If you feel like you’re struggling with your work/life balance, working from home may be something you’d like to consider.
Some of the benefits include less time spent in traffic, better focus (as you’re not exposed to disruptions from the office environment), choosing what your office looks like and even the possibility of flexible working hours (i.e. working in the early mornings and late evenings, leaving time for your family during the day).
It can be challenging, though, to separate work and home life. We have put together some tips on how to make working from home ‘work’ for you.
Home is home and work is work
Be sure to clearly distinguish your work space from the rest of your home. A room with a door that you can close once your work is done is ideal, but a designated office “space” can work just as well. Remember that benefit we mentioned about better focus? Make sure that your work area is free of clutter and distractions so that you can concentrate on the task at hand.
Equip your space
Make sure you have everything you need in order to function efficiently. Do you need printers, scanners or photographic equipment? Ensure that you have the right software installed on your computer and make sure that you have all the technology needed (like Wi-Fi or VPN). If you need to meet people face-to-face, you may want consider visiting co-working spaces or work-friendly coffee shops.
Be practical
Just like at the office, you will require a supportive chair (offering a comfortable cushion, armrests, adjustable backrest and lumbar support), a desk (at the right height), and sufficient lighting (so that your eyes don’t take too much strain).
Face up to the distractions – and get rid of them
Watching TV, playing video games, reading, cooking a MasterChef meal for your family, catching up on phone calls with friends. Draw up a list of all the distractions that may lead you astray at home, and avoid them. Rather keep these as rewards for once your work day is over.
Keep in touch
When you are out of the office, it is even more important to stay in contact with your colleagues. Good communication is one of the most vital parts of working remotely. These days, chat and video-conferencing tools make it easy to check in with co-workers and stay up to date about what is happening in the office.
If you are a business owner, offering flexible working hours to your employees may even save your business money, as well as attract top talent in search of flexibility. Chat to your business insurance provider about whether your policy needs to be updated.