The New Normal: Shifting to a Work-from-Home Lifestyle During COVID-19
So many of us are working from home these days because of COVID-19. It’s been an adjustment for all of us, and we thought it would be a good idea to share information we found to make a more comfortable transition. Whether you are adapting to a work-from-home lifestyle, or it’s what you’ve always done, here are some tips to make it a little easier and more productive:
- Build a permanent work space; Have comfortable “office” furniture
It’s often difficult to transition from your office to your home when it comes to a work space. Try and find a location in your house the works best, and then make sure you are comfortable. Find the right chair, the right lighting, and the best location for Wi-Fi.
- Invest in quality technology
Without the right tools, working from home can be a headache. Make sure you have the tools you need to be as efficient as possible. Things like webcams, headsets, and Wi-Fi routers can seriously improve your home office experience.
- Set “real” work hours; Make to-do lists; Use a planner
To avoid pitfalls of working without the structure of office workdays, use a planner to commit to a set schedule. Work the same hours each day, and stick to the to-do list you write in your planner. Update your planner daily, remembering to carry over incomplete tasks from the day before. You can always use your online calendar or note tool if you prefer.
- Create a morning routine; Set ground rules for family
Working from home can be daunting, but if you use a similar routine every day, it can be just as productive as office time. Set an alarm, get dressed, and make breakfast – just like you were leaving for work. Then, make sure your family knows where and when you are working. It may be helpful to use the traffic light method (green, yellow, red) and post a colored paper at your workstation so they know when it’s ok to approach you without interrupting.
- Schedule breaks; Eat; Get out of the house
Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself when working from home. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you still need breaks. Schedule time away from the computer/phone for food, rest, and exercise. To make it less solitary, spend some time with your family by taking a walk, having a chat over coffee, or playing with your pets.