Over the course of the last year, working from home has become a way of life. Even with restrictions beginning to ease, for many, working from home will continue to be the new normal for quite some time. So, if you haven’t already, now is the time to sort out your ‘working from home’ environment.
Here are our top tips for being effective whilst working from home:
Create a dedicated office space
This may seem like the most obvious place to start, but it can often get overlooked and is the most important. Where possible, try to create an area in the house where you can set yourself up for work and have this as your dedicated office space.
Not only will it put you in the right mindset, it highlights to everyone else in the house that you are working. To achieve this space, you may need to consider putting some items into storage. At Chelsea Storage, we offer convenient and secure storage space units for the public for as long or as short as you want it, at prices to suit all budgets. Call us today FREE on: 0808 1681310 to discuss your requirements or click here for a storage quote; and get your very own storage space in London today.
Maintain regular working hours
The flexibility of working from home can sometimes mean it’s hard to know when work stops and life starts. As with working in the office, you should therefore maintain regular working hours; giving yourself a clear schedule helps to maintain a good work/life balance. Consistency is key; when your work day stops, stop working, and focus on your home life.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to always be rigid with timings, as you may sometimes find you need to take some time out in the middle of the day for other non-work tasks; just be sure to plan accordingly.
Schedule calls or video meetings to stay connected
It can feel isolating working from home so it’s important to stay connected with work colleagues. Schedule in video calls and phone calls to break up the emails; this will help to break up the day and boost mental wellbeing. It may not always be work related, but it will in turn help your productivity and help you to give and receive support from others, so be sure to schedule in virtual coffee breaks as well as team meetings.
With video team meetings, it’s important to be ‘present’ on the call, so be sure to be on time and have your camera on. It makes a huge impact and helps everyone to focus.
Set Some Ground Rules
You may not be the only person working from home so you should try to agree some ground rules for when you are working and when you can break off for a quick chat/chore. It can be difficult when children are involved too, as they may not see you as working, so you may need to manage expectations.
Remind them that you still have work to do and perhaps even share your schedule so they can better understand where you are working and when you are not.
Take short breaks to refresh your mind
It can feel more difficult to break away from work at home, but it is important for your productivity and well-being to take some time to step away every now and again. It can be a little as making yourself a cup of tea; taking 5 or 10 minutes to step back from the work and give yourself some screen-free time and stretch your legs. Or if you struggle with adhoc, perhaps schedule in two 15-minute breaks; one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Leave the house for fresh air
Whether it’s going for a walk at lunchtime, starting the day with a walk, popping to the local shop or grabbing a takeaway coffee, leaving the house can make a huge difference to your productivity and mental well-being. Fresh air helps improve your blood pressure and heart rate and even makes you happier.
So, if you’re feeling particularly stressed, some fresh air is highly recommended. Just be sure to observe social distancing and stay safe.
Don’t avoid asking for help
Working from home doesn’t mean you have to forfeit the office environment. If you require certain things to set up a home office, don’t be afraid to ask your employer. Occupational health is just as important to them as it is to you, so you if require a new monitor or perhaps a printer to work more efficiently, it is always worth asking.
Be kind to yourself
We are living in unprecedented times, so it’s understandable that you might feel you’re not as productive as before. Even with all of the above, you will still find yourself getting distracted, and that’s OK. Be realistic about what you can achieve and don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re doing the best you can with the situation you’re faced with.
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We are conveniently located near Kensington, a short walk from the Kings Road in Fulham, and have satisfied clients right across London who can testify to our capability and customer service.
If you need to reclaim valuable office storage space then contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you archive your records safely and securely.
