With the emersion and rapid growth of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the newly enforced norms such as social distancing, many companies have introduced a working from home policy whereby their office continues to run remotely. It’s realistic to assume that this ‘home office’ shift will become the new normal for many of us given the World Health Organization’s announcement that the coronavirus has officially reached ‘pandemic’ status.
The transition from the office to the dining room table may not seem like an obstacle at first, however many find working from home (WFH for short) a tough new terrain to navigate with new challenges and distractions never experienced prior. We’ve compiled some of our best WFH tips to keep you physically and mentally active, whilst setting healthy boundaries and keeping you productive and on-task.
Set yourself up in a room and create a mini office setting
Have your laptop, screens, charger, mouse and books at the ready, with a bottle of water, snacks and whatever other essentials you require to keep you in the zone and focused. Avoid rooms with temptations and distractions such as the fridge, a TV or the family room where other relatives may be residing during your work day. Make it clear to others that whilst you’re home you’re still technically ‘at work’ and to respect your boundaries by limiting communication, just as they would if you were in the office.
Take regular breaks
It’s important to come up for air every now and then, especially when you’re used to being surrounded by a team of colleagues who you chat to regularly during work tasks and let off steam to. All work, no play can result in procrastination, a lack of attentiveness to task and a resentment to both your work and home space. Consider taking a break every hour to stand up and stretch your legs, go for a short walk or complete a short at-home yoga practise in your lunch break.
Set up a routine
Just as your 6am alarm and coffee drive-through stop on the way to the office has become your daily routine, it’s imperative you create a morning routine for home to keep you motivated. Ensure you don’t allow yourself to sleep in and immediately get dressed out of your pyjamas, no matter how tempting it may be to remain in comfort. You don’t necessarily have to do your hair and makeup, but by getting dressed out of your sleeping clothes it signals to your brain and body that you’re up and ready for the day ahead.
Stay connected to your team
Technology is one way you can remain connected to your team whether that be via group calls, webcam/Skype meetings, consistent emails or instant messenger to not only ensure you’re up to date with each other’s projects but to remain social. For many who’ve been working with the same team for a while, isolation can be challenging due to the lack of social contact with others.
Finally, if you are working from home, the coronavirus or the uncertainty from it that’s currently circulating in the world, has increased feelings of anxiousness, stress or fear please don’t hesitate to contact the below mental health services.
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14
Kids Helpline – for children that may need support 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 https://beyondblue.org.au