When Working at Home

How to Deliver Productivity & Avoid Distractions

Staying on task in a space that includes kids, instant access to social networks, and an infinite number of other distractions can be tough. I’ve been working from home for the past 20 years. Whilst I am now comfortable doing so, there was a lot of learning. I have locked myself in the bathroom, garage and shed to have an uninterrupted conference calls; if only they could have seen!

If you take the time to prepare to work from home and create an atmosphere conducive to professionalism and productivity, you can thrive, but it is hard.

Create a Dedicated Office Space first - like right NOW!

In a busy household, it can be all too easy to let kids pile their homework on your desk or play around on your computer, but it does not create an atmosphere for you to focus. If your home is big enough to accommodate an entire room dedicated solely to work, you’re one of the lucky ones - be wise and use it. If not, simply establish an area where you can use your computer, talk on the phone, and keep important documents stored

HINT: tape off an area on the floor so others know and have to ask to come in.

Invest in Your Office

It is important that your home work space has all the design ideas you would expect in an office. Of course, what each person deems necessary varies by taste and profession. Some items you might consider include:

A good quality chair and desk at the right height
A reliable, dedicated computer, laptop or tablet with no games and delete the NetFlix's account
Invest into a good quality headset if you make a lot of calls
Invest in a good keyboard, mouse and maybe a monitor
A reliable and high quality Internet connection that is tested
Excellent mobile phone coverage and all inclusive package or a local mobile phone cell extender or WIFI calling
Invest in good quality lighting
A filing system/ draw/ protected place
General office supplies to make life easy and a nice coffee mat
A good printer and or scanner (unless you are paperless and can use full digital copies)

HINT : Take 30 minutes each day to adjust your office so it is always improving and tidy

Get your system set up so it works for you

Computing, printers, routers, software, networking, internet connectivity, wifi setup, VPN's and browser preferences are not obvious, easy and often requires specialist skills and knowledge. You are a professional and expert in your field so ask for IT, software, networking and systems expert support so you can do your role.

There is a lot of help online available BUT this is not always right unless you know what the problem is you are solving. Don't just hope you can get your system setup so that you can work and be productive.

HINT: Find a local IT support expert, so you can work from home with less stress

Book time with me now

Now the new work environment is setup; how do I work?

Create a Daily To-Do List

Setting priorities is important at the office and infinitely more so when working from home. You are now in your own structure and without colleagues to bounce ideas off, it’s up to you to put your to-do list in order. It will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Quickly jot down what needs to be done during a particular workday, then number each item in order of priority. When the day is done, immediately transfer anything you didn’t accomplish to the next day’s list to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.

HINT : Use your smart speaker (Alexa, Siri, Google or Cortana) for reminders for the family and not your list

HINT: Do paper first before you head into apps and online versions

Use a Dedicated Browser

Use two different browsers: one for work and one for everything else. Casual browsing is packed with distractions, from open tabs to bookmarks, email notifications, and messaging. Only use the causal one when you have allocated time to it

Your work browser should be almost completely bare. I only keep job-related bookmarks and outfit it with apps and extensions that help me stay productive. The result is the ability to access the Internet without being distracted by funny videos or social networking feeds.

HINT: allocate time for casual browsing every day and keep to it

Walking and Talking

I love walking and talking. Walking and listening to a podcast. Walking and listening to an audio book. Right now we need to follow government guidance and only venture out as part of daily exercise.

Scheduled time out of the home is as important as being in. If you are calling colleagues don't sit there, get up and go out. A set route also sets a time for calls to run before you get back home

HINT: Always plan to combine two things

Set Office Hours

It’s not always easy to clearly demarcate your home life from your work life when your computer is just a few feet away. The best way to foster success is to create a work schedule. It is impossible to completely ignore your job and life becoming merged, especially when you have strict deadlines; therefore set a rule for your work hours.

HINT: you should also plan for walking, breaks and meals. They’re an integral part of preserving your sanity.

Staying focused, on priority and the task

Checking your email is a diversion, especially if it’s your colleagues’ favourite method of communication - constantly clicking on that email tab can disrupt your workflow. Close the email, turn off all phone notifications, and check your messages and social networks only at designated times throughout the day.

HINT: use simple methods at first and just close email, if that does not work you can use apps to stop you

The kitchen is for food and breakouts

Anyone who has done this for a while will conclude that the best bet is to make your home office a no-food zone. Keep a water bottle or cup of coffee handy for quick sips, but leave the major eating for the kitchen. That way, you get a well-deserved break, but when you’re back at your desk, you’re ready to get to work.

HINT: agree with the family on break times and try to make them special and look good; something to look forward to

Getting the family involved

If you work at home with your family, you need everyone’s cooperation. Call a family meeting and explain to your children that you and your partner need to focus during work hours. You all have to agree when and who is leading on keeping the kids entertained and occupied. Working from home becomes a team effort when you’re asking everyone to do their part to help everyone stay productive.

HINT : remain flexible as cabin fever is not fun for anyone

Ask for help early

You don’t have to do it all alone and everyone in your household is far more resourceful than you can imagine - but let them shine. Don't delegate chores and tasks, ask who wants to do what to help. Set up reminders on smart speakers of what you need to do so the stress is shared and everyone gets involved.

HINT: find a way to play tricks and pranks on everyone so you all laugh. Don't let the animals run the zoo!

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