Tips to get used to working from home

[C1239]

I do a mix of office and home working but the majority of my week is at home. For those that have done it for a while I was just wondering if you have any tips on how to enjoy it and keep motivated etc? And on the odd day you do go into the office do you feel a bit out of sync?!

Have you got a dedicated "office" space?

I get up and get dressed and do my make up as if I was going to work. Slightly more casual but I do kind of "pretend" I'm going to work in my head at least.

Also do virtual coffee and lunch with colleagues.

Agree with dedicated office space
Structure your day too and make sure you take regular breaks.
I try and get out for a walk at lunchtime at least so I’m not sat staring a screen all day

Get set up at home, decent chair, good light, no distractions, radio on low, warm enough (even if this involves sitting in a sleeping bag).
Make sure your pc is set for video calls if you are doing these. Think about a tidy non-controversial background.
Set your hours in your head. I work from 8-12.30 and 1.30 - 5.15.
Always take a lunch break. Get some fresh air if you need it. I normally put supper in the slow cooker at lunchtime & then eat a sandwich/coffee.
Structure helps. 😊

I find I need a bit more colour on a video call, so more lippy.

Not sure what you want to know if you are being unreasonable about, or not ?

Agree with others it helps if you have a dedicated workspace rather than working on the kitchen table - but not sure if that is a 'tip', as if you don't have that sort of dedicated space in your house, then it isn't easy to create it.

A designated work space is a must for me. I don’t personally dress for the office (gym clothes for me!) I do however make an effort to get up early and ensure little house work jobs are done (for me this is washing out to dry, bed made and kitchen clean and tidy). I walk the kids to school and crack straight on when I get back in.

gym at 6am
Start work at 7.30am
Coffee break 11am
Lunch 12.30 - 1
Finish at 4pm
Computer off, door closed
Collect child from afterschool

We have a virtual “drop-in” session once a week which is just for chatting, which I find really helps. I also find it helps to take full advantage of WFH - don’t always blow-dry my hair, pop down the shop at 10am / 3pm if I fancy it, sometimes take a short lunch so I can finish early, sometimes start late if I’m feeling lazy and the work through lunch (not all jobs would allow for this of course)

I go for a coffee every morning before work, so I’ve at least had some fresh air. And yes to strict hours.

Dedicated workspace and 'work' clothes (hair/makeup if you are so inclined)
However my 'work' clothes are just old jogging bottoms with comfy longsleeve tops. Just to avoid sitting in my pajamas.
Dont feel guilt about getting up for cups of tea.
Eat lunch away from your desk.

Keep a routine. I haven't much to add because this is a bit like asking tips to get used to having your own personal driver or chef In other words WFH is genuinely one of the best things that ever has happened in my life and I am not being even slightly hyperbolic.

I agree with a PP, WFH is the best thing ever for me and my life is so much less stressful now, it has changed my life.

I would suggest having a dedicated working space. Mine is at a desk in my Living Room but at the weekends I put a huge photo frame over the monitor and tidy away the laptop/paperwork so it can't be seen.

Make the most of your lunchtimes, either decide to go for a walk, cook, tidy somewhere or sit down and do something you enjoy. Yesterday I had a relaxing bath in the middle of the day - it was wonderful, no children interrupting me every few minutes.

I get cold working from home and can highly recommend putting a hot water on your feet and wrap them in a fleece blanket. A blanket over the lap is very cosy too.

Agree that a routine helps.

I don't bother with make up or fancy hairdos wfh or in the office. Consider the hour saved by not commuting belongs to me rather than work, so use it for exercise or me time generally.

Dedicated work space, really good WiFi internet and big external screen essential.

I have a separate set of kit for going into the office, including headphones, reusable cup all kept in my bag ready to go, so the only change I need to make is to pick up my laptop and go. The first few times, I kept forgetting something , on one occasion memorably my pass so I had to go all the way home.

Good advice from work had been to make some arrangement other than work with someone at work, lunch, coffee, a walk , visit the gym etc to add value to the day in the office. I avoid the office on days with big deadlines so I have some flexibility to catch up with people.