’ve learned to take advantage of while working from home is to maximum my workspace. I’m a visual learner so working from home enables me to double up on space or lack thereof by using the walls as a workspace extension. Using post-its to map out ideas, dry-erase paper to brainstorm, or note-taking or writing out your schedule and task list on the wall is another way to keep you on track.
minimize distractions
A lesson well learned. Working from home brings a lot of distractions that can create bad habits if not handled appropriately. For me, it’s television and music. When I lived in the city it was street noise, constructions, train now its early morning mowing or leaf blowing. And for others barking dogs and kiddies. Whatever it may be a solution must be found early on. Closing your windows or investing in noise-canceling headphones can help. Looking into ambient sounds or a white noise machine may be your solution. Or setting your work hours around your kids’ schedule may be your solution. Whatever the solution it helps to implement it early on.
set your boundaries
Setting clear and hard boundaries with yourself can be a touchy area, one we usually overlook. It’s necessary to have lines with where you do work when you work along with how you’re working. It can be easy to start doing things while working at home that you may not do while working in the office. Typically you wouldn’t work in the breakroom, have a TV in your office, or friends visiting at any time, cleaning, doing laundry, or having full meals or snacks every other second so it’s important not to create those habits at home.
plan breaks (+ lunch too)
After a few hours it’s normal for anyone to need a break, so take the break. Pre-planned breaks give you something to look forward to as well as breaking up the monotony of your day. I find that scheduling my break, even just 5 minutes, helps a great deal. I know how to time block my work so it ends naturally with an upcoming break. It also just gives you a breather to stop and refocus, grab some fresh air, use the restroom, or anything else.
limit phone usage
I know I know, when can’t I use my phone? I’m working from home after all. Well, simple answer, giving yourself full phone access during ‘work hours’ can be a big distraction resulting in getting less work completed. Generally, most workplaces have no phone or limited phone use policy to keep people focus. It may not be a bad idea to apply this policy while working from home as well. You do not have to be s strict as in the office by limiting or placing your phone out of sight can be beneficial.
have fun!
This is a bonus that’s almost always forgotten. One of the things people sometimes miss by working from home is the social aspect but there’s a solution for that. Schedule “coffee dates”, “cooler talks” or “happy hour” in person or virtually. Just a few minutes a few times a month to maintain a balanced work and social life.
