Tips / Tricks for Working At Home During A Pandemic
My entire professional career, I have worked from home. When I first began, I didn't know how I was going to be productive. Many tried to dissuade me from doing it, but I was excited to have my own office in a quiet setting. Although it was an adjustment at first, I don’t think I’d have it any other way. I thrive at working on my own because I feel like I'm more focused on tasks at hand. Of course when I get to work from the 'Mothership' (headquarters of R+R) I love to work with the girls because it makes me feel like I'm part of a team. But for the most part, I'm able to easily stay on task and be productive without what can be, the humdrum of everyday office life.
With a global pandemic at hand, there are so many of you working from home and while that may not be your choice, I wanted to pass on some tips and tricks from our Royal + Reese remote team, to help!
Libby: "I like to wake up a 1-2 hours earlier than when I start work so I can have time to eat breakfast, shower, work out type of thing! I like to try and get (some what) dressed, even if that means just some fresh leggings and a sweatshirt. Just put on some fresh clothes and try to get out of what I slept in. I can’t say I do my make up everyday, but I at least put some clear brow gel on and mascara + skin care. I like to also plan a coffee shop work day one to two times a week to help change my surroundings, and change up my schedule. Another random tip - I have a couple designated work spots in my apartment. So, I can even change up my surroundings within my home if I'm not able to go somewhere
Brittany- "I’m fairly routined with working from home, so I like to get up a couple hours prior to starting at 9:00a. For a successful day, I like to shower and put on some comfy clothes and head downstairs to get my day started. I rarely do my hair and makeup unless I'm doing something after work hours. Breakfast is my most favorite and important meal of the day. I go all out and make eggs or waffles, something filling to start my morning right. I am always seated and ready to start at 9:00a, sharp. I like to be consistent, so I always work in the same spot because that's what works for me. I keep my workspace clean and cozy--sometimes I light a candle and I always play music or a true crime podcast to keep me alert but still relaxed and focused. I think working from home is such a privilege."
Sara: "My top tip and advice working from home is to get your day started an hour or two before so you are ready to work right at 9am. Some things you can do to help, are: clean up your space, workout, shower (or at least get our of your pjs), make breakfast, etc.. These things helps me stay focused and feel energized for the day. For me, it is more overwhelming to jump right into work right when I wake up. Doing things before work makes me feel more productive during my workday!
Tess: "1. Setting a designated work spot, not just the couch or your bed 2. When you hit that 3 o’clock slump, make yourself a snack or another coffee to get you through the day."
Kait: "I always start in the morning with a work out, and giving time to myself before I start work. If I roll out of bed and hop right onto my computer it feels like theres no start and stop to home & work. I try to have a morning routine of working out, breakfast, devotions // prayer first. Halfway through the day I will try to do more physical activity, or change my scenery — like work from the porch for an hour. I find that you take a lot less breaks from a home office because you have no co-workers to distract."
Even though we all work at Royal + Reese, we all have different tips and tricks for being successful while working from home. Some need cozy, cohesive workspaces and others need to mix it up every once in awhile. No way is the wrong way--you just have to find what works best for you and your mood each day. Do you have any tips that you'd like to share?