Working from home become increasingly popular in the last thirty years as electronic communications evolved to make them accessible in every home. From fax machines to the arrival of mobile telephones, and then the explosion of the internet, having access to work related issues became easier and speedier.
It was the working from home mandates during the coronavirus years that truly cemented the WFH working from home culture in corporate policy. And while most companies have once again re-opened their bricks and mortar offices, the recognition that WFH, often in a more hybrid format, is a key benefit that widens the pool of talent beyond an initial commutable distance.
While WFH may not be for everyone, maintaining a clear distinction between work and home life is essential for maintaining balance and productivity when working from home. Here are some strategies to help you make this distinction:
Create your office environment
Create a designated area in your home specifically for work. Ideally, this should be a separate room or corner where you can set up a desk and comfortable chair. This area should be associated solely with work activities. Kit it out with office type accessories, such as mobile glass wipe boards that can be tucked away at the end of the day to mark the end of your working day.
Stick to your 9-5
Going into an office every day becomes part of a routine that allows you to switch your mindset from ‘working’ to ‘relaxing’. It is crucial when WFH to establish a similar routine so that your mindset can follow the same groove. Set regular work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Start and end your workday at consistent times, just as you would if you were going to an office. Relish the fact that you can still put in a good day’s work without the stress of a time consuming commute into the office.
Within this routine it will probably help to create a number of rituals to help you get through the day. Simply walking round the block with the dog, or doing a coffee run will help to keep you active, see a bit of the world, and take a break from staring at a screen for hours on end.
Dress for success
Remember the old gag about the news readers who are smartly attired with a jacket and tie, but on their bottom half they are more comfortably kitted out in joggers, or pyjamas.
Tempting though it is to follow suit, it is important to note that what you wear can have an impact on your working performance. While you don’t need to wear formal office attire, changing out of your pajamas and into casual work clothes can help shift your mindset from relaxation mode to work mode.
Keep family at bay
Set boundaries when it comes to having family and friends in the vicinity. You may be physically close by, but you are still obligated to your work, and can’t just slip out for a sneaky coffee morning or trip to the park. Clearly communicate your work hours and boundaries with household members or roommates, so they know when you’re unavailable for non-emergency interruptions. Don’t forget, you’re probably gaining two hours a day by not having to commute into the office every day.
Avoid overworking
In the same way that you set boundaries with your family, you need to establish similar boundaries with your employer. Just because your office is at home, does not mean that you should be expected to sit at your PC beyond your expected hours.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a healthy separation between your work and home life while working from home, leading to increased productivity, improved well-being, and a better work-life balance.