Top Tips For A Seamless Work From Home Experience

*This is a collaborative post on a seamless work from home experience, all thoughts and words are my own

Ever since the pandemic, remote working has become more prevalent, and for many, it’s a new norm. Working from home offers flexibility and for some a better work life balance, but it can offer challenges. The work from home experience isn’t for everyone, some people thrive in an office/ social setting. But for me I work so much better in my own space.

Here are some of my top tips for a seamless and productive work from home experience.

Have a dedicated workspace

This may be very difficult if you live in a smaller space/ a shared home, but having a separate area to work from makes a world of difference.

You’ll want to establish a clear boundary between your personal and professional life. Doing this will help you focus better when you’re working and allow you to switch off outside of working hours. Ideally, set up a quiet area in your home and equip it with everything you need to work.

A good work from home experience needs a good routine

It can be harder to be structured at home without the normal office routines of getting up, getting ready, commuting etc. So set yourself up a consistent routine when you’re at home.

Set a consistent wake up time and a structured morning routine. For me I slowly wake up with either a TV show or a bit of reading and then I will work out before showering and getting ready. A routine is also important for during your workday. Incorporate regular breaks from the screen and have a consistent end time. This will help you prevent burnout and transition between to out of work mode when the day is over.

Set boundaries

This can be both with family or housemates, but also yourself. When working from home it can be easy to get distracted and boundaries can help minimise interruptions.

If you live with other people let them know your work schedule and the importance of a quiet working environment.

These boundaries are also important for yourself. For example when it’s your lunch break move away from your desk and don’t reply to work messages.

Up your work from home experience with the right chair

A chair is one of the most important aspects to your setup as a bad chair can cause pain. Improper posture or sitting in the same position for too long can put a strain on you and lead to all kinds of issues. Before I upgraded my chair I used to get back ache every single day which wasn’t good.

It can be hard to pick home office chairs but make sure you go for something with the right levels of support. And something that can raise you to the right height for your desk. It’s also worth considering ergonomic office chairs as it can make a huge difference to your comfort.

Maintain good levels of communication

Remote work can fee isolating if you’re not engaging with your colleagues. When in the office you’re naturally social and interact with people regularly. So don’t let this drop off just because you’re at home. Although this will depend on the kind of job you do. Schedule regular check-ins and team meetings to stay connected.

There may be little questions you’d just lean over and ask someone in person, but don’t want to do virtually. But maximise your work mandated chat function and ask the questions.

Your work from home experience requires you to be able to switch off

Sometimes it can be hard to switch off when you’re working from home. The temptation to answer messages during your lunch break or work a little later to finish something up.

Yes there will probably be occasions where you need to do this, but learn to switch off when work ends. Set clear boundaries on your working hours and move away when your day is over. This will help you recharge and separate out your life for a better work life balance.

Prioritise your health and wellness

Chances are when you work from home you’re moving even less. You don’t have the movement of a commute or walking round the office facilities. And it can be hard to forget about your physical health.

Make time for exercise during your day. This could be a morning workout routine, or a short walk during your lunch break. Or perhaps some light stretches during the day.

Staying hydrated and eating well will also help your mental clarity.

Do you work from home? If so. what’s your work from home experience like?