Go the (social) distance.
We’re all just doing our best to establish a sense of normalcy amid this craziness, no? As the COVID-19 outbreak progresses on our home turf, more and more companies are rightfully directing employees to work from home. But for those unaccustomed to zero dress code and 24/7 pantry access, working at home can seem like a wrench thrown in your productivity plans. But we’re here to tell you that you can, indeed, get sh!t done. Find SBP’s top four tips and tricks below.
Create a dedicated workspace.
First thing’s first, establish an inspiring, dedicated workspace for yourself. Sure, that’s great if you have a killer home office, complete with lots of natural light and minimal distractions (and if you’re in the market for one, you’ve come to the right people). But if not? Find a space that mentally prepares you for work mode—whether it’s a quiet, secluded room or a desk set up in the corner of your living space. Just avoid migrating to the couch because, well, we all know how that turns out.
Establish a routine.
Whatever your usual work hours are, stick to them. It’s easy to get distracted by the kiddos running around, the laundry that’s piling up or the black hole that is reality television. Alternatively, when you make yourself too available to your colleagues and clients, it’s easy to end up working around the clock. So, whatever you do, stay on track with your normal schedule. And don’t forget to get up and clear your head every so often. Replace your morning commute with a long run, bring your pup on an afternoon walk or check out our three favorite ways to jumpstart your health at home. It’s all about staying sane, folks.
Dress the part.
Ah, the tip you most definitely didn’t want from us. Hear us out, though. We’re not saying you should be dressing up in a suit and tie at home (that would be insanity). But wearing the same sweatsuit for days on end won’t be great for your productivity (or dignity, really). Go ahead and indulge in a cozy outfit every once in a while, but otherwise stick to jeans and a comfortable tee so you’re not tempted to take a nap mid-day. There’s just something about dressing the part that makes you feel ready to tackle it all.
Get social (from a distance).
Working from home can certainly feel isolating at times, so do your best to stay connected with your colleagues. Whether you hop on a phone call or hold meetings over Zoom, it’s important to remain in the loop and not totally fall off the grid. No one should feel lonely during this undoubtedly trying time—we’re all in this together. Plus, video chatting with your coworkers might just convince you to put some pants on!
We can do this, right? Take advantage of your time at home to get sh!t done while focusing on you. Relax and reset. Reconnect with your family, your friends, your community. Eat well. Work out. Get ahead with your work. We’re also making ourselves readily available to chat, so shoot us an email at [email protected] and let’s stay connected.