How to Work From Home (WFH). Better.

Here are some common challenges faced by work from homers and some things that may help you be happier and more productive at home.

I started my work from home (WFH) journey years before COVID when I started my business Davis Consulting Management Group. Never having done WFH before, I was a little nervous and polled some of my friends that had more experience at it than I did. Now I have years of experience working at home, on the road as well as at the jobsite.

Getting started in the morning

For many folks getting started in the morning is tough. Having a slow morning and getting sucked into watching television instead of getting to your desk can be tempting. Early in my WFH career I made some rules for myself.

1. Don't turn the TV on in the morning. You won't be sucked into streaming your favorite sitcom if you never start.
2. Make a butt in seat (BIS) rule. I made a rule that I had to be BIS by 7am every day. I could either get up early and do whatever I want until 7, or I could sleep until 6:45, get up, make coffee and shuffle to my desk in my robe and slippers. I really love the short commute :).

Having a good workspace

I have always had an office area in my house, way before I started WFH. I know many people that still work from their couch or coffee table even years into this. If you are able to carve out even a tiny space for your work area that you can leave your laptop, mouse and monitor set up you will be more productive. If you live in a small space this can be very challenging. When I was working from my condo, my workspace was in my bedroom on my dresser next to the TV.

Less than ideal but I could not fit a desk in anywhere in my tiny space. When I travel and stay with family I am always set up in a non ideal and less productive situation, so while I enjoy the flexibility to work anywhere, I try to limit the time I am in these unproductive spaces that often result in muscle pain from awkward positioning!

If at all possible situate your workstation so that you have natural light and the ability to see outside. For me this is not optional.

Snacking

Oh the snacking. One of the great benefits of being home is spending less on eating out, and if you like to cook like I do, eliminating the time required for getting ready and a commute gives me extra time to get things ready for meals. The downside is the temptation to snack. As I write this there are some chips on my desk, so I continue to battle this one. I allow myself one snack a day. When I am really busy, sometimes I forget all together - bonus!

Exercise

Nothing makes you feel more sluggish and demotivated than standing or sitting in front of a desk all day. I am at my best if I get my exercise done in the morning before I start work. I not only feel more energized and focused, but I don't have the guilt monster sitting on my shoulder all day saying "you still haven't exercised...." I know myself - I am far less likely to work out later in the day than I am in the morning. Don't get me wrong, most mornings I have to talk myself out of the bed and into my workout gear, but I have never regretted it. Since I changed my workout regimen to mornings, my BIS rule is later than 7am because my schedule allows it. When I work at a jobsite my workout shifts to 4am - not my favorite.

Schedule work time and breaks

Some people have issues with the expectations of their family when working at home. Their spouse is expecting them to work on housework as if every day were a weekend, the kids want you to pay attention to them or run them all over town during the day. Your scheduled work time is just that, work time. Not time for child care, shopping, mowing the lawn or home repairs. You have the flexibility to do quick tasks like throw in some laundry, take the trash out or pull something out of the freezer, but other than breaks or lunch time stick to your scheduled work time. I find that I am so much more productive at home that I get my work done in far less hours than I would at an office or jobsite. When my husband first retired it was an adaptation for both of us - I was used to a quiet house all to myself while I worked and he wanted to go places and talk to me while I was on calls. After some adjustment and a few discussions we cohabit comfortably in the house during the workday.

Close your door (if you have one to close) and stay focused. It's so nice being done at 2 or 3 pm instead of 5pm! Definitely schedule yourself breaks and meal times. Try to go outside and walk around a bit on breaks.

Get dressed as if you are going to work?

I have seen this advice many times. I personally do not find I need to follow this particular advice, but for some people it is effective. I do get dressed but it's usually workout clothes. If you are on a call with me at 9am, chances are I am sweaty from my workout and in my workout clothes. I can shower at lunch time! I still wear my slippers and sometimes my robe over my clothes in winter. It's cold in my office with all those windows! Side note, I NEVER turn on my camera on webex calls unless it's the first time I am meeting a group of people. For me it is distracting to see myself in a camera during a call and I can't concentrate on the meeting. If you are a camera person I recommend you get dressed at least on top and refrain from the robe :)

Socializing

Many of my friends who were forced to WFH during COVID hated it. Their chief complaint was they missed "being at the office" or interacting with the other people at work. Even those that are not overly social need social interaction.

1. If you are able to go to an office one or two days a week and that is enough for you, great.
2. If you like an office environment sometimes and don't have that option from your company, you can check out co-working spaces or go to a coffee shop or other public place to work
3. Set up in person meet ups with co-workers for lunch, dinner or drinks
4. Attend industry events
5. Schedule outings in the evenings or on weekends with friends

The key is not to neglect your social life just because you are working from home. Too much alone time can lead to depression, over eating, and dissatisfaction with your work and life.

Take care of you and good luck!