ILSPA has put together some guidance to help you adapt to the current situation you might be in. If you are working from home, you will find some suggestions on how to work effectively during this time.
Staying Productive
As this may be the first time that you have had to schedule your working day from home, start with getting ready for the day like you would if you were going into the office. Set a morning routine of getting dressed, making your breakfast at a set time and doing whatever else you need to do to be ready for the day ahead.
Structure your day like you would normally, as it will help you stay on track. With all the recent changes, it is easy to think that it will not matter when you complete certain tasks, but sticking to a set routine can help you get your work done and not fall behind. To stay on schedule, create reminders in your calendar and make to-do lists.
If you have never worked from home before – but always in an office or other type of environment – then you may not have a set workspace. The key is to try to separate your work space from your home space. Make sure that it is peaceful and quiet. The idea behind this is to make it easier for you to avoid distractions and stay in work mode.
One of the hardest parts of working from home is managing expectations of family members and housemates. Try to encourage those around you to respect your working space during work hours. Just because you're working from home doesn't mean you are available at home. To help with this, be clear about your working hours.
Try to avoid distractions. It is tempting to check the news, stay up with social media or respond to personal messages. Try turning off your phone notifications and only check your messages during breaks. It is easy to spend all your time responding to other people rather than focusing on your own priorities.
Staying Healthy
Just as important as spending your time productively is to stay fit and healthy. This applies just as much to your mental wellbeing as your physical health.
As well as making you more productive, having a routine for your working day will help you feel healthier. Start work in the morning and stop at your usual time in the evening. It can be tempting to work outside of your normal hours if you are in the same environment all day.
Try to get up from your chair regularly. Moving around can help keep the blood flowing and give you a short respite from your work. Make sure that you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. It will also provide you with mental clarity.
As well as eating a light healthy lunch, try to take an actual break for lunch. Having some time away from your computer can help you be more productive later. If the weather’s nice, go outside and make the most of the sunshine. Taking a walk will help you feel refreshed and give you energy for the afternoon. You can also take the time to connect with others who might also be in the house, or catch up on your personal messages.
We hope you find some of these tips useful, and good luck with working from home!