Feature
Creative Industries
Working from home
effectively
When the UK first went into lockdown in March 2020, thousands of employees suddenly found themselves working from home, many for the first time in their careers. One year on and, while many businesses have been able to re-introduce employees to the workplace, countless are still working from a ‘temporary’ set-up on sofas and dining tables across the land. Some of the biggest complaints about working from home include loneliness, lack of organisation and distractions, especially for those working in the same room as their TV. Additionally, it can be even harder to switch off and relax when your living room is also your office. Chamberlink explores some creative on how to stay motivated when working from home.
Stick to a routine – now that you’ve said goodbye to the commute, it might be tempting to stay in bed until the last possible minute before starting your workday. However, a good routine will help you stay focused and organised. Try to get up at the same time every day as
you would if you were heading into the office and avoid allowing yourself to get distracted by chores, TV, or non-work related phone calls. Make sure those you share your home with are
aware of your working hours so they know when you are and aren’t available.
Set up designated workspace – it is important to keep your home and your job as separate as possible, so confine your workspace to a specific area in your home. This way, your work won’t intrude into your life and the lives of those you live with – and will also stop your family and friends from intruding on your work. Working in the same place every day will help you stay focused; it’s a good idea to make this
50 CHAMBERLINK March 2021
area as distraction-free as possible, though studies have shown that gentle background noise (such as music) can help improve concentration. Keep your work area tidy and organised, and add a few plants to help lift your mood.
‘Working in the same place every day will help you stay focused’
Set boundaries – while overtime is, on occasion, inevitable, it is important that you’re able to properly switch off once the working day is done, otherwise it could have a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Try to maintain the same working hours that you would have if you were in the workplace and, once your shift is over, turn off or put away your devices. No matter how convenient it now is to
constantly check your emails, keeping work out of mind during your down time will help you
relax and achieve a positive work/life balance.
Foster communication – if you’re struggling with loneliness, demotivation or stress, it’s important that you reach out to your colleagues or supervisors and ask for more support. The Covid-19 situation is constantly changing
and so it’s a given that your needs, stress levels and coping strategies will be constantly changing too. Remember that working from home isn’t an ‘easy’ option, and it comes with just as many challenges as faced by those able to travel into the workplace.
Don’t let cabin fever set in – living and working in the same environment can cause a lot of frustration, especially while in lockdown. Schedule regular breaks away from your
workspace. This doesn’t mean simply moving from your desk to the sofa however – try to get some fresh air everyday on your lunch break to help boost your focus and improve circulation.
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