No one can argue with the fact that we are living in unique times. Life as we once knew it has changed dramatically and we may need to adjust with the changes that are still to come. What used to be our normal will inevitably shift to a “new” normal.
“Become a student of change. It is the only thing that will remain constant.” —Anthony D’Angelo
I have been fortunate to be able to work from home for over 20 years for two major organizations. Yes, that was before Y2K, before fast internet connection, video conferences and toll free conference call numbers. I had to adjust to this change and make it work for me and my family. Below I have listed ten tips that have worked for me over the years:
Tip #1: Get up at your regular scheduled time and get dressed
Yes, don’t think that this is a free day. Get up and also get dressed and prepared for the day ahead. In the age of Zoom, Jabber, Google Hangouts and other online video conferencing tools you need to look presentable and professional. And a bonus tip: please do not eat while you’re on a video call. It’s rude to those presenting and we obviously do not want to hear you or see you chew your food.
Tip #2: Have breakfast
Speaking of eating, don’t starve yourself or skip meals. This will not only help your brain work at an optimal capacity but you will be in a better mood too. Skipping meals does not do anyone any favors.
Tip #3: Take Breaks
Schedule breaks throughout the day for mental sanity and for your lunch break. It will help you not only think through things clearly but it will resemble the office when you disconnect from your desk to see other people. I’m not sure about you but for me, some of my best ideas come when I walk away from a project I’ve been working on for a while. Also, a scheduled lunch break will allow you to have structure in your day and be a better coworker to everyone.
Tip #4 Create a To Do List for the day
As you begin your day or end your day create a To Do list on what you want to accomplish that day. I like to create both a personal and work list. This helps me make sure that I am not dedicating all my time to work (very easily done with it seems that the work doesn’t end!). Seeing all of the items I was able to check off my list makes me feel accomplished at the end of the day.
Tip #5 Connect with coworkers
Now, what I mean by connect with coworkers is not only for “work-related” tasks. Reach out to a coworker (via phone or video) simply to see how they are doing and how they are coping with this new schedule. Being away from the office can create new stress for people and also bring on a new sense of loneliness they have never experienced before. Let’s help each other out and truly connect without having a specific request or need.
Tip #6 Communicate your work schedule
Communicate your work schedule to your family and friends. When I started to work from home I lived in a small apartment with my three daughters while my husband was still living in another state. This arrangement went on for more than 5 months until our home was finally built and we were able to move in. It is easy for folks to think that since you work from home you are doing nothing all day—you will soon notice that this is the complete opposite! Now, that doesn’t mean that you can’t answer an urgent call or text but your response may sometimes be slower and less frequent. Also, if you are using your cell phone for calls or video conferencing the last thing you want is your work calls interrupted by incoming calls or text notifications.
Regarding small children, let them know that when you are working you cannot have any interruptions unless it’s an emergency. My 2 ½ year old was taken to daycare every day and my two older daughters knew that if my office door was closed, they couldn’t come in at that time. If they really needed to tell me something they would come in quietly and give me a written note on what they needed. This worked very well and they knew that Mommy took breaks and would come out to make sure everyone was okay.
Tip #7 Try to finish on time
It’s so tempting to work longer hours than when you’re in the office; after all you don’t have a commute to worry about. However, you still need to rest and, be rested for either an emergency or for the next work day. That last email response is tempting to answer or wanting to get a head start on that presentation for tomorrow. Try not to do it. Remember that not only are you adjusting to your new normal but so are your coworkers. Let’s respect each other’s personal time.
Tip # 8 Have a regular dinner time
This should be your sacred time with family or for your own routine. Working from home does not mean that your life is put on hold. Enjoy the flexibility your job has given you but also know that your family time is still of great importance, respect that and show your family that they matter to you above all else!
Tip # 9 Get Moving
So now you’re working from home, sitting in the same position for hours at a time and then wonder why your lower back is killing you! I have heard it said many times that “sitting is the new smoking”. Meaning, it is important for our health to get moving. Consider going for a walk around your neighborhood, put on an exercise DVD or even take the kids to the park as a reward for being so good throughout the day and giving you peace and quiet to work. It’s a win, win for everyone.
Tip #10 Have a designated work space
I know it’s so tempting to work out of your kitchen table or perhaps your place is too small—but believe me that it will make a huge difference. When I started working out of my small apartment, my office space was my walk-in closet—true story! I would leave a small crack open to let some air in but that was it. I bought a small desk and decorated the small space to make it functional for what I needed. This ensured that my company’s confidential information was secured and my kids wouldn’t get to it. This also allowed me to close the door at the end of the day and forget about work for a while. Look to see what works for you but find a space and make it both functional and nice.
“When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.” —Tuli Kupferberg
So my friends, this has worked for me and believe me this list continues to evolve as technology evolves and my family dynamic changes.
Let me know what has worked for you!
Cheering you on,
Silvia