5 tips on how to successfully work from home

19 March 2020

Many businesses have started to advise employees to work from home, both in the UK and in Sweden, in line with the governments’ guidance to help reducing the spread of COVID-19. But how do you stay productive while working from home? Here are five tips on how to turn your home into your WFH office.

Get in work mode
Try to stick to your normal routines. Set the alarm, get dressed and have your breakfast, as if you were going to the office. This will help you to get in work mode and focus on getting the job done.

Dedicated work area
Even if it is temporary, a separate work space helps you switch to work mode – and helps you switch back and “close the office door behind you” when you’re done for the day. 

Take regular breaks
Don’t forget to take physical breaks to stretch and move around. Get up from your computer for coffee and lunch to keep those regular breaks you usually would have at the office.

Get connected
Set clear expectations for communication for you and your team, and make a plan for staying in touch with your colleagues regularly. There are a lot of tools out there to use for virtual meetings, such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, Slack and FaceTime. Instead of only using email, don’t forget to pick up the phone once in a while for those quick job-related questions. As a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCC patron Quinyx is providing open access to their communication module and mobile app for any organisation needing to support easy communication between employers and employees.  

Be social and have fun
Try to find ways to interact socially with your colleagues when working from home. Schedule virtual pizza parties or remote after works over Skype or Microsoft Team, as well as regular meetings with no agenda, when you are just chatting and grabbing a coffee together. Also, SCC patron Spotify has numerous WFH playlists that will help you keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

See more tips at https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200312-coronavirus-covid-19-update-work-from-home-in-a-pandemic

Please see respective government’s advice relating to COVID-19, in Sweden and the United Kingdom.