Golden rules for working from home
Many of us are finding it hard to be productive in lockdown. But these tips from writer Monica Cafferky can get you on track
WORKING from home for the first time? You’re not alone. With Britain under lockdown, even celebs such as Amanda Holden and Chris Evans have been hosting radio shows from their living rooms.
I’ve been working from home for 18 years, so I know just how tempting it is to stay in pyjamas and watch Netflix.
But it is possible to be productive – you just need a few ground rules.
Here are some of the best things you can do to make your home office a real workplace.
Time keeper
Agree with yourself what hours you’re going to work and stick to them. Starting early ensures productivity. Trust me, turning on your laptop at 3pm leads to knocking off at 4.30pm.
Work smart
Treat the day as if you’re going to work – which means getting dressed. I’m not talking about a suit, but do wear clean, smart clothes to lift your mood. Mute the pings Turn off phone and email notifications when you’re focusing on a task. According to a University of California Irvine study, it takes an average of 23 minutes to refocus on a task once interrupted.
Take a break
According to research carried out by Harvard Medical School, the most productive way to work is to concentrate for about 52 minutes, then have a break of 17 minutes. Set an alarm to help.
Ban browsing
Taking a break doesn’t mean going on social media or internet shopping. It’s so easy to spend £100 in a few clicks on your favourite sites. Instead, step away from your desk. Do a few stretches, or sit in your garden with a cup of tea so you can top up your vitamin D. Set boundaries I have two distractions at home – a small dog and a noisy partner (who listens to the radio full-blast). Both of them know when I’m working because I ask them to be quiet. Incidentally, the dog takes more notice. Getting peace when you have children can be more challenging, so be realistic and ask for short periods with no interruptions.
Love your lunch
Treat yourself to a proper lunch hour – make something healthy and colourful. Why not have a “virtual lunch date” with friends or colleagues? Put them on speakerphone and chat as you eat. Social contact is important and will help combat feelings of isolation.
Step away from the TV
Never eat lunch in front of the TV. You’ll soon be lured into watching Loose Women and, trust me, that will only lead to Judge Rinder (who you didn’t even know existed before you starting working from home).
Install a landline
It’s inevitable with more people working from home that the mobile networks are struggling. Why not invest in a landline? I use mine for interviews and coaching sessions because it’s clearer and more reliable than my mobile. Look for a landline talk plan that has free minutes.
Snack right
At home, you’re always only a few steps away from food. Before you unwrap that bar of chocolate, ask yourself: “How will I feel after I’ve eaten this?” Choose healthy snacks.
Shut up shop
When you finish at the end of the day, close your office door or clear away your workspace and unplug. Don’t continue to check emails. They will still be waiting for you in the morning – when you start bright and early, of course.