What are the most effective work from home practices during COVID-19?

With offices around the world closed while we hunt for a coronavirus vaccine, millions are working from home for the first time. Adjusting to conference calls from your bedroom can be disorienting, but making small changes to your environment can energise and improve your concentration.

Behave as though you're going to work

Maintaining some of the practices you would usually undertake in the workday mentally prepares you for working from home.

Clothes maketh the man.

The clothes one wears has a profound impact on the way they conduct themselves throughout the day. A fresh set of clothes ensures a fresh start.

A designated work space ensures productivity.

Setting up an organized and separate work space helps one remain focused and productive. It also helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Take a break

Replace water cooler chat with regular breaks.

Take five for every twenty-five

Take five minutes to walk around, or stretch your legs, every twenty five minutes. Experts call this the 'Pomodoro Technique'. It will alleviate feelings of being stuck in one place.

A lunch hour for the soul.

In trying to maximize productivity we often tend to have desk lunch breaks. Taking a lunch hour break can help re-energize the mind, replenish working capacity and maintain office routine.

Maintain regular hours

When working from home the structure of what may have been a typical workday is less rigid and we end up spending longer hours in front of the screen. Maintaining regular hours is crucial to prevent creative burnout and a healthy work-life balance.

Breakfree from the stress- go outside.

Taking a break outside the house, as per regulations and with proper precautions can help counteract stress induced by long hours of racing against deadlines. It also provides a much needed respite from digital devices.

Sustain communication with your colleagues

You can take the girl out of the office, but you can't take the...

Ensure everyone is aligned

Checking in with your team each day to check everyone is working towards the same goals is crucial, as isolation can result in mental drift.
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This page was last edited on Tuesday, 16 Jun 2020 at 17:51 UTC