Tips for Working from Home


Our colleagues have been working from home for a few weeks now and we’ve enjoyed seeing how everyone has adapted to this temporary arrangement. If you still feel that your home office could do with some improvement, below are a few suggestions.

Create an independent workspace
If possible, find a space where you won’t be interrupted, or at least have room to get your daily tasks done. This could be anything from a workstation in a corner (some staff have transformed dining tables and side cabinets into effective desks), to a spare room or loft space transformed into a home office.

Face a window
If you’re able to set your workspace up so that it faces a window, it will bring multiple benefits. First of all, natural light and a nice view are great for your mental health, which will help you to stay cheery during your working day. Also, having the light in front of you means that colleagues can see you more clearly during team calls and virtual cuppa breaks.

Get creative with storage
Files, paperwork and other resources can pile up quickly, making them hard to access. Unless you happen to have a spare filing cabinet at home, it’s time to upcycle items so that they become practical storage solutions. Good examples are cardboard boxes and magazine racks, as well as mugs and even empty and clean food cans for stationery.

Surround yourself with greenery
Adding plants to your workspace can make an enormous difference. Aside from looking attractive, plants and flowers are great for improving your mood and productivity levels. By choosing plants that don’t need watering very often, you can stay away from your workspace during the weekend if you wish. You could also take a look around your garden to see if there are any plants and flowers that can be moved inside.

Stay comfortable
As with your workstation at SGS, your home office should offer everything you need to remain comfortable and ache-free during a day’s work. A key factor to take into account is a chair that’s comfy and allows you to place your feet on the floor, with the top of your computer screen at eye level or a little lower. Your keyboard should also be positioned so that your forearms are parallel with the floor.

Keep in touch with colleagues
As mentioned above, virtual coffee breaks are a great way to relax and catch up with colleagues. By scheduling them in advance, you can be sure that no one’s tasks are being disrupted. Having a quick chat with someone you usually work with can do wonders for your wellbeing, plus you can exchange ideas and have a project catch-up in the process if you like.

Take your usual breaks
Whilst we’re happy for staff to work slightly different hours providing that a full day’s work is completed as usual, establishing a routine will help you to work more effectively. Working from home can actually make it harder to take regular breaks due to you being alone, so make sure that you’re stretching your legs, getting some fresh air and drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

We’d love to hear how you’re making the most of working from home, so if you’d like to share anything please tag us in your pics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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