Chesapeake In The Know

If working from home is your new normal, you may find yourself struggling to be as productive as you were in the office. Here are a few tips to keep you on track.

Set a schedule and stick to it but depending on the work you do, this might not be the schedule you’re used to. If you have children at home or a partner who is also working from home, you might need to get creative. For example, wake up early to get some work in before the kids wake up and schedule conference calls during nap time. Be sensitive to your partner’s schedule as much as possible and set clear boundaries for your own needs.

Mirror the set up you have at work as much as possible. Pick a distraction-free spot in the house (aka, somewhere without a TV) and choose a structured chair that forces you to sit up straight (aka, not the couch). If you usually have a water bottle or office supplies within reach, have that at home, too.  And as tempting as it is to stay in your PJs all day, there is a psychological benefit to dressing as you normally would for work.

When you’re done with the day, be done with the day. When work is no longer physically separated from your home, it’s easy for work to seep into all hours of the day and night. This will burn you out. Set clear work hours and stick to them as much as possible.

Be realistic about the expectations you have for yourself, your co-workers, your employees, and your bosses. People at all levels are experiencing stress and fear right now. Now is not the time to expect or demand perfection. It’s a time to be understanding and to support each other however we can.