In these unprecedented times we are all being asked to change our daily habits. Like so many companies, here at ASL Global the majority of our teams are now home-based, probably for quite some time to come. Some of us have never worked from home before, or perhaps just one day per week, so we need to give ourselves time to adjust to the new conditions.
I've predominately worked from home for the past 10 years, so the new situation is not so strange for me, apart from now having the whole family keeping me company 24/7... There are some distinct advantages to being home-based - no commute, less interruptions, etc. You just need to be disciplined and make an effort to stay connected to your team.
It's important to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally during this difficult time, so here's my tips which may help to make the adjustment to working full-time at home a little easier:
- Routine - Start and close your day with a routine. Get dressed, have coffee or tea, make a to-do list. It's important to set boundaries for yourself and to follow a schedule, similar to your normal one but without losing time on commuting to work.
- Workstation - You may not have the perfect work place or equipment, but find a solution that works for you (a comfortable/supportive chair, try a standing desk etc.). Don't forget to get up regularly (every 30 minutes) to stretch.
- Work Environment - Find an area that is quiet (as much as possible) with plenty of natural light. Make sure the air circulates in that area. Having a plant, or even a garden, nearby really helps. For those of us working in the same room or close by family, I would suggest that you embrace your new colleagues and work with them on making the ‘office’ feel good for everyone.
- Regular Breaks & Exercise - You should try to move every 30 minutes or so. It helps with the blood circulation and provides oxygen to the brain. Get up, walk, stretch or if you can, walk up and down some stairs. There are several apps that can be used to set reminders for these breaks. Drinking plenty of water should also be in your schedule.
- Minimise Distraction - It’s quite difficult to stay in focused when there are a lot of things going on around you. Since a lot of us have to share our home workstations try putting your phone in another room (if you don’t really need it for work). It will help you stay focused while respecting your home co-workers.
- Socialisation - Staying focused & productive while working from home often requires us to be away from distracting technology. But it is still important to socialise. Use the technology available (Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp etc.) to keep in touch with family and friend. Of course, regular contact with colleagues throughout the day can help too.
- Food & drink - It might not seem like a big deal but what we eat and drink does affect productivity and mental health. Try eating more healthy snacks, as you may still need a boost but with lower physical activity you do not need all the calories. Avoid having too much caffeine or sugar and don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
- Communicate - The current situation is, to say the least, strange for us all. We are all affected by the changes imposed on us to help fight the virus. I encourage you to reach out to colleagues at this time. Communication doesn’t always have to be too task focused, ask them how they are doing and what the situation is with them. Sharing our experiences will help us to stay focused as a team.
At ASL Global we're lucky to have a strong 'family' culture, despite having teams spread across 36 countries worldwide. This extended family provides a supportive environment as we all adjust to this new way of working. There is a real sense of a shared experience; every one of us is going through these changes and we are all doing the best we can.
My final advice about working from home? Appreciate the positives (more time with family, flexibility, no commuting, etc), structure your day and keep reaching out to your colleagues, wherever in the world they may be.
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