At this point in the year, most of us (if not all) are more than used to home office. The times so determined and according to projections, it is possible that this will continue to be the case for a while longer.
Opinions are divided, many cannot wait to return to the office, move to the physical space to share the day to day with their colleagues, others are comfortable in this new scheme in which they feel safe, productive and happy.
Whatever your point of view, the world agrees that 2020, despite the human and economic losses, will be remembered as the year of trust. The pandemic made us come closer in the distance, making situations such as children being part of their parents' virtual meetings no longer reprehensible, or that we become interested in how the people with whom we work are navigating the situation.
We trust by showing ourselves vulnerable, by sharing our homes through video calls, by putting results before hours worked, by letting employees be responsible without monitoring them for 8 hours per day, by working under the same conditions, whether we are alone or accompanied.
In addition to that trust, patience and flexibility are added because, although virtual times are immediate, they also have delays, because health is above all else and people are prioritizing it. The pandemic is new for everyone and that is why it is key to understand and support each other.
The truth is that while we are in home office we must stay productive, read these tips to work at home and ensure a good home space or small office:
- Honor your space: no eating lunch or having the TV in front of your desk; make your workplace just that, a place to accomplish your work tasks. And although you can vary from time to time and "move" to other spaces in the house, it is advisable to maintain it. In the same way, adapt it with the necessary accessories for home office that avoid distracting you or procrastinating by getting up to “look for a pencil sharpener”.
- Say no to pajamas: As tempting as it may seem to work in your warmest pajamas, it is best to dress completely and comfortably. If you want some recommendations for home office fashion, read here.
- Respect your schedules: being in home office can be a double-edged sword because by saving travel time, we can fall into the trap of working more than normal hours. The important thing here is to separate these times with those of leisure, food, physical activity and entertainment.
- If you live with your family or with other people, agree with them times when you are not available.
- Organize your time: whether you follow the pomodoro method, the classic “to do list“ or are guided by your virtual calendars, it is essential that you mark meeting times very well, fulfillment of tasks, time to exercise, eat, etc.
It is also advisable to do one task at a time and take small pauses until it is finished.
Get out of your house: do it with caution, walk, go around the block, take your pet out or run your errands at least once a day, this will help clear your mind and avoid sedentary lifestyle.
Also, follow the active breaks that your company is surely giving you, get up, stretch your legs, arms, neck and exercise your eyes by fixing your gaze on a distant point.