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What was considered a professional benefit not so long ago is now a requirement in many countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The experience of homeworking is different from the one of the offices, and the transition can be overwhelming...

- Being well equipped -

Having the right equipment is essential. And if we are missing anything necessary to perform our job or stay in touch with the team, we shall ask for it.

- A workspace -

As much as possible, we should have our own workspace, which will become our constant visual cue that tells us that we are in « work » mode. And let's keep our workspace tidy, clutter can increase our stress levels and then it'll keep us from tripping over cables that we're not used to see.

- Avoiding distractions -

Another reason for creating a separate homeworking space is to set barriers between us and any potential distraction sources : television, refrigerator, game console, etc.

The same goes for the people we live with. Let's try to make sure that our partners, relatives, children or roommates know that we should not be disturbed when we are working (except for emergencies).

Homeworking with our kids can work by setting limits. We can create a (daily) schedule to offer them a routine and let them know what to expect : breaks, meals, and end of work. We need to find ways to help them be entertained (puzzles, games, books, etc.), we will give them screen time only when it is needed. Let's not forget that they are still children : they will be bored, frustrated, and break the rules from time to time. We have to be patient, when silence is crucial, we will explain to them the importance of this obligation and the consequences they will incur if they interrupt us unnecessarily. Also we should consider a reward if they behaved well (walk in the park, a few hours of play together, etc.).

While social media is an essential tool for communicating with family and friends and ensuring their well-being, we have to limit our posts and responses to after-work hours.

Interruptions are inevitable, of course, so we have to try to be patient and stay calm.

- Schedule maintenance -

We must be available at the same time as our colleagues, in order to avoid responding or reacting late, for this we have to respect a regular schedule, which must be as close as possible to our normal working hours (no more, no less ).

Let's try to maintain a certain regularity in our starting and ending hours, without being so rigid that we will do the same tasks at the same times, every day. Maintaining a certain fluidity will help us to remain efficient.

As we are under our roof, we will be tempted to let our working hours spill over into our personal time, which will slowly deplete the energy we need on both fronts.

- Work-life balance -

This is not just a point to respect in homeworking, but a little reminder never hurts. Work-life balance is essential for mental health and productivity. Never disconnecting completely can create frustration and lead to burnout. Let's preserve our personal time and shut down our computers and applications when our workday is over.

Let us resist the temptation to try to speed up a project, because we believe that we can finish it in « a few minutes » which will quickly turn into hours. And let's not succumb to the urge to check our emails, late at night or on weekends. We have to dedicate this time for our family and ourselves.

It goes without saying that we may have to work longer, for meeting important deadlines, but this must remain occasional (not a habit).

- Taking breaks -

We need to take breaks every now and then, just like we would at the office : Get up and leave our workspace, every two or three hours. Let's take 15 minutes to meditate or stretch, go for a walk or chat with those who orbit under our roof.

When homeworking, going out regularly is essential for our mental and physical health. Whether it's jogging around the neighbourhood, walking our dog, gardening, or whatever else, let's try to get some fresh air, at least an hour, every day. Vitamin D from the sun (even on a cloudy day) helps us stay healthy, and it will keep us from feeling like a caged lion.

- Keeping up appearances -

We shouldn’t letting go and we have to continue to take care of ourselves and our dressing code. Even though staying in pyjamas all day is very tempting, we need to stick to our morning routine (shower and working clothes). It can help us get in the right state of mind to start our day.

With the refrigerator and pantry available for snacking, the temptation to eat more often than usual (even in small amounts) can have serious consequences. Let's try to choose healthy options like fruits and vegetables or other nutritious snacks, rather than crisps or candy (or at least, limit them). And let's make sure to drink plenty of water.

Getting physical exercise and getting enough rest is important at all times. Whenever possible, let's prioritize getting enough sleep, setting (roughly) similar bedtime and waking times every day.

Conclusions

These tips are not absolute rules : Everyone experiences their own unique situation, and given the new normal, exceptions and obstacles are to be expected. We must therefore leave ourselves some leeway in these difficult times.

What do you think?