5 Tips For Remote Working – Guest Blog

It seems daunting, but remote working isn’t something to be scared about folks. For one the commute to the new office is a breeze, and there’s a great coffee place on-site, but it isn’t all iced lattes and pj’s, it can cause some serious mental fatigue.

We all have a new routine. And that isn’t easy. We have to be more diligent with our time and tasks, all while throwing a ball to the dog or balancing a screaming toddler on your hip. Or even maybe just working at home with your partner is proving a challenge. We aren’t used to being home up all day with the people we live with. Which is why we here to help. We have teamed up with a favorite local business of ours, Business Fives to give you some tips on how to survive working remotely.

Remote Working Isn’t All Bad…

Remote working looks certain to be the new normal to some degree with staff across the country proving they can maintain productivity and in some cases enjoy higher efficiency from working from home, whilst being trustworthy.

A huge consideration for responsible employers through the mass adoption of remote working is maintaining mental health amongst colleagues whilst working from home. 

We have outlined 4 useful tips you can share to promote positive mental wellbeing while working remotely.

Flexible Routine

Having a routine is important when it comes to the working week. The mass migration to remote working has thrown routines off track and some employees may struggle with the adjustment. Building a routine for your working hours can lead to more focus and increase productivity.  Some employees prefer a flexible routine. And it’s important that all routines allow for flexibility so the needs of household members are accounted for. 

It is not always possible to segregate family time and work time whilst remote working. Awareness of this can improve mental wellbeing. This allows employees to be relaxed about dealing with situations. And know that they will make the time up when they can. 

Establish simple routines such as coffee breaks that you’d normally do in the office. These don’t require much self-control but do help to normalize the working day.  Where possible make dedicated time for work and leisure, realize that sticking to these times is important but allow yourself a degree of flexibility. 

You may want to devise a schedule that has short bursts of focussed work with small breaks at the end.  Having and sticking to set wake up times and building exercise into your daily routine can have huge benefits towards a healthy mind.

Colleague Check-ins 

This can involve check-ins between all members of staff and doesn’t have to be a management-led activity. Encourage employees to schedule a time to talk to each other. This can lead to increased collaboration and innovative ideas through problem-solving. While working remotely we are missing out on those moments of interaction that can inspire innovation in the workplace, so encouraging colleague check-ins can bring back that sense of togetherness and promote collaborative company culture. 

Environment 

The importance of having a comfortable working environment is crucial to getting in the right headspace for work. 

If it’s possible, you can work in a different room than the one you spend your leisure time in. Separating living space from working space is important and can help productivity. Don’t have the option of working in a separate room? Make sure your environment has a proper desk set up. 

Tidying your work away when finished so that it isn’t a reminder of work when you are relaxing is a great tip to use.

Switch Off 

In a world of hyper-connectivity, the temptation to be always switched on by constantly checking emails or opening the laptop to check the progress of ongoing tasks. For a positive mindset, it is important to switch off from work outside working hours. Being constantly available can lead to increased stress levels and create a level of expectancy amongst clients or colleagues that you are available on demand. By switching off you allow your mind to relax. 

By engaging in absorbing activities like experimental cooking, mindfulness meditation activities, sport, or playing with your children or pets after work allows the opportunity to tune out from work-related pressures.

Looking for some more tips? This video covers some handy points to help with remote working…

For further information on maintaining mental wellbeing and mindfullness visit MindPanda here.