As you are all well aware, due to the corona virus, most companies have implemented work from home policies. Many of you are now working from home and dealing with some new challenges. Not knowing how long this will last is difficult. Not being able to socialize in person inside or outside of work is also tough.
At UWM we want to help where we can, here are a few tips we have found to help you be successful, both at getting your work done and at maintaining your mental well-being.
Get Dressed
It’s a simple one, but a crucial tip. You don’t need to dress up quite as much as you might normally, but don’t wear your PJ’s either. The act of changing clothes will help you wake up and start getting things done. Putting on clothes suitable for public viewing will help you to feel confident and helps draw the line between being at work and being at home.
Getting dressed also applies to other appearance tasks: Take a shower, brush your hair, do the things that you would usually do. Your appearance can go a long way toward helping you feel like you’re taking care of yourself. Remember, just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean that no one from work will see you, thanks Zoom!
Designate a Workspace
A major challenge to working from home is keeping a separation of work and home life. If you aren’t able to disconnect from work, your productivity can suffer, your home life can take a hit as well. Recreate your daily routine as much as possible with a designated physical workspace at home. Your workspace doesn’t have to be its own room but it should feel as separate from the rest of your home as possible.
Try to make your workspace comfortable where you can sit for eight hours a day. Find an area with good natural light if you can. Losing out on the time you spend outdoors during your commute can weigh on you quickly, a space with natural light will help in limiting the weight.
Entering your designated workspace will help you turn it on at the beginning of the day and get down to work. Alternatively leaving your workspace will also help you turn it off at the end of the day and fully disengage.
Clearly Define Working Hours
Be clear about when you’re working and when you’re not. You will get your best work done and be ready to transition back to the office if you keep to your normal office hours. The difference between working from home and working in the office is that you are in charge of your environment. You have to hold yourself accountable, also recognizing when enough is enough, just as a manager would. If you live with other people, separation is critical. Communicate with the people you live with and set boundaries so you can limit distractions during the workday, then disconnect and give the people your full attention. Having a separate time and space to work will allow you to be more present in your home life.
Build Transitions In and Out of Work
Your morning commute is more important than you think, not only do you get from point A to point B, it gives your brain time to prepare for work. Make sure to carve out equivalent routines to help you ease into your workday. If you listen to books or music on your commute normally, do that at home. An evening commute can help you wind down from a hectic workday and mentally prepare for their evening routine. Give yourself something that signals the end of work and serves as a buffer. Get out of the house/office space. Go for a walk or run, run necessary errands that you wouldn’t do during the work day.
Don’t Get Too Distracted by Outside Stuff
Distraction is a big challenge to people who work from home, especially if you aren’t used to it.
You probably already take a few breaks throughout the day at the office, and that’s fine to do at home, too. Try to avoid using this time for tasks around the house, keep the same focus you would on a break at the office, go for a quick walk, get a snack. Something simple so that when it’s time to get back to work it’s an easy transition.
Make Sure to Socialize
Working from home may cut off a lot of the casual social interactions you’re used to having throughout the day that break up the monotony of work. It’s the small talk and random interactions that make your days feel unique and different. When you work from home, you don’t have that. Combat this by talking with your colleagues or leaders throughout the day through calls, text, Zoom, or however your company communicates. If you usually ask your coworkers about their weekends, keep that up. Those little interactions will go a long way. Everyone is feeling anxious and uncertain right now and suddenly being isolated at home can amplify these feelings. Don’t hesitate to reach out to coworkers to ask how they’re doing.
Hopefully these tips will help make these difficult times a little easier. If not UWM Men’s Shop is open, we are taking extra precautions to keep you safe. Our staff will be wearing face masks as well as disinfecting contact surfaces multiple times a day. So stop by the shop and take a load off. See you soon!!