By Ayobami Jayeoba, Head of Products at jaiye.ng and the Managing Partner at BamBam Automation Limited
It’s September 2020, and we are still trying to figure out the COVID-19 scourge. The world at large is still grappling with the new realities of living through a pandemic. Lock downs are finally being eased, but we are cautiously optimistic. Most Offices all over the world sit eerily quiet; no hustle and bustle, chit chat, or lunch gossips. What was once a perk for a select few has become the new normal for almost everyone. Save for essential workers, we all now work from home.
I understand the transition hasn’t been easy. IT departments now run helter skelter to ensure secure access from countless home networks, while simultaneously upgrading the organisation’s cybersecurity. How else do we ensure confidentiality and ward off malicious elements who have suddenly now have too much time on their hands? Line Managers struggle with how to lead and motivate their team members with echoes of “can you see my screen” all around our makeshift home offices. Employees are also grappling with maintaining focus on work amidst the distractions of laundry, bellowing kids, and barking dogs.
But in the midst of all the chaos, there has been a glimmer of good fortune. People are happy with their newfound flexibility, the extra hour of sleep gained by not commuting to work, the higher productivity gained by avoiding office chitchats, and the ability to finally manage childcare and/or eldercare responsibilities without the feeling of careers been at stake. Companies are also discovering hidden costs that could be saved by reducing office space. Cities are generally seeing cleaner air thanks to fewer cars on the road.
It seems as though we will be stuck at home for a long while, at least, until vaccines becomes readily available. Keeping that in mind, I am here to share some tips for effective remote working and making your home office a bit of fun.
Define your workspace: Set aside a specific space in your house as your workspace. Being at your desk signals to your brain that it’s time to focus, which helps you keep work and personal life distinct. If possible, choose a quiet location away from common areas in your home. Consider noise-canceling headphones to blockout background sounds.
Maintain a Routine: Create and stick to a regular work schedule, even if it is different from your typical 9 to 5. This helps maintain a sense of normalcy and keeps you accountable. To prevent burnout, include break time in your routine, instead of working nonstop.
Embrace Ergonomics: Invest in comfortable chairs, low-emission monitors, and comfortable desks for your workspace. Make necessary lighting adjustments, screen height adjustments, and other customizations to your home office to ensure optimal productivity and avoid neck and back discomfort.
Set Boundaries: Resist the urge to check work emails outside your designated work hours. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and schedule time for exercise. A healthy body leads to a more focused and productive mind.
Dress for Success: Optionally, while comfort is key, consider getting dressed for work, even if it’s in business casual. This can improve your mood, boost your confidence, and mentally prepare you for the workday.
