Working from home – tips and tricks for a smooth transition

Working from home has become a reality for many people over the past two years as organisations and workers struggle against the impacts of Covid-19. However, the transition from an office environment to working from home is not a simple task.

Most people believe they will be more productive and happier when working from home, however, this is not always true. Employees who are working from home must overcome a whole new set of obstacles which can impact their productivity levels, engagement, and mental health.

By using these tips and tricks you can easily overcome the emerging obstacles employees face when transitioning to working from home.

Staying connected with co-workers

While working from home it can be difficult to stay connected with coworkers as you won’t be seeing them everyday anymore. After having worked from home for some time, employees may begin to feel isolated and disconnected from one another. Feeling isolated and disconnected is very common among employees who work from home, therefore its important to be prepared for these types of situations as an employer.

If you are looking for ways to help employees improve their productivity while working from home, you can start by replacing face-to-face communication with virtual alternatives. Microsoft teams and daily check ins are both good alternatives which can help prevent employees from feeling isolated and disconnected while working from home.

It is important to take any opportunity available to reach out to your colleagues, as it can be an indication as to whether someone is struggling.

Being prepared with the correct equipment

To ensure employees are able to hit the ground running when they start working from home, you should verify whether the employee has the required equipment. This includes a designated workspace where there will be minimal interruptions, a chair, desk, and monitors. Furthermore, communication equipment is also an important necessity which includes headphones, a webcam, and a microphone.

By making sure you and your employees are prepared to work from home, you are saving the company time and money, while increasing production and profits.

Establishing a routine

Time management is not a skill that comes naturally to everyone. Some people find that when they work independently from home, the lines between their personal and professional lives start to blur. Therefore, it is important to become familiar with scheduling as it will help keep work and personal matters separate. Having the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance can be made easier by applying schedules to your everyday life. This will help prevent overworking while improving the performance and engagement of employees.

Many people struggle to get into the right mindset when working from home, however small actions and routines can help you transition into your workday. Your capacity to perform your best while at work can be significantly improved by adhering to these simple actions. Depending on what your usual routine is, going for a morning walk, or making a coffee before starting work are two simple actions that can help you get into the right mindset.

Exercise

One of the most crucial things you can do for your health is to exercise regularly. There are many positive outcomes to staying fit and healthy which can unintentionally be averted while you are working from home. One method you can try implementing into your everyday work life is the 5-55 rule. To implement this rule, you will need to spend 5 minutes out of every hour standing up and stretching your legs before continuing your work. This activity can significantly improve your mental wellbeing and physical health.

Depending on the person, working from home can be challenging and create issues which are not easy to handle when you cannot communicate face to face. However, if you are looking to avoid these issues, encouraging your employees to adopt the tips and tricks above can have a positive impact on their wellbeing, physical health, and ability to perform.