10 tips for working from home

One wide-reaching impact of the pandemic is the huge shift in working style we’ve seen over the last 10 months. The phrase ‘work from home’ will forever remind us of 2020, and with remote working now common across all sectors it’s been interesting to see how we’ve all adapted. Aside from our maintenance and production teams who are unable to work from home, the vast majority of the Chapman Ventilation workforce are now working remotely. This transition can be really challenging, so here’s 10 tips we’re using to best manage this new normal.

1. Maintain regular hours

When working from home, it’s easy for the day to blur together and structure to fall away. The best way to keep grounded is to stick to the hours and routine you’re familiar with.

2. Create a morning routine – get dressed!

As tempting as it may be, staying in your PJs isn’t conducive to a good working environment. By getting ready in the way you would if heading into the office, you’ll help to create a separation between ‘work’ and ‘home’.

3. Schedule and take regular breaks

As with all these tips, the most important thing is to replicate your normal working style as best you can. With that in mind, make sure you schedule in those important breaks and enjoy them.

4. Leave home – get out and about

Getting outdoors every day is great for your mental and physical health. Even if it’s just a walk round the block at the end of your working day, fresh air is always a good idea.

5. Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need

When working remotely, you should seek the same support you would receive if coming into the office – don’t be afraid to ask. Tech support is more important than ever so if something isn’t right, get it sorted.

6. Keep a dedicated office space where possible

This is obviously dependent on individual circumstances, however if possible setting up a dedicated working area is a brilliant thing to do. Not only does it help to enforce the idea of ‘work’ v ‘home’, but you’ll also be more likely to work productively.

7. Keep in touch with colleagues

Working from home doesn’t mean sacrificing the social side to your work life. Admittedly we’re all a bit fed up with Zoom quizzes but there are plenty of other fun ways to keep in touch.

8. Don’t be too hard on yourself

The pandemic is challenging in so many ways so don’t be too hard on yourself. Celebrate achievements and take pride in the work you’re doing.

9. End your day with a routine

Without any sort of commute to signify the end of the working day, it’s important to implement a new routine. 

10. Pick up the phone

Above all, make sure you get support through this challenging time. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone – get in touch with a colleague, your boss, or a friend.

Photo by Mikey Harris on Unsplash