Get the Most from Working at Home

Working from home can have lots of benefits, such as improving work-life balance, reducing stress, and offering flexibility. If you’ve recently transitioned to a home-based working routine, here are a few ways you can make it work for you.

Look for Ways to Stay Social and Connected

One of the negatives of homeworking can be isolation. In an office-based environment, you can chat with colleagues, have in-person meetings, and after-work get-togethers. However, working from home can leave you feeling cut off from your workmates and the outside world in general. If you’re feeling out of the loop, there are things you can do to stay connected. For example, while you can use online meeting platforms for business, you can also use them to host out-of-work virtual meet-ups. You might also consider renting a desk in a co-working facility or even taking your laptop to a coffee shop for a few hours.

Plan the Perfect Home Office Space

With the rise in working from home has come increased interest in home office design. At the start of the pandemic, many people were forced to balance their laptops on ironing boards or other unsuitable surfaces. However, if working from home is something you plan to do over the longer term, consider a proper set-up that promotes productivity, with good ergonomic design, peace, and optimal use of space. If you’re designing a home office from scratch, think about day-to-day practicalities. For example, if your beloved cat or dog likes to wander in, consider which fabrics are best for your pets, so you don’t end up with claws going through your brand new office chair.

Maintain Work-Life Boundaries

Another thing to consider when working from home is the separation between work time and home time. When you’re based in an office, this division is clear. However, when your office is also your home, the boundaries can become blurred. Even if your employer offers flexibility in your working hours, it is worth considering keeping to a regular 9-5 schedule (or 10-6, etc.) with a lunch break. This helps you to maintain discipline and productivity while letting the people you live with know that during these times you’re not to be disturbed. Having a clear clocking off time when you leave work behind is also beneficial for your wellbeing.

Be Honest About Working from Home

Finally, it’s important to appreciate that working from home is not for everyone. Some people thrive in their home environment and enjoy being away from the stresses of commuting and office distractions. However, for others, it can have a detrimental impact on their well-being and productivity. If you find that working from home is causing more stress than serenity, it may not be the best situation for you. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let your boss know how you feel. Also, talk with your colleagues – they might be feeling the same way.

The recent trend towards working from home and hybrid working looks set to continue, with many employers offering it as an option. If you’re used to being office-based, it can take some time to adjust to homeworking. However, this article has hopefully given you some ideas on how you can make it work.