With working from home arrangements becoming a widespread reality, we often only consider the benefits. With no commute, dress code or someone else taking control of the workspace thermostat, it can seem like an ideal situation. However, in reality it poses a new set of challenges, many of which can be counteracted with some simple planning.
Here are some potential pitfalls, and how to overcome them.
- Work/life balance blurring: With no boss peering over your shoulder, or pressure to leave the office at the end of the day, time keeping can slip, and the lines between work and personal life can become blurred. If you are saving time on commuting, why not dedicate that portion of time at the beginning and end of the day that would have been reserved for travel, to be productive on your personal errands, or food prep some nutritious homemade lunch for the day ahead. Where possible, keep work for work time only, and put your office things away when the working day is over. It’s important to create that mental distinction for yourself so you can enjoy your free time to the max.
- Motivation: Whilst it can be tempting to work in your pyjamas, there’s evidence that what you wear has an impact on how you feel, even if no one else is going to see you. Get dressed at the beginning of each day, in something comfortable but smart and see how your mood changes.There can be many temptations and distractions in a home environment. Consider trying a time management framework, such as the Pomodoro Technique. This involves setting a timer at 25-minute intervals, with a five-minute break in between. These short bursts of focused energy, with a proper break, can help keep you on track and at your most productive.
- People at home: Setting boundaries with people at home, if you share your space with others, is a key factor for success. Instead of spelling out the rules, make it a discussion – how can we help each other? You may require silence to work effectively, yet your partner wants to play the radio in the kitchen. You may soon realise it’s more suitable for you to find a room in a more distant part of the house to work from. When working on boundaries with children, it’s a good idea to state why these limits are important in an age appropriate way. Whilst it’s not always possible to ensure they follow them, helping them to feel responsible can increase chances of success.
- Snack attack: You’ve been working hard all day and by late afternoon you feel a little peckish. You open the fridge and inside are a shrivelled bell pepper, an old block of cheese and a chocolate bar. Before you know it, your healthy habits are harder to keep. Most people have more limited options for convenience foods close by their homes, so plan ahead and fill that fruit bowl, stock up on carrot sticks or make your own nut mix so when snack time comes around, you have a range of tasty options within arm’s reach.
- Change your perspective: Whilst there are many upsides to working from the comfort of your own home, being in the same place all day, often alone, can cramp creativity and leave you feeling a little flat. Taking a short walk around the block can really do wonders for getting a renewed sense of energy, or a different view on a problem you’ve been trying to solve. Whilst digital connectivity means you never have to speak to another person, speaking to another human being in real time can allow for a greater sense of personal connection and it allows ideas to flow to. Before you send that email, consider picking up the phone instead.