photo by Marco Gattello

We heard about companies switching to full remote working and with COVID was almost inevitable. Working remotely has definitely made an impact in the digital world. Take Zoom for example, with +300 million users it became very popular last year, making the CEO Eric Yuan very happy. Google peaked something out of it and decided to do the same and in April 2020 decided to introduce Google meet for everyone.

Working from home not only changes the way we work but also our daily life. Nobody was ready for this change and surely the impact was unprecedented. As the first person to start remote working at GSG, here are 10 tips I learned that I want to share with you.

Create your routine

Having a good routine will guide you during the day and set the right mindset. Make sure you take multiple breaks and have a nice walk. It could help you clear your thoughts, exercise your body and breathe fresh air.

Start fresh

Have you ever heard the saying: “the good day you see it from the morning”?. Well, it’s true. Take 10 minutes to prepare yourself for your coming day and list the things you would like to accomplish at the end. Order them by importance and start working on the most difficult one.

Keep your desk tidy

Having a clean and organised environment is important not only for your performance but also for your mental health. There are a lot of studies regarding the link between the state of your house and your personalities. At home you are surrounded by distractions and keeping your focus could be a nightmare. One thing that helped me maintain the focus was to have just what I needed on my desk: a pen, block notes/agenda, my laptop and yes, water.

Drink water

Although it might seem obvious, don’t underestimate the importance of being hydrated during the day. When you’re busy you don’t want to interrupt your flow by taking a glass of water in the fridge. Stay hydrated by keeping a big bottle on your desk.

Constant communication

Socialising while at home might sound difficult, but in reality, is easier than you think. Even if you can’t see someone in person doesn’t mean that you can’t socialize. Set a call for a coffee break with your colleagues at least once a week. Not only It will help your mental health but also your professional relationship with your colleagues.

Keep track of your progress

Have you ever had the feeling of not having accomplished enough on your day? Well, is it true? It’s easy to lose track of your progress when you’re busy and forget what you’ve done. That’s why you should write down your progress, helping you feel better.

Split your place into areas

Don’t eat and work in the same place. Try to keep areas separated by your activities. Structuring your place in areas will help you organise your activities and mind. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with your areas, your brain will start to familiarise yourself with the activities associated with them. This will help you have a better organisation and maintain a good mood. Also, try to spend a similar amount of time in each area. In this way, you won’t feel stuck in the same place.

Music

When you’re at home having music in the background could keep you company. I know people that can’t work with it, I’m one of them, but at least once a day having 20 minutes of music will help you keep a good mood.

Prepare the day before

When you start your day you don’t want to spend time organizing your desk or spend time finding your earring phones for your meeting. Create good habits to charge all your devices, clear your desks and prepare your notes the night before.

Conclusion

Those were my 10 tips for working at home. Share them with your friends and colleagues and also feel free to comment or add your suggestions on Twitter. Good luck with your WFH and stay safe!