The term ‘working from home’ caught on so quickly and is now somewhat of a global phenomenon.  For some it is a dream come true.  For some it is taking little adjustment. For most, it’s a huge disruption.

In reality employees have been forced to leave their purpose-built workspaces, the comforts of routine and the shared workday experience to be confined to their homes in a time of crisis where they are now ‘trying to work’.

This collective crisis has pushed us physically apart but requires us to be more socially connected than ever before.  Here are some tips on how to adjust to the new norm for the weeks and months ahead.

8 TIPS FOR ADJUSTING TO WORKING FROM HOME (WFH)

1.ESTABLISH A WORK ZONE

Designate a workspace and stick to a schedule that allows you to switch on and switch off.  Retail reports suggest a spike in sales of home office furniture and equipment as the nation prepared for lockdown.  If you were lucky enough to grab one of the last small desks available from Ikea or Officeworks, you may already be plugged into your dedicated zone.  For others it means occupying the dining table or a makeshift space.  Either way, it is important to establish clear lines between work and pleasure.   Know when to call it a day and physically step away into relaxation, family or just ‘me’ time.

2. BE DISCIPLINED

While you might be opting out of video for your conference meetings, there’s no excuse for not getting ready for your day as you would in your usual routine.  Lounge wear might be the accepted new ‘wfh’ dress code but getting showered and dressed helps us shift gears into a different mindset.  If you look the part, you will feel the part.

3. KEEP MOVING

Consider how much you would move around on a regular day from your commute, to walking between meetings, grabbing a coffee or just hopping over to chat with someone.  Being confined at home makes it so much harder to keep moving. Find ways to take regular breaks away from your workspace.  Physically step away to change your outlook even if it’s only to the kitchen or patio. If it’s possible, go for regular quick walks to shift stagnated energy.

Chiropractor, Dr Izzy of BRAIN TO BODY®, suggests ‘regardless of how good your posture might be, sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time is detrimental to spinal health’.  Take it from someone who’s seen an upsurge in clients in the last 2 weeks with difficulties in adjusting to a new work environment.  

4. HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND

We all know that physical fitness contributes to a strengthened immune system. Now is a good time to cultivate a nourishing work-out routine.  With a plethora of online classes catering to all styles and levels, there really is no excuse.  If you are not inspired by the pre-recorded routines, sign up for interactive classes via Zoom with real time guidance from an instructor. Accessing personalised training from the comfort of your own home has never been easier.

Personal Trainer, John Fell of Rise Fitness and Health has taken to Zoom with Pilates, yoga and even corporate fitness sessions, ‘for people who are feeling isolated, the group classes provide much needed social connection which is just as important for wellbeing as the physical activity itself.’

5. CREATE HOUSE RULES

If your home is a shared space with family or housemates, it’s time to negotiate.  Pre-agree a weekly schedule that includes clear ‘do not disturb’ times to effectively juggle work, childcare, home schooling and other responsibilities.  Create and agree access to ‘disruption free’ zones allowing for privacy and focus.

6. STAY SOCIALLY CONNECTED

Fundamentally, we are social beings.  One of the first things we miss when we leave a shared workplace, is our in-person interactions. Pick up the phone or connect through one of the many videoconferencing apps now available to stay connected more regularly. Initiate a virtual lunch date or Friday drinks and try to keep the conversation upbeat and virus-free! Reach out beyond daily interactions with colleagues to clients, suppliers and partners who may have fallen off your day to day contact list for the time being.  Remember, we’re in this together.  Initiate a virtual lunch date or Friday drinks and try to keep the conversation upbeat and virus-free!

7. CULTIVATE COMPASSION

These times call for compassion. Be kind, both to yourself and to others.  Each person will develop their own coping mechanisms and respond to pressures differently.  Free yourself and others of judgement.  These times are testing our personal leadership and ability to lead as much from the heart as the mind to influence and support others positively.

8. FIND ACCEPTANCE

The good news is that there’s less disruption when working from home which allows for more focus.  That said, not every day will be productive and that’s okay.  Accept that each day will be different.  Every one of us is navigating unprecedented change – there is no rule book for this one.

If you or one of your team members is finding it exceptionally difficult to navigate uncertainty, reach out for a discussion.  As a Neuro Leadership certified Coach, I am well positioned to support you during these extraordinary times. 

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