How to Work from Home Successfully

As 2020 came to an end, a lot of us reflected on what last year meant to us, especially working from home. In March, when the majority of employees were asked to work from home, it was an exciting prospect. It gave us the flexibility that working from the office full-time couldn’t offer. We welcomed the idea of not having a commute and the luxury of being able to make your own lunch everyday with open arms.

However, as I look back on last year, there are definitely some things I want to change in 2021, in order to make my working from home environment even more productive and beneficial. One of the best things about being in the office is being able to see your co-workers. Although we won’t be able to have office catch-ups in person for a while, planning virtual coffees has been one way of keeping in regular contact with my colleagues, where we can catch up on life outside of meetings!

This is one of the five things I want to change this year, so here are some tips for working from home that I’m taking with me into the New Year:

1.    Pretend like you are going into the office – When working from home, try to prepare as if you were going into the office. Make a coffee, wear a nice outfit (try to avoid sweatpants!) and give yourself a chance to wake up before logging on.

2.    Structure your day like you are in the office – At home, you are your own manager. Make sure to segment your tasks over the course of the day, to avoid getting burned out or losing focus.

3.    Get some fresh air – Weather permitting, it’s important to try and get out if you can. Even if it’s a quick walk around the block!

4.    Work when you’re most productive – It’s natural for your motivation to rise and fall throughout the day. Make sure you understand your working pattern to capitalise on your most productive periods.

5.    Stay connected – Video calls are a great way to break up the day and keep in touch with your colleagues.

If you have any other tips for working from home successfully, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you on: [email protected]