Sleep in, drink coffee and start work slowly? Not really the ideal start to a productive working day, as some of you may have already realized. Those who now work from home, but have not yet quite got used to the new freedoms, should want to work in the same rhythm as usual. That means starting work on weekdays on time, taking breaks as usual – and finishing work on time (and really stop working).
Roll out of bed onto the couch and start working? Tempting, but stop! Remember that most of us need the time before work – in the bathroom, at breakfast, on the way to work – to wake up properly and prepare mentally for the day. You can save yourself the commute to and from work, but you should still stay active. Set an alarm that asks you to move every 1-2 hours: Take the stairs instead of the lift to get the mail, water the plants or hang the laundry out to dry instead of just throwing it in the dryer.
Sweatpants at work? Obviously more comfortable! But if you think you can work comfortably at home in a baggy look without losing precious productivity, you are wrong. Various studies have shown that the morning routine of showering, doing your hair, applying make-up and getting dressed appropriately has a greater positive effect on productivity than one might think, especially when it comes to convincing customers on the phone – and unfortunately this also applies to the 50/50 rule (What I wear outside the screen interests no one).
Keeping family, leisure time and work apart now is no easy task. In order to be able to work undisturbed, it is important to define the workplace. Find a quiet place to do this. It is best to put away everything that could disturb or distract you at your workplace, such as your due bills, because the motto “out of sight, out of mind” applies here. Instead, put fresh flowers on the windowsill for an inspiring workplace.
If you want to get through the day productively, you should take breaks in between, as these are important to recharge your batteries. In the Home Office, it can easily happen that you forget to take a break because the usual coffee breaks with colleagues or lunch in the sun can’t take place. Set an alarm, for example, which regularly reminds you to take a deep breath. Also make sure that you consciously enjoy your breaks by leaving your workplace and not thinking about work. For example, you can get up, get some exercise or sit on the balcony in the spring sun and sip coffee.
Bonus: Home office breaks are also ideal for doing small everyday household chores, such as hanging laundry, taking out the garbage or cleaning out the dishwasher. Not only will you get your circulation going, but you will also gain valuable free time in the evening.
Even if you consider all the tips and apply them accordingly, it still depends on the attitude. In the end, home office is the same as when you go to work in the office, just from home. Therefore, the day in the home office should be planned and implemented exactly the same way as at work in the office, namely:
