Our top tips for working from home

If you saw our blog post last week you would have seen our 5 top tips for learning at home. This week we've got 5 more tips to help you settle into the office at home.

Get up and get dressed

The prospect of an extra hour in bed and wearing your pyjamas all day is the most tantalising aspect of working from home. But keeping to your normal morning routine of getting up at the same time, having a wash, and getting dressed will not only improve your state of mind, it will also psychologically prepare you to start work. Do your work colleagues really want to see your Superman onesie during the team meeting on google hangouts?

Establish boundaries

Starting and finishing your day at the same times as you would normally arrive and finish at work really helps to keep the work body clock ticking over. Taking 30 minutes for lunch helps to break up your day and going to bed at a reasonable hour will give you enough sleep so you’re ready and raring to go in the mornings.

Also, setting aside a dedicated workspace will help to create a clear boundary from work and home. Try not to work in places you normally relax, otherwise, you’ll find it difficult to switch off. Although, if you’re a parent and need to look after the little ones, be ready for any potential interruptions...

Exercise and fresh air

The most recent government advice is for us to stay at home, however, the Prime Minister recognises the importance of getting some exercise. Try to make the most of this during your lunch break. While you might not miss your daily commute, putting your shoes on, going outside and enjoying some fresh air is essential. It can also help undo mental blocks and give you a fresh pair of eyes for any tasks you're struggling with. However, remember to adhere to social distancing.

Take regular breaks

It's good to have a routine when you're working from home, but work shouldn't become monotonous. And you shouldn't stay glued to your screen all day. It's important to take regular screen breaks and get up from your workspace and move around just as you would in the office or staff room.

Research has also found that short breaks throughout the day are more beneficial than less frequent, longer breaks. Not stopping for a break can mean your productivity levels drop, you become more tired and less motivated to complete what you're working on.

Chat to your colleagues

Working from home usually means fewer distractions from other colleagues and office noise. But there may be occasions where you go the whole day without speaking to anyone and that can be lonely and isolating.

If you’re part of a really great team then it’s only natural to miss seeing them each day. Make sure you utilise technology and call them or arrange a google hangout so you can have a real conversation, rather than relying on email and instant messaging. Discuss work but also take a few minutes to chat about some of the uplifting stories you’ve seen recently.

If you’ve been working at home and have some top tips to share with us then please send them through to comms@escg.ac.uk or drop us a message on social media.