WFH is a new experience for many employees due to COVID 19.  WFH can be a rewarding and positive experience. It can also be challenging and difficult to not only keep up with your work but to continue creating quality work too.

These five tips should help you establish some ground rules for yourself when working in your environment:

• Be Disciplined – Create a schedule

Working from home means far more distractions and temptations than usual. There is no traffic to beat, no train to catch. It can be extremely easy to get distracted by household chores, family members and a full refrigerator.

Creating a schedule allows you to know exactly what time you should be awake and working, when your breaks are for your coffee etc. and when lunch is. You may think that you are disciplined enough to not need a schedule, but keeping to it keeps your mind sharp and will allow for an easier transition back to normal working life when things return to normal once more.

• Location, Location, Location

Choosing the right place to complete your work is crucial. Work typically has less distractions than home; there is always something that you will find at home to do instead if you are in the wrong location. Do not use your bed as your workspace; make sure you are somewhere quiet, with good lighting if possible and away from any other distractions such as a television.

• Set Priorities

Similar to working life at the office, some tasks are more important than others. Yet without the hierarchical framework of a traditional office, it can be difficult to prioritize tasks and organize your workflow. To-do lists, checklists, etc. are great ways of establishing a list of jobs to complete for the day or for a certain time-frame. Staying in touch with your team or superior is also important. Structuring your day around objectives set by yourself, fellow workers and your boss is crucial to success when working at home.

Just as important is knowing when to stop working for the day. It is dangerously easy to take work home with you when you are working from the kitchen or the living room. Once your allotted work hours are over or your to-do list is complete – stop.

• Select the proper tools

Work from Home means using your furniture or creating your own desk space. You may not have the spinning, comfy office chair at home. But that doesn’t mean you cannot invest in one and any other equipment you may need that will make work-life just that little bit easier. A comfortable chair that allows your eyes to be at the computer screen level is important. You do not want to be slouched over or craning your neck to see your work. Finally, make sure you have the necessary tools and software at home to allow you to do your work. Without WIFI at home, most employees will not be able to accomplish much. Communicating with your work and supervisor often will allow you to keep updated on what software you need.

• Practice Self – Care

Working from home tends to lead to fewer sick days and working through illnesses you normally would take off. Staying in tune with your energy levels and your well-being is of great importance, especially in current circumstances.