Working from home

In these days, many of us are being required to work from home and that could prove a challenge in many different ways. For some, you may be trying to work around the distractions and demands of young children. For others, it means being 'home alone' for hours and even days.

Please see below an extract from the BBC website regarding working from home; along with a few personal comments from 'the keeper of this blog'  ...  that's me :-)

1. Get dressed

For some people, the prospect of staying in their pyjamas all day is the most tantalising aspect of working from home. (Yep, that's me) But washing and getting dressed will not only improve your state of mind, it will psychologically prepare you to start work.

For many, the point of getting dressed is being forced to shower and change out of clothes they associate with sleep and rest, even if that means just changing into a T-shirt and jeans.

Changing out of work clothes when you clock off for the day helps your brain to understand that the working day is over.

2. Establish boundaries

If you're employed, you'll probably have set hours of work; stick to these when working from home. Start and finish your day at the same time as you would normally.

At the end of a working day, switch off your computer and tidy away papers. Space allowing, set aside a specific, separate area in your home where you can work - ideally with a properly adjusted desk and chair, similar to your workplace.

Don't "overcompensate" because you're anxious about working from home. Ross Robinson (Ignata Consulting firm) says, "Many people tend to over communicate when working from home - either wanting to 'be seen', or overcompensating to ensure people know what they are up to. That's fine - but don't go over the top."

For me, setting boundaries is a real challenge but, in reality, that's the nature of my role as Chaplain. When students or staff need to make contact with me that doesn't always happen in a nice neat 9-5 package.

3. Get out and about (if you're not self-isolating)

Don't stay cooped up indoors all day. You might not miss your daily commute, but it does guarantee that you leave the house at least once during the day.

So get your shoes on, get outside and enjoy that fresh air. A different perspective will also help undo mental blocks and give you a fresh pair of eyes for any tasks you're struggling with.

4. Pick up the phone

At work, you're more likely to engage with colleagues but when working from home, you could spend the whole day without speaking to anyone which can be isolating.

Make some time to pick up the phone and have a real conversation, rather than relying on email and instant messaging.

Many of you reading this are soooo- 21st century; but for 'techno dinosaurs' like myself, we may need to conquer Skype and video-calling. Please don't just spend hours on social media - pick up your phone, dial a number and have a REAL CONVERSATION!!

5. Take regular breaks

Don't stay glued to your screen all day. Take regular breaks, get up from your chair and move around just as you would in a work environment.

Research has found that short breaks throughout the day are more beneficial than less frequent, longer breaks.

Ellie Wilson (Virtalent) says, "It's important to stand up, stretch, move around and even go for a short walk to take a break from your work and your screen".

"Being cooped up without stopping for a break can mean your productivity levels drop, you become more tired and less motivated to complete what you're working on."

adapted from BBC website

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51868894