On March 1st of 2020, Florida confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases. This means we are approaching the one-year anniversary of quarantine, which for many also means a year of working from home. While a lot of people have been able to transition back to the workplace, many are still and will continue to be working from home for the foreseeable future. Offices are now kitchen counters and living room couches. This can make it easy to get into a slump with not only our jobs, but also our attitudes towards them. Here are three helpful, simple tips to make working at home feel more work.
Get Ready for the Day.
Let’s be clear – I am not suggesting you still need to put on a blazer and heels to sit at the dining room table and go to work. That being said, change out of those pajama pants! The act of getting physically ready for the day ahead is an excellent way to get into a more productive attitude. Think of ancient combatants putting on their warpaint to prepare for battle, the paint did not magically make them fight better, it simply got them into the right mindset. My warpaint is often athleisure and my battle is calling clients and setting up appointments. I promise this simple change will make a huge difference in your day.
Have a Defined Workspace.
As previously mentioned, your workspace might be your kitchen counter or living room couch. That is okay! It can still feel like a workspace. Having a small set up routine, such as making sure your coffee, laptop charger, and pens are all in arms reach, will make it feel more like going to your office. Even if the arrangement is only from 9-5, having a decluttered space to call your own while you work will help a ton.
Check Your Surroundings.
This one might seem obvious, but nevertheless it needs to be said. Working from home is bound to include plenty of zoom calls. You do not want dirty dishes, trash, laundry, or anything else that could potentially be embarrassing out for your coworkers, clients, etc. to see. That being said, pants are necessary for a call where you can only see torso up! Heavens forbid you have to get up and grab something. Just because you are not at the workplace does not mean you cannot exude professionalism.
Furthermore, enjoy this extra time at home. Even if it does not always feel like it, ten years from now you will likely long for the days where you got to sit in sweatpants in your very own home to go to work. Cherish this extra time with loved ones and stay safe.