Top 7 challenges when working from home… and how to overcome them!

I have always been an advocate of flexible working and am pleased to see that more and more organisations are supporting their employees to work from home. Whilst it is often seen as a perk for staff (no commute, no interruptions from work colleagues etc), there is actually a lot to be gained for the organisation too, such as boosted productivity, improved wellbeing and happier staff.

 Whilst some view working from home as “the dream” (I have often been told this when I tell people I don’t work from an office), for others it means being isolated, not knowing how to manage their time or separate work-life boundaries.

 It is these kinds of challenges that can make working from home tricky for some, so we can’t assume everyone will relish in this, (even if it is a health and safety measure with Coronavirus). Even if you are pro-working from home, if it is new to you, then it may take some adjustments.

 From the days of being a uni student where I shunned boring libraries to work in coffee shops (before that was trendy), to managing a remote team when I worked in corporate, to now being a business owner who works from home, it is fair to say flexible working is in my blood! So here is my guide on the top 7 challenges when it comes to working from home, and how to overcome them…

Problem one: Loneliness

One of the most common things I get told about the downsides to working from home (especially from entrepreneurs who work from home, or from office workers who aren’t sure if they could do it), is that it is lonely. Being plugged in to your laptop 9 to 5 staring at a screen can indeed be lonely so it is important that staff treat working from home as normal as possible, and as much like an office as possible.

·       Keep up your conversations with colleagues.

·       Call, or even better yet, video call colleagues rather than email.

·       Call a team mate ad-hoc just to check in and ensure they are ok.

·       Be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking social media will alleviate loneliness as this can just be a time waster.

Problem two: Environment

This is one of the trickiest elements to working from home because you might not have a dedicated office space so do your best to mimic the right working environment.

·       Ensure you have the right equipment to do your job, such as second screen, keyboard, headset etc.

·       Set rules with people you live with. E.g. if the door is closed, it means you are on a call and cannot be interrupted or put up a “do not disturb” sign.

·       Mimic the office with having a space you’ll dedicate to working on your laptop, a place you will take calls and meetings, a place you will eat lunch etc.

·       Try to create a space where you will work and ‘decorate’ it to your needs. For example, my desk is lined with motivational post-it notes, my weekly targets and candles to create a relaxed working environment

Problem three: Distractions

Being in an office can be distracting but being at home can be even worse with home comfort temptations (hello mid-day T.V.) and chores that are no longer “out of sight, out of mind”. It is important to minimise distractions BEFORE you begin your work.

·       Create a space where you will work and dedicate this as your ‘workstation’. Clear the clutter from around this space. If you are someone that finds that the sight of dirty dishes is calling you, either don’t look at them or do them before your working day begins.

·       Chose a location that is away from the family/people you live with. Being in a communal area, such as the kitchen, that other members of the family will use throughout the day might not be the best idea!

·       Resit the temptation to have the T.V. on, even if it is “just for the noise”. If you must have something in the background because it is too quiet, then try some soothing background music from Spotify, YouTube or the radio. 

·       Set regular tea breaks and ‘screen breaks’ so you’re maintaining your focus throughout the day and not being tempted by distractions. I like to take a 5 minute break every hour.

·       If your Siren is social media, then turn off all the notifications whist you are working.

Problem four: Lack of structure

I never realised until I was out of the corporate world, how lovely and structured it was! Clear boundaries of work Vs personal time, a set lunch time, rotas, direct phone line etc. When you are working from home, you can easily lose this structure and it can be very disruptive!

·       Like you would in the office, set a routine for the day or week, and stick to it. Plan your meetings, calls, lunch, when you are leaving etc.

·       Set boundaries with work and those you live with around your work-life balance. For example, explain to your house mate that just because you are home, it doesn’t mean you are in charge of washing up, or tell your little one that you need to work and when you’re in the office that is “work time” not Peppa Pig time. 

·       I know it seems the perk of working from home, but don’t stay in your PJs all day! Signal to yourself mentally and physically that it is “work time” by getting ready.

·       Have a great morning routine to set up your day strong! Everyone is different but for me, it includes meditation, a healthy breakfast and reviewing my goals.

Problem five: Cabin fever

I HATE being cooped up, and this can be a big one for people working from home. With everything online, from your weekly shop, to takeaways to your work emails, it can be days before you realised that you haven’t left your house! Even if you don’t get cabin fever quite as easy, this ‘environment stagnation’ can hamper creativity and productivity!

·       Get outside for a quick 10-minute walk to get some fresh air or at least open the windows to let the air in your house circulate.

·       I am assuming you can’t change your house, so instead change your environment to recharge and change your view. For example, re-arrange your desk space, face another angle, put some flowers on your desk, light some incense sticks etc.

·       Sometimes cabin fever can be a mental situation too. Perhaps try calling a friend or read a new book to stimulate the mind again.

·       A lack of movement can dull creativity and productivity. Move! It doesn’t mean smashing an hour’s workout though, a simple stretching break or walking around the house can re-energise you.

 Problem six: Lack of a boss

Whilst being away from your boss’s prying eye seems a positive at first, in fact it can be a detriment to your productivity. Without the ability to just conveniently ask your boss across the desks a quick question, it is easy to feel like bit of a lost ship.

·       Your boss won’t mind you calling if you need, so rather than wait for them to check in on you, ask them questions or for help if you need!

·       Agree targets and outcomes at the start of the day or week, so you know whether you are on the right track. You don’t want to be merrily working from home, only to find out later you’ve not been working on what you were meant to!

·       In particular with the Coronavirus, be careful to not consume too much media about the topic which can cause increased worry and stress, especially without any colleagues in close proximity to chat it out with!

Problem seven: Blurred boundaries

As I said before, working from home can blur the boundaries for your work-life balance owing to a lack of physical distinction between ‘home’ and ‘work’.

·       Set a schedule and stick to it. Plan your work into your diary in allocated time slots, rather than working from a to-do list (eg, 2pm write report, 3pm catch up on emails).

·       Plan your day the night before so you know exactly what you should be working on (and remember to check in with your boss and team that this is the right task).

·       Book end your day. Do something to signal the start of the workday, and the end (such as putting away your laptop or turning off your work phone).

·       Let your team know your movements, including when you are clocking off for the day – think of it like a virtual goodbye as you would if you left the office. 

 Need more help?

Working from home can be incredibly productive and enjoyable when it is done properly. For more tips, or if your organisation requires further support (such as a bespoke guide, webinar training) please contact [email protected]

 If you are a HR manager or CEO, you might want to check out my article "How to support your staff to effectively work from home: 10 top tips for HR Managers and CEOs"

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