With recent developments in COVID-19, the number of people working from home has increased drastically. As not everyone is well-experienced in working from home and especially for long periods of time, we put out a tweet asking for people’s Top Tips on working from home.
As more and more people start working at home because of the #coronavirus, we wondered what is everyone’s top tips for working from home are? As for many this is going to be a new experience#MidlandsHour #stayhomechallenge
— #MidlandsHour (@MidlandsHour) March 17, 2020
We’ve rounded up our favourites into this blog. Many thanks to everyone for your great suggestions and let’s support each other during this uncertain time.
Having some background sound is important – music, radio, whatever. Make sure you get up and stretch regularly. Don't try to work from the sofa or your bed! Make sure you stop when you should. Keep the time you would have spent travelling for yourself – do something fun with it.
— Dave Field | Morocco Dave (@morocco_dave) March 17, 2020
Thanks @morocco_dave definitely important to retain a good posture and body movement – try setting up your office at your kitchen/dining table if you don’t have the luxury of a home office!
Keep in contact with colleagues through messager (Skype, Teams etc) or WhatsApp so you don't feel isolated. Have a clear workspace. Keep your shoes on so you're not tempted to lie about.
— Miriam Kumari (@MiriamKumari) March 17, 2020
Great advice @MiriamKumari working form home can be lonely, many of us are used to regular interaction with colleagues and peers in the working environment. Keeping that contact digitally or over the phone will be important not only for your work but also for the regular daily conversations we are used to.
Try and get up at the usual time, limit yourself to 3 meals a day (I never follow my own advice on this one 😂), retain as much structure and routine as you can, be in as much contact with other people as possible
— Wal*tron9000 (@sarahwaltron) March 17, 2020
Ahh routine and structure! It’s important for productivity to try and follow our usual routines in our new working environments, thanks for bringing that up @sarahwaltron
Natural light and plenty of tea 😊🙏🏼 @MidlandsHour #stayhomechallenge #craft #Mindfulness
— Mindful Crafts (@mindfulcrafts) March 17, 2020
Thank you for this great advice @mindfulcrafts, there have been numerous studies about how lighting effects our wellbeing. It can be easy to stay in your home and not see daylight, so throw open those curtains and, if you have a garden, try and get out and about in it. It’s amazing what fresh air can do to get those creative juices flowing.
Stay away from the TV! Stick to music, radio, podcasts etc.
— James Sale (@JamesSaleCI) March 17, 2020
Stay away from the fridge! – So easy to just keep snacking!
Be honest with yourself, would you have put more effort in while at the office?
Great tips here from @JamesSaleCI, TV could prove to be a distraction but music can improve productivity and help break the mundane silence. Very important advice on snacking as well! If you’re struggling with knowing there’s yummy snacks in the kitchen try to adapt your weekly shop to include healthier options such as fruit and nuts.
Missing your regular business networking events? Make sure you check-in to #MidlandsHour on Twitter Wednesdays 8pm – 9pm.