Home Working or Living at Work?
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
The Covid pandemic dramatically changed how we all lived, and we were all bound by the common experience of life in 2020. We all wore our masks, distanced ourselves in shops, exercised once a day, sanitised our hands, covid tested ourselves and worked from home. In what seems like a blink of an eye, life is back to normal, our daily rituals are no longer, with the only legacy being the continued existence of home working and for many of us this concept seems permanent in nature.
But what has been the impact for us in our daily lives? Are we living at work or working at home? If we think about it, the lines can be blurred; the desk in the kitchen while we are cooking the dinner or laptop in the bedroom next to our beauty regime creams. How does this enhance our home life and work performance and productivity? Maybe for some individuals this has little or no impact but what about those that it does? Can small changes be introduced in a bid to alter the situation by adapting our living space, take away the sharing space idea and invent a separate working environment and headspace.
The questions I have just posed I asked myself and this is what I came up with. I took an understairs cupboard that housed my entire Christmas decoration collection and completely altered the idea of what an understairs cupboard is for. I wont lie, I did feel I was on an episode of changing rooms however the result was a micro-office space that has enhanced my work routine and sense of professionalism.
This mindful working environment has had many benefits, improved productivity, reduced stress levels, and increased job satisfaction. I felt I had created a workspace that supports my mindfulness providing me with a sense of well-being and connection, in addition I have my home back. The mindful working concept I have just emphasised can relate to anyone working from home, regardless how big the house or how small the working area needed. By ensuring we keep the lines of home the two aspects can exist in harmony until such a time when we return to the office.
Top Tips When Home Working.
- Create a dedicated workspace: Set up a space that is specifically for work, ideally a quiet area away from distractions. This will help you get into the work mindset and improve your productivity.
- Stick to a routine: Set a schedule for your workday, and try to stick to it as much as possible. This will help you maintain a sense of structure and routine, which is important for mental health and productivity.
- Take breaks: Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, or do something else that you enjoy. This will help prevent burnout and increase your overall wellbeing.
- Avoid distractions: Try to minimize distractions as much as possible during your workday. This might mean turning off notifications on your phone, closing your email or social media tabs, or using noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise.
- Stay connected: Working from home can be isolating, so it's important to stay connected with colleagues and friends. Make sure to schedule regular check-ins with your team, and take advantage of technology to stay in touch with loved ones.
- .Stay healthy: Make sure to prioritize your physical and mental health while working from home. Take breaks to stretch, exercise regularly, eat nutritious meals, and practice self-care.
Set boundaries: It can be difficult to separate work and personal life when working from home, so it's important to set clear boundaries. Try to establish a routine that helps you switch off from work at the end of the day, and avoid checking emails or doing work outside of designated work hours.