Key tips to working and learning from home:
1. Build a dedicated workplace that preferably has good lighting but you can leave during breaks and at the end of the workday.
- A dedicated work or learning space fosters concentration and good productivity.
- Are you sharing a space with others in the family or share house? Communicate expectations with anyone sharing the working space so that everyone’s space is respected during working/learning hours.
- Ascertain what you need to be productive but not disturb others. Headphones to listen to music, a drink bottle, your phone and chargers along with any books or files you might need.
2. Develop a routine and structure to your day.
- Pretend you are really going out to the office, school or university, even if it is only across the hall or at the other side of the room.
3. Get started early
- Its good to start the same time you did when you had to go out to the office or place of learning
4. Create a schedule of the things that need completing during the day.
- By creating an online calendar with breaks and reminders to help change gears or start on new task helps efficiency.
- Plan what needs doing ahead of time. Making a list of “To Dos” at the end of the day for the following day allows commitment to an agenda. It always feels good to tick completed tasks off and add new tasks as they crop up. Its important to create a sense of accomplishment.
5. Plan how you wish to arrive at the office and leave the office. When are break times? Be clear when breaks are.
- If you are sharing spaces with other family members or house mates work out what suits everyone so there is minimal disturbance to periods of concentration. It is important to break up the day so that you can maximize productivity but give you an exit and a separation from your leisure time.
- Ensure you get up and leave your desk during breaks. Spend time with others who might be in the house with you, go for walks.
- Google or Microsoft calendar makes this easy to achieve
6. Stay connected with work colleagues through technology as this helps you feel part of the larger operation.
- Instant messaging and video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Google Duo can make it easy to check in with coworkers and remind you that what you are doing is contributing to the bigger picture.
7. Create a place that makes you feel good working. Having plants in your working space makes us happier and relaxed.
- Good lighting with background music or complete silence with comfortable supportive ergonomic furniture gives rise to concentration and improved productivity.
8. Be comfortable and supported. Comfort fosters productivity and concentration.
- Sitting on the rigid kitchen chair or slouching on a stool over your laptop quickly leads to discomfort with long-term discomfort and poor concentration.
9. Know the time you plan to finish work each day. Drawing clear lines between work and your leisure and family time.
- Your work routine is important but so is being able to leave your place of work even if it is in the home.
