Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, there are a lot of us working remotely to try and slow down the spread of the virus. We really hope everyone’s settling into their new office environments. It’s no doubt, a strange and eerie time for all. For most of us, this experience is completely new and can be quite daunting – requiring a lot of self-motivation and discipline. We here at The Fruit People have put together a few tips on how to help make the most out of working remotely.
- Get Started Early
One way to work from home productively, is to dive into your to-do list as soon as you wake up. Getting a start on a project first thing in the morning can be the key to making progress on it gradually throughout the day. Try stick to your regular routine – Get out of those PJs, Shower, have your coffee, have breakfast, get dressed and ready as if your about to head into the office as normal. The mental association you make between work and an office can make you more productive!
2. Set up a Dedicated Workplace
Rather than cooping yourself up in your room or on the couch, dedicate a specific room or surface in your home to work. Ideally with a decent chair that will support your back. Try to keep your bedroom as a sacred space for sleeping and relaxing. This will help to keep the work-life divide a little clearer. We find working from home can sometimes be too quiet to focus, so it’s no harm to have the radio/ TV on in the backround. Whack on your favourite playlist, and you’re good to go!
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
Working from home can have negative effects on our diets. The fridge is too close for comfort and the munching becomes never-ending. But, it’s important to be fuelling our minds and bodies with the right foods. Try to have a substantial supply of fruit and veg to snack on. Substitute the ‘easy to snack on’ confectionary foods such as chocolate, crisps and sweets with fresh fruit, fruit and nut bars, popcorn, nuts and seeds and so on. A healthy balanced diet has been proven to increase productivity, concentration and enhance health and well-being in the workplace, so try your best to stick to a healthy diet whilst working from home!
- Take Clear Breaks
It’s so important to take regular breaks when working remotely. Move away from your desk, go for a walk if it’s nice out, get some fresh air – A change in perspective will also help clear mental blocks and give you a fresh set of eyes for any tasks you may be tackling. Being cooped up without pausing for a break can mean your productivity levels decrease, therefore you become more tired and less motivated to finish what you’re doing.
- Over Communicate
The key to success in any profession is communication, but when it comes to working from home, it is a crucial asset. Make sure to self-advocate and clearly state the progress you’ve made. Working remotely has its positives but can also become isolating and lonely very quickly. Use technology to keep in contact with each other but don’t forget to pick up the phone and make some time to have a real conversation. It is extremely important to ensure everyone is looking out for each other, especially during trying times like this.
6. Pick a Definite Finishing Time Each Day
This can be a very challenging aspect for all telecommuters, due to the world becoming increasingly connected. Although you may receive emails at any time of the day, it’s important to establish a time when you officially end your working day. Set an alarm at the end of the day to indicate when to officially ‘log off’. You don’t necessarily have to log off at exactly that time, but knowing the working day is technically over can help you begin the process of saving your work and calling it quits for the evening.
We hope you find some of these tips useful! Remember, for a lot of us, this is a completely new experience – so don’t be afraid to reach out to one another and check in regularly. We hope everyone’s minding themselves and staying safe! #TogetherIsBetter
