As employers begin taking measures to slow down the spread of Corona Virus, many businesses are reviewing their Work from Home policies, and in many instances, employees being encouraged to work from home.
SWIG Finance’s Business Manager, Clare Lenihan-Thomas, who works from home regularly, shares her best practice when it comes to maximising productivity when working remotely.
Designated Workspace
Creating a designated workspace can go a long way to keeping your workday productive.
At home, it can be easy to blur the lines between work and life. Your remote working routine will not only help you maintain your productivity levels, but it will also help you maintain a work-life balance – something which is seen as the biggest disruptor for home-workers.
Time Management
Plan your time effectively. You’ll find remote working easy if you know what you’ll be doing when you log in. At the end of each day, draft up a new ‘to do’ list, this will help you channel your focus.
Creating a Routine
When you work in an office, the day is filled with routine. Starting with your commute, to scheduled meetings, to breaks and lunchtime, you’ll find that your day (usually!) runs like clockwork.
At home, it can be easy to get distracted. Once you have a routine in place, you’ll find that the distractions reduce.
The holy grail of home-working is that you can create a routine that suits you.
Combating Loneliness
Remote working can be lonely. In the office, how often do you find your co-workers stopping by your desk for a chat, or those quick conversations by the kettle? Or even the big spontaneous group discussions that are inevitable in an open plan office.
Without your team to talk to, you might find yourself feeling isolated.
The good news is that there are several ways you can combat loneliness – call a colleague instead of emailing them, set up a video conference call for your weekly team catch ups. Sometimes even listening to music can help you feel less alone.
Communication
Communication is key when it comes to remote working. There are so many apps out there that can help co-ordinate projects within your team in the absence of face-to-face interaction. Embracing technology is hugely beneficial when it comes to working remotely.
Conclusion
The crucial point for anyone considering remote working on a regular basis is maintaining wellness through work-life balance.
Although it can be easy for the lines to blur when you are working from home, the trick to managing it is simply to put in the effort.
Once you become conscious that your work-life balance is no longer harmonious, you can identify the solutions and put a place a strategy to reinforce the boundaries.
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance provides small business loans to viable SMEs and start-ups in the South West region.
We provide business loans from £500 – £100k to businesses in the South West (and up to £250k to businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly).
We understand that access to finance is one of the biggest barriers facing SMEs and startups today, we take a personal approach to lending to help give you the best chance for success.
Find out more about SWIG Finance here https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/about-us/