Working From Home Top Tips
We once again find ourselves in national lockdown, and as the pandemic continues it becomes increasingly likely that working from home will be the new normal in 2021. Whilst working from home can be a dream for some people, for others it is a far more difficult reality. So, we thought that we’d put together a handy list of tips for working from home for contractors who are struggling to adapt to this new way of working.
Stick to a schedule
Set yourself a schedule that fits your working hours and stick to it. Often when we have no routine we can become demotivated and even the smallest of tasks can seem like a massive challenge. However, when we have a schedule set out for our day it can help simulate the feeling of being at work. Why not use the time you would normally commute to do something for yourself, like take a walk or do another form of exercise? Try to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same times throughout the week. Finally, and most importantly, make sure you turn your computer off and wind down once the day is over – you don’t want your work spilling over into your personal time.
Have a dedicated workspace
If possible, make sure that you separate your workspace from any area of your home you usually relax in. Having a dedicated space helps you separate your work life from your personal life. This helps you switch off easier at the end of the day and switch on easier when you start work. Obviously this can be easier for some people due to differing sizes of homes but try your best to find a space away from where you normally relax to do your work. If possible, make sure you sit at a table or desk, not only because this will put you in a better mind set for the day, but also because working from a bed or a sofa for a prolonged amount of time can cause back problems.
Set rules with others
If you live in a busy house filled with family or friends it’s important that they know your boundaries during work hours. Make sure that other members of your household know that working from home doesn’t mean you’re able to pick up extra chores during the day. Whilst yes you can take in deliveries for them or even let service professionals into the property, your time at work is to be focused on the job you are paid for.
Take breaks seriously
When you are given a break from work make sure that you take that break in its entirety. Don’t cheat yourself out of valuable time, especially during your lunch break. Use the time to do something proactive for yourself. You could go for a short walk or make yourself a nice lunch. Having a break during the day is important to manage any feelings of stress you may be experiencing.
Dress for Work
Now we don’t mean put on a suit and tie every day! But it is good to make sure you get up and dressed for work. Whilst it might seem like a nice idea to work from your pajamas the novelty will very quickly wear off. This is another useful way to help your mind differentiate between work and relaxation. Getting up and dressed before work will help with motivating you for the day ahead.
Look After Yourself
The final and most important tip is to look after yourself. The circumstances we find ourselves in are not going to be ideal for most. It’s important to be as productive during the day as you can, but it is also important not to let stress and other anxieties take over. Think about yourself throughout the day and ask yourself what you can do to make things a little easier.
As it’s been said many times before, we are all in this together. We have our fingers crossed at Husp that we can do our bit to help you by making sure payday is as stress-free as possible. However, if you do have any questions or worries about your pay or would just like to chat to us about how we deal with working from home please feel free to give us a call on 0333 003 7831.