By Naomi Newton
As many of us are still in the process of determining what a Hybrid model will look like, we’ve put together some WFH Tips &Tricks to optimize productivity and avoid burnout.
• Define your workspace. This involves setting up an office in-home that is comfortable for you. Perhaps it’s by a window, in a quiet well-lit area, or in a strategic area that is conducive for concentrating. Not all of us have a separate dedicated space for our home office so we might take over the kitchen bar or dining table or a spot in the bedroom for our temporary office which later is to be converted back to personal living space at the end of the day. If this is the case, it’s recommended to set up something symbolic that defines your work space and work hours. In my case, it’s a neon “Hustle” sign turned on when it’s show time and turned off when it’s time to ‘leave’ the office.
• Setting boundaries. This is an extremely difficult subject as we have an extremely dedicated team, and with international clients, time zones can easily have us working into the evening or even on the weekends if a crisis comes up or for a new business pitch. It feels like we are living in a 24/7 work mode, and this can lead to burnout. It’s important to set limits, and if for example, you need to join a Spaces session in the evening for a client, take a morning/afternoon off the following week. If a client emails you at midnight, do not feel the need to respond right away because it sets a precedent that’s later difficult to change.
• Focus. Too many WhatsApp chats can be extremely distracting. Try to only join groups that are necessary and establish comms rules within the chat to avoid needless chatter. Also, take some time out to silence the chats if you need to concentrate on something specific, advising the team you are going offline and to call you if it’s an emergency.
• Breaks. Our brains can only concentrate for so long. So it’s important to take small breaks in the morning, a lunch break, and again, small breaks in the afternoon. Leave your computer and take a walk for some Vitamin D or go for a quick run. This will help you recharge and work more efficiently throughout the day.
• Go ‘Old School’. Now that we are only connecting digitally and with the advent of video calls and late night Spaces, we are spending much more time in front of our screens these days which adds to fatigue. Go offline when you can and consider writing down your ideas with pen and paper, away from a screen. On your downtime, consider printed reading material…perhaps the old fashioned newspaper or magazine.
• Vacation Time. Don’t forget to use your vacation time. We all need to take breaks from work to recharge and for our own personal well-being and growth. Even if it’s a day off from time to time. Change the scenery. Go volunteer or visit a relative. Hit the beach. Carving out time for yourself is a must.
• Sweat. Now that commuting is a thing of the past, establish a regular exercise routine that will increase your endorphins and sense of accomplishment/well-being. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat a nutritionally balanced diet that will provide you with the proper vitamins and minerals you need to concentrate. Coffee alone won’t do it (believe me I’ve tried). Take care of yourself!
• Don’t sweat…the small stuff. Worrying about what the future holds given these uncertain times is common and takes us away from being in the present. Meditation for just 10 minutes a day can significantly help. Also, writing down what you are grateful for every day (gratitude practice) can help raise your serotonin and dopamine levels, reduce your anxiety, and give you the positive mindset you need to make today a fantastic day!