Working from home…
Working from home (WFH) is currently trending.
Its been that way for almost 18 months here in Melbourne, Australia. During Covid restrictions, those that are now working from home are adapting to a work environment that is familiar and alien at the same time. Im in greater Melbourne. We’re in a ‘Circuit Breaker’ lockdown that is to be extended by another week. Right now Im sitting in bed, on my laptop typing this out, not at all professional but thats the beauty of it. My 11 year old daughter is remote learning in her bedroom with the occasional group face time. I cant yell out “Talei! Make us a coffee and bring me a bikky please” during those moments. Well, I can but she’d cringe.
It can be tough. The term ‘stir crazy’ comes to mind. You might be thinking of improvs on what is an ‘essential’ reason to leave the house? You may have a partner trying to establish their own space, a child who needs guidance on their remote learning and is very loud on their video calls with friends. Its the loss of structure and flow. It can all be confusing and exhausting. Not to mention the standard house duties, you’re right in the middle of it all, literally! Luckily those are shared between us at home. Many hands make light work. There are 8 hands in my home, sharing the workload is part and parcel of the house expectations. Its just life.
Still, not having to go to the ‘office’ can offer surprising opportunities to develop a better work life balance, and curate your own work day. You can take a break whenever and however long you like, go for a walk, or even take a nap, within reason of course. Funnily enough, these can improve productivity. Freedom from the usual daily grind constraints. Nobody notices you had an extra 10 or 15 mins over your allocated tea break. Leisurely lunches can be a regular thing! If so, you deserve it.
Since COVID-19 rocked up, more people than ever are working from home. If you arent doing it, you know someone who has or is WFH. This brings both challenges and opportunities, that requires a shift in a whole range of standard practices. What can you do if you are WFH?
My brunch at the ‘office’
Try to establish a working environment that's secure and comfortable, with minimal distractions. Give your day a structure and routine that allows for breaks, fresh air and exercise.
Maintain your productivity by focusing on your goals, organising your tasks, and tackling procrastination. Dont forget to give yourself some downtime! If you can schedule time in for your family and friends. You have responsibilities to them, too.
Celebrate team + personal successes. You can keep a record of the tasks you complete, measuring productivity.
Take the time to maintain and cultivate relationships with your team through transparency and clear communication. This helps to combat any sense of isolation, and will promote strong team bonds.
Take a break from the screen! Your laptop, mobile, pc. Any device with a screen. Have a bit of a stretch to ease the shoulder and back stiffness.
Below is a list of things on WFH you may be familiar with…
Anyone else ready for business in trackies and a hoodie, Pjs? Solely from the waist up? No? Just me then…
You have a designated pair of ‘work’ pants. PJ bottoms and Activewear count!
Everyday you’re like “What day is it again?!” I call it a forever weekend.
You’ve run out of milk, bread or something else. That’s it… that’s as dramatic as it gets guys.
You ask “Whats the weather like out there?” Because you dont leave the house….
The hours you actually work are made up and nobody notices.
Friyay’s arent as fun anymore since you never leave the office.
You’re waiting for the zoom meeting to end so you can got to the bathroom and continue binge watching 3 seasons of your newest tv show.
You find out your normal daily lifestyle is called “Quarantine”
Daily naps are essential to your work day! Naps can improve productivity.
In the end, working from home can take a bit of getting used to, compared to the traditional workplace. But by keeping the above in mind, you can make the most of the flexibility remote work offers and feel positive + productive in your role.