Team Top Tips: Working from home
Working remotely is a big change when you’re used to commuting to an office every day. How can you make it work for you? Take a look at our accumulated best practice, taken from staff members that regularly make the most of it.
From setting up a workstation at home, to engaging with your colleagues via a screen and even homeschooling your kids; read on for our team’s top tips for working from home.
Create your dream workspace
from Jonathan McLellan, Digital Consultant
“Take time to set up your new home office. Get creative and consider the following:
- Backdrop: If you’re likely to be on a lot of video calls, remember that people won’t just see you, but also what’s behind you.
- Ambience: Find music that gets you focused, but avoid loud background noises while you’re on a call.
- Ergonomics: don’t try to spend your entire day working from the sofa.“
Make a schedule - and not just for yourself
From Jessica Dearlove, Senior Project Manager
“If you have a child; make a schedule and create a little space for them that is just theirs for working. You’re not the only one that needs a home office!
Make sure playtime and breaks don’t fall short. If your kids are old enough, maybe just set them a number of tasks and let them manage their own time.”
Sit up tall
from Laura Scherf, Marketing Strategist
“Not everyone has an office chair at home, or even a desk at the right height. With an extended period of ‘home office’ time ahead of us, remember to be kind to your body.
Stay ahead of the game, don’t lounge on your sofa until your neck gets stiff. Seek the most ergonomic work setup possible, stretch and change position every once in a while. A few 5-minute yoga sessions throughout the day can make all the difference!”
Don’t be too hard on yourself
from Dominic Watson, Chief Technical Officer
“You’re not a teacher, and nobody should expect you to become one overnight. Chances are, you’re a working parent and you now have to balance your time between your job, childcare and homeschooling.
Enjoy the extra time you get with your family and don’t get stressed over doing everything perfectly.”
Stick with your routines
from Jon Small, Head of Operations
"Separate work and home as best you can. Don't allow yourself to get lazy lounging around - setting up a specific workspace is vital.
I’m currently trying to benefit from the time saved on commuting - I still get up at the usual time, go for a run (if it’s not raining!), shower, and feel like I’ve achieved something before I start my working day.
It can be too easy to continue working for longer than you would in the office but it’s important to switch off. Go for a walk (if you can) or take part in an activity that clearly signifies the end of the working day."
Crank up the communication
from Niall O'Doherty, Technical Services Manager
"Stay in touch! We use Slack (an internal instant messaging app) to keep in touch, and although some people aren't a big fan of ‘slacking’ it really shines during remote working periods.
Crank up the communication and have your ‘water cooler chats’ virtually to make sure the team spirit stays strong."
Avoid isolation: reach out
from Alex Taylor, Marketing Executive
"Stay positive and make the effort to keep your spirits up. Right now, we’re looking at working from home for the next few weeks, and our office is usually quite social, which I’ll definitely miss.
I'll be trying to get as much face-to-face interaction over the coming weeks as possible via Zoom, so we don't lose the social aspect that can really define a company culture. Even if you're self-isolating, don't let yourself get lonely. Reach out for a chat!"
