Working from home successfully
Boris Johnson has recently announced
that workers should once more work from home if at all possible. Last March, we
featured an article which detailed some contracts which might
help you facilitate working from home successfully.
Since the original lockdown in March we have recently an increase in people who have resumed travelling to the
office whereas the majority have continued to work from home. As a result, more homes than ever are now suitably
equipped to cater for the home office and there has been a
substantial increase in the use of video to communicate with colleagues and customers. As a result, some organisations
have long term plans to scale down their office operations and facilitate the home working model.
This shift in working behaviours has some important
considerations for the health, wealth and mental wellbeing of home workers.
Get your work/life balance
right.
Many individuals were used to working
from home a couple of days each week even before the pandemic, while others had flexible work arrangements and such individuals
had a settled routine.
This has been an ongoing trend
for some time. I have been working from a home office for a few years now
and would agree it has considerably improved my work/life balance. I love the
relaxed environment, lack of commute, home facilities being on tap, and being
able to help with the school run! Sometimes I have outside appointments –
usually in London, but these have been replaced by video calls just as thousands
of others have done.
If you are new to this though –
how has it been? Have you been more productive? Have you been disciplined enough
to manage your duties and workload? Have you been sat outside when it's sunny or
watching the TV?
Have you missed the office
chatter and nipping out for lunch? Have you felt lonely?
If you are self employed have you
got around to sorting out contracts which you might not have
previously considered such as our home office rental agreement?
Establish healthy routines
It is so important to work to
regular hours and take sensible breaks and not become all consumed with work
matters. Consistency comforts individuals and those around the individual
as well. If you have children, it is important that they understand when you
are and are not available for them.
You can increase
productivity and treat yourself to some leisure time. You
can mow the lawn or get the shopping done. You might save money on transport
costs and child minding, so why not treat yourself now and again? You can be as
accessible as you please. If you have been working from home since March, you
will probably have invested in the equipment necessary to fulfil your
requirements.
The new guidelines are expected
to be in force for the next 6 months so if you have not already done so – make your
home office space as comfortable as you can. The next 6 months will obviously
include the forthcoming winter so let’s try to avoid any winter blues.
Ensure you have the right facilities at home
Improve your internet access if
possible – splash out on that comfortable chair that keeps your back straight! Refrain
from working whilst sat on the sofa and take decent and regular breaks.
There is no reason why the lack
of commuting time and increased productivity should not be exploited by you. Go
for walks and call/zoom your friends and colleagues.
We have a host of contracts
which you might find useful in setting up or continuing to maximise the
benefits of a home workplace.
John Davies
22nd September 2020
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If you are considering working from home (yourself or perhaps those working for you), the following agreement templates may be of use:
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