“A Stanford University study last year found that the productivity of employees who worked from home was 13% higher than their office-bound colleagues.”

Working from home can be a tricky adjustment. The days when working from home conjured an image of a lazy unwashed employee are rapidly disappearing.  We are now coming to realize that working from home means more work and less downtime. 

We may not have any control at the moment due to the limitations that the Covid 19 virus has imposed upon us but we do have the opportunity to react to it in a positive manner. 

Here are 4 Tips to live-by when working from home; 

1: Have a Morning Routine. 

The morning is your time.  It is the only time of day where you can choose that you are uninterrupted by the outside world.   The way you start the day will dictate how your whole day pans out.  When you start your day with a morning routine you are in fact investing in yourself first.  This investment pays dividends throughout your day and throughout your life. “win the morning, win the day” 

How to start building a positive Morning Routine  – Build your morning routine here! 

2: The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro is a tried and tested time management technique known to help improve your concentration and attention span.   It teaches us to break down tasks into 25min blocks with small breaks at the end of these blocks.  The overall idea being that big projects become less overwhelming and it will train our brain to focus for short periods and stay on top of deadlines. 

The Pomodoro Technique  – Click here to learn how to apply this technique into your workday. 

3: Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries 

Nowadays, technology allows us to lead 24/7 work lives with virtually no boundaries.  Setting healthy boundaries in your work can help you work smarter and become more productive.   Here are some examples of healthy work boundaries;

• Practice saying NO (maybe to taking on that extra project and working on the weekends) 
• Commit fully to after-work activities with family and friends by not continuing to check work emails. 
• Clear Communications: If you don’t want colleagues or clients contacting you at all hours then verbally tell them the hours you are available for work-related conversations. 
• Block out time in your diary where meetings cannot be scheduled and you can get some work done. 
• Take plenty of breaks 

4: Stay Positive & Be Kind 

We are in uncertain times.  It is in these moments of uncertainty that we can find ourselves feeling overly anxious and stressed out.   Figure out what puts you in a positive state and be consistent with that.  For me it’s yoga and meditation. What is it for you?  If you are uncertain then find something, Start experimenting with different online classes, meditations etc… There are so many positive outlets out there that there really is no excuse not to have a go-to. 

It goes without saying that this is a time for Kindness, compassion and openness.  Smile, be friendly and exude positivity.  The real winners will be those who stayed positive in such a negative time. 

Piece by Laura Farrington of Umbrella Wellness. To learn more about how your company and employees can avail of online classes, seminars and workshops please visit www.umbrellawellness.ie and check out their virtual offering.