I’m a bit of an old-hand at “home-working” because of many years spent running my own HR consultancy business and travelling a lot to engage with clients across the country.
In a typical day, desk-time would be very early in the morning before I hit the road, or in the evening when I got back, but great for me to balance caring responsibilities for my elderly mother – daily routines, meals, hospital appointments – which was, and still is, invaluable.
To help those of you still adapting to a new way of working, here are a few of my top tips to help you along the way:
Be disciplined!
In the beginning, it was all a bit of a novelty. But believe me, the lure of daytime TV or Netflix wears off very quickly!
Set a schedule and try to keep to it. I have a to-do list that stretches over five pages, it isn’t just work, it’s a bit of everything. I review it at the end of each day, flagging up what I want to achieve by the end of the following day. At the end of each week, I review how far I’ve come this week and assess my goals for the upcoming week.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) advocates flexible working, but it’s important to recognise the true meaning of ‘working flexibly’ which is working outside of your “normal” (in terms of working hours and location). Working flexibly does not mean working your normal hours and all the other hours in between. It’s easy to lose track of time when working from home but it’s important to take breaks – for a cuppa, meals and fresh air just as you would if you were in an office.
Set boundaries
When I first set up my business one of my neighbours thought that we could be “ladies that lunch” every day of the week. My uncle would “pop in for a cuppa” while out walking the dog. So, it’s important to set boundaries – for yourself and others. We went through a stage of having an ornament in the window if I was working… a bit like Buckingham Palace flying the Royal Standard when HRH is at home!
I’m fortunate that I have a dedicated office in the house. People know that if I’m in that room, I’m working. Not everyone will have this luxury, but I think it’s important that you identify a dedicated workspace rather than a random space on the kitchen table or propped up in bed.
Get dressed
From the very start of my home-working career, I decided that this is an absolute essential! I don’t mean the full-blown suit, shoulder pads and stilettos, just not PJs or your favourite fluffy dressing gown.
My other tip for newbie home-workers – particularly as we find ourselves in lock-down with well stocked kitchens – is to reach for an item of clothing with a fixed waistband now and again… you know what I’m saying?!
Keep in touch
Speaking to each other very regularly for both work and general catch ups is so important for building strong relationships as they help you to identify when a team member is having an ‘off’ day or is really struggling.
As many of you move to join us in what may seem like a strange new world, it’s important to stay in touch and find ways to maintain much-needed contact with the outside world. Technology is great but don’t depend entirely on-screen time with colleagues.
It’s not going to be a way of working that suits everybody, but it’s only temporary, so let’s try and make the most of it. Use the time to develop relationships in different ways and look forward to the party-to-beat-all-parties when we’re finally “let out”!
In the meantime, I make a mean virtual coffee if anyone wants one!