Over the past month, I’ve had several conversations with friends and colleagues alike, struggling to cope with the transition of working from home. I thought I’d use the next few weeks to share what I hope is helpful information to help anyone who might be struggling too. Look out for posts related to time management, dealing with distractions,  working with children, staying connected,  etc. If you have additional insights, please leave a comment below, or share this post with anyone who will find it helpful.

So, you are forced to work from home due to the global coronavirus crisis? The initial joy of being able to work from home can be quickly replaced by worry, a lack of motivation, and never-ending distractions. How on earth do you get things done when there are so many distractions? Working from home has both benefits and challenges. Below you will discover some useful tips you can follow when it comes to transitioning to working from home.

Set up a quiet working space
With all of the distractions at home, it can be really hard to concentrate on work. This is especially true if you have kids. So, if you want to ensure you can get things done in peace, it’s worth setting up a quiet working space. Try and use a room that isn’t frequently used during the day. Place a sign on the door when you’re trying to work, to let others know not to disturb you. Make sure the workspace is comfortable too as you won’t get a lot done if you aren’t comfortable.

Start as early as possible
One of the main challenges that can come from working from home is delaying the time you usually start. It’s very tempting to have a lie-in and take longer to relax in the morning before starting. However, this only zaps your productivity. If you want to ensure you stay productive, you’ll want to start as early as possible. The positive side to this is that the earlier you start, the earlier you’ll finish.

Set social media limits
You’ll have a lot more time to check in on social media when you haven’t got the boss breathing down your neck. However, it’s easy to waste hours using social media accounts if you aren’t careful. Many home workers find it useful to set limits on their social media use during working hours. It could be simply committing to using it during a specific time for example. Having limits in place makes you more aware of how much you’re using it.

Maintain your usual “get ready” routine
It’s really important to try and maintain your usual routine. This means, getting ready for work in the same way you usually do. So, wake up at the same time, have your usual cup of coffee, and get dressed in your work clothes. It’s amazing how much of a difference this can make to your productivity.

These are just a few tips you can follow when transitioning to working from home. It can be a big adjustment, but there are many helpful tools and tips. Trying to maintain your usual routine, is one of the best things you can do during these challenging times. Next up, setting up the office.

See you in a few days,

Best,
Juan