How to Thrive While Working from Home
A Personal Guide by Sadie Patamia
Like the majority of workers in the UK, in March 2020 I went home from my office one day, laptop in hand, wondering how long this working from home directive would last. For me, the answer was actually forever!
My company made the decision that despite the easing of Covid regulations all our staff worked and performed well at home and as a consequence, we became a fully remote business.
Although working from home may seem ideal, after doing it for 5 years I can confirm that despite it undoubtedly having major advantages, there are some drawbacks. I think this is especially true when summer hits but hopefully I can share some hints and tips to help you make home working work for you.
Designing a Home Office That Works for You
My husband and I both predominantly work from home and this arrangement was one of the things that actually prompted us to look for a new house! Initially my husband worked in our spare room, and I worked in my daughter’s bedroom while she was at school. This was problematic in the holidays and that, and a myriad of other factors, made us realise we actually needed 2 dedicated workspaces in our home, so we moved.
We now have office space each, both decorated in our own personal way, and that is my first tip for how to make home working work for you.
I love that my home office is mine and mine alone. Whereas all the other rooms in the house require discussion and compromise when picking the décor, the 2 home offices did not. Mine is decorated exactly how I wanted it. Having a space that you love being in makes home working a far more luxurious and enjoyable experience.
Obviously, the laptop and monitor are fairly standard bits of kit, but my green velvet and gold chair, vintage desk, multiple house plants, favourite bits of art and my comfy armchair I read on all add to the vibe I wanted to create. Walking into the room (which I will admit is pretty much the only one in the reno project that is our house that is complete!) brings me a great deal of joy, and who does not want to start their work day like that?
Creating a Mindset for Success
Despite being at home, I strongly believe another way to ensure your mindset is ready for work is to dress for work. Admittedly I no longer wear killer heels and a power suit to work but I do ensure I am smart, comfortable and video call ready at all times. I don’t even wear slippers at work! I have specific different indoor shoes.
That may sound odd but another tip for successful home working that is vital is separation of home and work. At the end of the day I switch off the laptop and go and get my slippers on. I can then truly relax for the evening. It’s also really important to finish at the appropriate time. It’s tempting to keep going sometimes when there is no train to catch or long drive home to endure but try not to. Your home may now be where you work but it is important to remember it is also where you live.
Summer Struggles: Staying Focused When the Sun Is Out
Although I strongly recommend ensuring you switch on your ‘work mindset’ at home I do think that when summer hits it can be more difficult. I look out over my garden and it can be so tempting to just want to go out and lie on the loungers rather than being cooped up indoors. However, there is nothing wrong with ensuring you spend all your breaks outside.
Being able to make yourself a tasty, fresh lunch and take it outside is one of the home-workers great perks. As is the fact that as soon as you are finished for the day you are at home with your evening immediately stretching out before you. No more commuting means more time to do what you want to after work which in the summer means you can head straight for your local park, ice cream parlour, or even somewhere to swim and cool down.
Combating Loneliness and Staying Connected
Of course, as with everything working from home can have its downsides and one of these is being alone. There are several ways to combat this. My company has access to hot desks and drop in spaces so I ensure I go in to meet and collaborate with my friends when I can. You can also consider (depending on the nature of your work) going along to a café or your local co-working space. This is particularly good in the summer as the one thing I do miss about my office days is the air conditioning!
Working from home is not for everyone. It does require discipline and a particular mindset, but for me the advantages of it certainly outweigh the negatives and I am loving the flexibility it has allowed me to have – especially during those balmy summer days.