With the current chaos going on in the world, most of us are having to restyle the way our typical day works. With no morning detour to pick up our favourite coffee, no lunchtime social break to catch up with colleagues, and no workplace to skip out of at the end of the day, we’re finding it more testing than ever to keep delivering the same quality of work. There are, however, ways we can refocus and motivate our working attitudes, alongside adapting our home to accommodate our new office. Chelsea Watkiss gives you a few tips.
Mimic your working day.
While strict punctuality is no longer weighing on our conscience, it is all too easy to compromise an extra hour in bed. That may not seem detrimental on it’s own, but the moment we let one standard slip, everything else tends to come spiralling out of control with it. Soon our coffee breaks become 40 minutes instead of 20, and our quick click on to social media becomes an hour of gossiping. Unless you wish the sun to be setting as you’re just opening up your emails, it’s vital to stick to the strict working schedule that you would normally keep outside of lockdown.
Look the part; act the part.
The majority of us will own two separate wardrobes: one for work; one for leisure. While it may be tempting to throw on a comfortable sweatshirt, your work attitude won’t be any better for it. Keeping a smart wardrobe for work doesn’t just please your traditional boss, but maintains a mentality for the very purpose. So if you look and feel the part, you’ll be far more likely to act the part.
Get some fresh air.
While many of us will be secretly revelling the absence of barging into a sea of cramped commuters on the train, the journey to and from work does serve an important purpose. Fresh air helps to wake and revitalise you for the day ahead – without such, you may find yourself half asleep over your morning schedule. Create an effective transition from bed to desk by slotting in a short walk (or run) before you start your day.
Bring the office to you.
The biggest difference we’re facing is the change in working atmosphere. Therefore, it is crucial that we do all we can to replicate an environment suitable for the job. Have a think to
what your workplace looks like – is it situated in front of a grand TV playing through Netflix? Is your chair a reclining couch? These are all important questions to ask yourself when deciding on where to set your office up. The ideal space is one that best resembles a typical office: a suitable table, upright chair, clean, quiet, and devoid of all distractions. If you’re living with others, ask them kindly not to disturb you and keep outside rattle to a minimum.
Keep connected with colleagues.
In 2019, a study of 2,500 remote workers for online agency Buffer reported that loneliness was the second biggest challenge. Such isolation from fellow workers has been linked to decreased productivity and motivation. Use the aid of technology (video calls, Slack etc.) to maintain important discussions with your boss; so you keep on track with exactly what is expected of you on each given day. Also use your resources to fill in the social gaps left behind – perhaps a 30 minute video call with your colleagues at lunch? Use this time to share help, knowledge and guidance with each other. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved!
