At Rankin, the one thing we know as a commercial law firm without a physical office location with lawyers working remotely, is how to work from home. This post aims to help you make this adjustment that COVID-19 has forced you or your business into taking.
A lot of people are going through the uncomfortable shift to working from home. There are no two ways about it – going to work provides structure, socialising and routine into our daily working lives.
Having worked from home for the last 5 years, I remember the culture shock that hit me when I first suddenly started working from home. Here are some tips I found helpful to successful adapt and actually thrive when working from home:
- Stay happy and connected. Arrange catchups with friends and family on a regular basis via Facetime, Whatsapp or Zoom. Sit down with a cup of coffee or your tipple of choice, as if you were meeting in person. Stay connected. Schedule it.
- Plan your day tomorrow the night before. Create a plan and work through it step by step the following day. One objective at a time to avoid a lack of focus and overwhelm.
- Start your day with a shower and getting dressed. Booking calls via video conference will keep you motivated in this regard.
- Rise at the same time each day. Start by journalling and intention setting for the day to process any counterproductive feelings and stay focused on your goals.
- Have a designated work space in the house. Have a set end time for stopping working each day. Pack it all away at the end of the day and convert your space back into a home relaxation space.
- See the positives where you can. Think, I have this time back now I’m not commuting. Great, I’ll workout or have a Zoom/Skype video session with friends where we all sit down with a cup of coffee or I’ll read to learn a new skill etc.
At the end of the day, structure is the key. Creating your own structure will keep you productive, sane and creating momentum.
Sofia Garcia Ladera, Consultant (Admitted in England and Wales; not admitted in Australia)
