Even if you’ve done it before, working from home because of coronavirus might feel like a whole new world. This has been a sudden, unexpected change for all of us, and it’s sometimes difficult to adjust and pivot quickly. But there are actions you can take to help make sure that you’re successful, both at getting your work done and at maintaining your mental well-being.
Dress for success.
It might sound silly, but wearing work clothes may help you make that mental switch from work to home. You don’t need to dress as formally as you might for work, but the simple act of changing clothes serves as a signal that it’s time to wake up and get things done. Getting dressed also applies to other appearance-based tasks: take a shower, brush your hair, even put on makeup if that’s what you’d usually do. You don’t need to go as all out as you would for the office if you don’t want to, but waking up and taking care of your appearance can go a long way toward helping you feel like you’re taking care of yourself. And as an added bonus, you’ll be ready for any last-minute video meetings.
Designate a workspace or home office.
When it comes to working remotely, one of the biggest challenges is keeping your work and home lives separate. If you never fully disconnect from work, your work productivity will suffer and your home life can take a hit as well. Your workspace doesn’t have to be its own room, but it should feel as separate from the rest of your home as possible. Entering and leaving your workspace will help you turn “on” at the beginning of the day and help you turn “off” at the end of the day, helping you disengage from work and relax once the day is done.
Keep clearly defined working hours.
Just as you designate and separate your physical workspace, you should be clear about when you’re working and when you’re not. You’ll get your best work done and be most ready to transition back to the office if you stick with your regular hours.
Build timed transitions into (and out of) work.
Your regular commute gives your mind time to prepare for and wrap up your work mentally, so it’s important to create those same segues when you’re working from home. Try a 20-minute morning coffee to put you in the right working mindset, then some short exercises in the early evening to help you wrap up the day. Anything that helps you signal the beginning and end of the work day will work.
Try to avoid distractions.
Right now, one of the biggest distractions is the news. And if you’re working remotely because of the new coronavirus, checking in on COVID-19 updates is going to be at the front of your mind, which can lead to anxiety and stress. Setting timers for any breaks you take will help you manage your time, your projects, and your anxiety.
Keep the lines of communication open.
If you don’t usually work from home, chances are there will be some bumps in the road if you have to suddenly go fully remote. The key to steering through these bumps is communication, especially with your manager and team members. Come up with a plan that lays out expectations for how often you should check in and how you’ll convey any changes or new assignments to one another, and do the same with anyone you usually work collaboratively with throughout the day. The plan is likely to change as you go, and that’s okay – remember, this is a new situation for everyone.
Remind your family and roommates that you’re “at work.”
Create boundaries within your home to help your family members understand that when the door is closed, you’re working. We know that can be hard – especially with children and pets at home – but creating that boundary will help you acclimate to a home office environment.
Have virtual meetups with your team members.
You celebrate birthdays and other milestones in the office, so why not give it a go online? Make time for casual conversations and “water cooler” chats during your breaks so that you can check in with your team members in a less formal manner. It will help you catch up and ward off any feelings of isolation that you or a coworker may have.
Comments