Tips for working from home
By Admin 2020/10/23
If you’re new to working from home, it may be a big adjustment. These tips can help you set yourself up for success at home as you transition to a new way of working.
Make yourself a workspace
If you don’t have an extra room to use as a home office, it’s still helpful to set up a dedicated workspace. Ask your health and safety officer for ergonomic advice so you’re as comfortable as possible while working. A dedicated workspace will help you set a clear boundary between your work and home.
Get dressed, feel good, stick with routines
While you may not have to dress as formally as you would in the office, continue to get dressed every morning. Getting dressed, rather than staying in pyjamas all day, may help you get in the mindset for being at work. And, you’ll look more professional and prepared on video calls. Check out theseOpens a new website in a new window great tips to staying productive and mentally well while working from home.
Stay in touch with co-workers
We form relationships with our co-workers in so many little ways throughout the day in the office. When you’re at home, you won’t have impromptu conversations in the hall with them, but you can still reach out. Message a co-worker to ask about their weekend or a recent activity. You may even want to schedule a meeting where you and your co-workers can quickly catch up with each other. Use video chats whenever possible so you and your co-workers can see each other’s faces.
Set clear boundaries between work and home
While it’s not always possible to avoid staying connected with work afterhours or on weekends, try to do so only when necessary. Otherwise, resist the temptation to check work-related texts and emails afterhours or on your days off. It can be easier when working from home to lose track of time because you lack that visual cue of your co-workers packing up for the evening.
Take breaks
Be sure to step away from your work throughout the day. Go for a walk on your lunch hour or simply make sure to get up to get a drink of water from time to time. When you’re working from home, it can be easy to sneak in some quick exercise breaks.. Why not take the chance to work in 5 to 10 minutes of bodyweight exercises a few times a day? For break ideas at little to no cost, sign up for weekly Take your break emails from Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, compliments of Canada Life.
Manage distractions
Working from home during self-isolation when you have a family means you may have frequent distractions. Watch these videosOpens a new website in a new window from Workplace Strategies for tips including how to stay focused when your workspace is not your own.
For more great tips to practice healthy routines while working remotely, visit: workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/Opens in a new window
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The information provided is based on current laws, regulations and other rules applicable to Canadian residents. It is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date of publication. Rules and their interpretation may change, affecting the accuracy of the information. The information provided is general in nature, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice in any specific situation. For specific situations, advice should be obtained from the appropriate legal, accounting, tax or other professional advisors.