Working from home today?

Missing your morning routine, that slides you into your daily work rhythm, can be a productivity killer for most. 

As today is the first WFH day for many large Australian companies, some readers may have already decided to stay in bed in their PJs, taking work calls with no-one the wiser. I’ve certainly done it once or twice. 

Before Fishburners.org (Australia’s largest startup community and co-working space) I worked exclusively from home creating Qantas Postcards for 4 years. (2007-2011). A few of my tips for WFH newbies. 

Getting my work rhythm back.

1. Keep it as normal as possible. Dress for a normal office day.
2. Create a regular workday trigger. I like picking up a coffee from the coffee shop at 8 am. 
3. Do 10 tasks every 10 minutes, creating a lot of unfinished work. You’ll be able to get interested in one of those unfinished tasks. I picked up this method in the book “Why People Fail” 
4. Have a call with a work buddy to say what you’re going to achieve that day.

Getting interrupted 

We all know the stats on disruptions and productivity. At home, those interruptions are often still knocking. Set boundaries with your family or flatmates.

“While I’m working from home between these times (x to y), I’ll be working, so as much as I want to spend time catching up, we can do that at the normal time when I finish my day. If my door is closed, please don’t open it. If my headphones are on, please don’t disturb me.”

Deep work 

WFH can be a great opportunity to get ahead on your deep work. Timebox and schedule when you’re most productive (like the mornings before 10 am) and schedule calls/meetings outside of this time. 

Other tips

1. Pomodoro technique for optimal energy. There are apps for timing, but you can also simply use your phone. 
2. Ban websites like Netflix or Facebook if you find yourself needing some enforced self-control I’m on MAC and use https://selfcontrolapp.com/ 
3. If you’re missing out on the gym - HIIT workouts are a great at-home alternative. I love Joe Wicks AKA The Body Coach - beginners intro here on YouTube https://youtu.be/5nZ2iBGvFhE
4. If you’ve got spare time, use it to sharpen the saw. Learn - read, listen, watch.  
5. If tech isn’t working or you can’t access something, instead of wasting hours trying to fix it, move to a backup if you can like your mobile for a quick call or another task while access is fixed for you. Deep work (above) is a great “go-to task”. 

Endulge in things you can only do when WFH 

• Make a delicious home-cooked lunch. 
• Add your favourites in the comments