It may not be the case for all industries, but the days of needing to be in the office 5 days a week are long gone. COVID-19 has made its mark on the world and turned work schedules upside down, with many now finding themselves working a majority of their hours at home rather than in the office. Whilst it is not possible for construction workers to work from home, it is something that many professionals have come to enjoy. Whilst many note that working from home has resulted in an improvement to their mental health and productivity, others may struggle with the social isolation and lack of motivation. If that sounds like you, you might be interested in trying some of the following tips to help get you back on track for success.
Give Yourself a Dedicated Workspace
Working off the kitchen bench or your laptop whilst laying in bed may seem appealing, but you will soon realise the downsides when you start to feel back pain or wonder why it is so difficult to concentrate.
It is important to set aside an area of your home for work. Ideally you should install a widescreen monitor and be seated in a good quality ergonomic chair, as this will enable maximum productivity and ensure you remain comfortable whilst working.
Change Your Schedule
It may feel strange to abandon the structured routine of the office, but with good time management and some planning you can be just as productive (if not more) working from home. There can be many distractions, from partners through to children, pets, flatmates and neighbours, but you will soon learn to adapt. A good tip is to write up a list each day of what you plan to achieve, ticking tasks off as you go. This will help in giving structure to your day, and you will have a sense of accomplishment when 5pm rolls around and you’ve knocked everything off, even despite any distractions incurred throughout the day.
Ask for What You Need
If you need any further equipment or materials to make your job easier, don’t hesitate to ask your employer or recruitment agency. Many workplaces understand the need to work from home during the pandemic and will do anything they can to make it easier for their staff. Things you may need to do your job effectively might include a laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, chair, printer, specific software or some stationery.
Stay in Touch
It is important to be mindful of your mental health. Keep in touch with your colleagues using technology such as video calls, instant messenger, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts and FaceTime. Remain in touch with your managers and try to attend all scheduled meetings, as this will be a time to share your progress, raise concerns and make you feel less isolated. You could also arrange virtual catch ups with some of your colleagues, for example during your lunch break.
Get Some Exercise and Spend Time Outdoors
It is important to receive some fresh air and sunshine. You should try to take a break away from the computer every hour or so and take this time to sit and relax or go for a short stroll. This will help you to decompress and reset before getting back into your workflow.
Looking for a Professional Role? Contact Brix Projects Today
Brix Projects are a leading Sydney recruitment agency with a range of professional roles now on offer, give us a call on 1800 621 066 or register online today.
