Working from home can make you feel like the cat who has got the cream a lot of the time, but it can also be a little challenging. After all – you are still working! While you might not have to deal with the small talk over the microwave at lunchtime or the passive-aggressive huffs and puffs coming from the other side of the desk, you still do have to speak to others and also navigate being in your own personal space while doing so.
Whether you have been doing this for a while now or have just ventured into the world of working from home, this piece will take a look at some tips to help you get through the day at home and work.
Stick to Your Designated Work Hours
It can be particularly easy to end up working more than you would if you were in the office when you are at home. This is because employees start to say, “I’ll just do another ten minutes,” when, if they were in the office, they would have left. All of a sudden, ten minutes turns into thirty, and you are cutting into your own evening time where you should be focusing on your personal life. Resist the urge to stay on for longer, and treat your day as if you were in the office. This means not doing work in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep or doing little bits here and there because your work laptop is just *there*. Your personal time should remain your personal time, and working off the clock, especially without financial compensation, is a slippery slope.
Get Out of The House
You might be working from home, but that does not mean you can’t leave the house – in fact, it is encouraged! Not only can a little walk really help keep you feeling fresh and relaxed, but working from home can make you feel like you are living at work. If this is something that becomes a problem or starts to affect your personal life, then consider moving your work-life somewhere else. Hot desking in London can be a great medium between having a separate place to work and not having to shell out loads of money for an office or rented space. This will, more importantly, keep your home the safe space it should be where you can relax and feel comfortable.
Take Proper Breaks
Taking breaks properly is another important aspect of working from home.
It can be difficult for some employees to take their full breaks at home, as it can feel easy to just slip into sitting at their desks or on the sofa in front of their laptops and just keep going. Even if you are at home, there is a reason why you should not do this.
Not only does taking breaks boost your productivity and creativity, but taking breaks away from the screen is important for your eyes and your neck. Make sure to stretch out and realign your posture, and take a mental break from work regularly.
