The Government expects that those that can, work from home. This can very often not be the perfect set up for some people.
There is, of course, the obvious advantage of not having to commute, and with the latest technology this can mean we have more control over our time. However, it is important for us to monitor our mental health as, put simply, working from home is not for everyone.
There are those among us that working from home puts their mental health at risk, causing feelings of isolation and disconnection. They miss the feedback and encouragement from their colleagues, and this can impact on their productivity.
Also, working remotely can create pressure to appear busy, or be online throughout the working day. This can cause severe stress.
Working from home is new to many so guidance is valuable, and some hints and tips follow:
- Set your parameters and accept that it’s ok to work in the morning and take an hour or so out.
- Set up a work zone or space, try to avoid the bed or sofa.
- Arrange time for ‘self care’ for meditation or exercise.
- Hold a team group call on Skype, Zoom, Facebook messenger etc. for 20 mins each morning at the start of the day.
- Have some down time midday and don’t work after 5.30pm
- Don’t open emails until after midday (except those marked ‘urgent’) giving you time to set everything else up in the morning.
- Ensure you have a reliable messenger to deliver any necessary paperwork, contracts etc.
- Go paperless wherever possible
- Try to arrange to go to the office alone if you need time away from home.
This is for guidance only, take the measures that apply to you wherever possible and add in your own where appropriate.
Here if you need me.
Debra Clover.