With the world struggling to fight back against the Coronavirus –  COVID-19 many of us are looking to work from home to reduce the spread of the disease.

Here at SRGEurope our consultants have been working between home and the office for years so we thought we would put together our top tips on working from home and making it productive.

Keep a morning routine

Just as if you were getting ready for your morning commute, try and take the time to get ready for work. Have a shower and get out of your pyjamas. Although it can be easy to crawl straight out of bed to work try not to get in to this habit.

Choose a dedicated work space

Just because you’re not working at an office doesn’t mean you can’t have a place you call an office. Don’t try and coop yourself up in your room or on the couch, these are spaces that are associated with leisure time. Instead try and dedicate a specific room or surface in your home to work and make sure your work space is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

Use AI

If you have Alexa or a similar device plug it in next to your work space so you can obtain updates, ask questions, play music etc. This will help you feel connected to the outside world.

Take clear breaks in their entirety

It can be so easy to get distracted whilst at home that you avoid breaks altogether. Don’t let the guilt of working in the building you sleep in prevent you from taking time out to relax. Use your breaks to get away from your desk and get some fresh air, whether this is in the back garden, on the balcony or hanging out of your window for 5 minutes.

Interact with other humans

Remember: You’re working from home, not the moon. Interact with your co-workers, send each other pics of your pets or funny quirks you are experiencing whilst working from home. Overall use this time to keep united as a team and focus on the business continuity together.

Also make time for family members that may also be in the house. Children in particular will need reassurance from parents and a little play time in the day during what can be an unsettling time.

Pick a definitive finishing time each day

You might be under the impression that working from home establishes more of a work-life balance, but be careful with that assumption. In lieu of co-workers, who’s packing up and leaving the office reminds you to do the same, set an alarm at the end of the day to indicate your normal work day is coming to an end.

Keep a clean work space

In our present situation, keep a clean and sanitised desk, mouse, keyboard, laptop etc. Wipe down your work space area at the beginning and end of the day. And finally don’t forget those all-important box of tissue so you can Catch It, Kill It and Bin It!!!

Stay safe everyone and we will get through this!