I write this in a strange time. COVID19 is still at a high, so like many other professionals I’m forced to work from home. While I did this before a few times, I never did it full time. So, here are some tips I have from my experience:
Work station
You work station is very important, since you will be spending all of your hours here:
- If possible, have a workspace that is not in your living room. Having a space where you work separate from where you are living will help you switch off and keep the boundary between work and life clearer.
- Use a decent chair, one that is adjustable in height and has adjustable arm rests. The height of the seat should be such that your legs will be in an 90 degree angle when sitting upright. The height of the armrest should be such that you can rest your elbows on in when sitting upright and letting your upper arms hang straight down and relaxing your shoulders.
- Have a desk at the correct height for you. The correct height is when the arm rests of your chair are the same height as your desk. Also make sure that you have enough room on your desk.
- For any monitor you use (external, or laptop) make sure that the top of the monitor is at eye level. Looking down all day is killing for your neck and shoulders. If you use a laptop, use a laptop standard.
- Use a keyboard and mouse you are comfortable with. Small laptop keyboards and a track pads are a recipe for RSI.
Communication
Communication is more important than ever when not working in the same room.
- When using video/audio conferencing, use a proper microphone or headset. The default microphone of most laptops and cheap in-ear headsets give a lot of noise.
- If possible, use a webcam. Seeing each other makes the communication more personal, and you can use and notice nonverbal communication again.
- Think about how you want to communicate. Asynchronous communication (so via email or messaging) is preferred, because then people can choose when to answer. Plus, their concentration is not broken. Only use synchronous communication (calling, conference) when it’s necessary to have a direct dialog or it is an emergency.
- Take some time between meetings. Having back-to-back meetings all day long is very exhausting, so having a 5-minute break in-between to stretch your legs or get some coffee will charge you up again.
Routine
Having a routine will help you through the day and keep you sane in general. You don’t need the same routine as when working in an office, but try to keep a routine the same every day (otherwise it’s not a routine of course). Some tips to use in your routine:
- Start and end the day at fixed times.
- Take your time for lunch and don’t eat at your desk.
- Get up from your chair once in a while (e.g. every 30 minutes) and walk around the room to stretch your legs.
- Do you miss your commute? Need time to make that context switch between life and work? Take a short walk outside before starting and after ending the day.
Sum up
So, these are some tips you can apply to your new work life. Use what you think works best for you, they are all very personal. Also, remember that you’re not working remote. You are forced to work from home during a global pandemic. You should not be expected to be happy with this or to be as productive as you are in the office.
Stay safe!