It may be hard to get organized when we are out of our comfort zone and trying to work from home. We have provided some guidelines to maintain balance and keep you on track. Getting organized is the key, and we are here to help with your schedules and to-do lists along the way.
Have a designated work space
Designate a specific place for a home office–and store all work-related files, reference materials and supplies there. Try not to make it near a bed or a TV. Do you best to make sure that your office space emulates that of a true work environment. If you don’t have a defined office space, you can always use a plastic folding table to create a make-shift desk or work area. The couch is NOT your friend!
Dress for your job
Dress for the job! Now, we are not saying you can’t stay in your jammies from time to time, but motivate yourself by “showing up” for work the same way you would in an office setting.
Plan your day but allow for flexibility
We recommend setting a daily schedule to account for meals, meetings, work time and breaks. It’s easy to either get distracted doing non-work things or to get too focused on work and forget to have lunch. Allocating time for everything throughout the day will be most effective. As necessary, share your schedule or plan with others in your home or your manager/team to set proper expectations.
Limit the number of times you check e-mail
You might find yourself constantly checking e-mail because you’re worried about being out of the loop—but while it’s important to stay connected, spending too much time on e-mail might distract you from more important tasks.
Set up a Skype-friendly environment
For many people who work from home, Skype calls are regular, and necessary. Keep this in mind as you set up shop, and make sure your workspace looks professional and pleasant.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Working at home tends to lend itself to a sedentary lifestyle, not to mention the close proximity to the kitchen. Make sure to schedule time for regular exercise, keep healthy snacks around the house and remember to drink a lot of water. It may also help to plan or pack your lunches as you would normally do for a regular work day.
Take breaks
When making your schedule, you might want to consider working in smaller spurts, and allowing yourself time to get up from the computer to stretch. This will really help you both physically and mentally. Without a water cooler and co-workers around, you may forget to take time away from your desk. When you take breaks, you’ll be more productive.
Need some additional ideas or recommendations – contact us today!
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