Working from home in a role that fits your values and family needs is the aspiration of many working parents, but the reality can be far from easy. I know, having moved my career from the buzz of London, the cultural quirks of Shanghai, the lakeside campus in Newbury, to that of my home in a Hampshire market town. But it is possible to get the balance right. Here are my top three tips to lift you up to be your best and most productive self.
1. Stop procrastinating by scheduling your time
Surrounded by never-ending household jobs and endless opportunities for social media surfing, it can be harder to get work done at home than you thought. A great tip I’ve learned recently from Gretchen Rubin’s ‘Better than Before’ (2015) is scheduling – the practice of identifying the task you need to complete (eg write draft of business plan) scheduling a time slot for it (eg Monday 10-11am) and put it in your calendar.
2. Identify your physical work cues
The author Anais Nin observed ‘things are not as they are but as we are’. Stepping aside from your other roles as carer, chef, or taxi driver, how will your mind, your colleagues and clients know you are now at work u and mean business? A few smart tops reserved for when you are working or presentable for Skype, a special notebook and pen, or even your favourite lippy - it’s amazing the difference these make to your attitude and tone of voice.
3. Be Tech Savvy
With onsite IT support unlikely, utilise experts around you including the Apple Store or Virgin Media’s HomeWorks service. Getting my IPad up to date with the latest iOS software made a huge difference to my efficiency.
These tips will enhance your productivity enabling you to experience the empowerment and rewards of flexible working.
Joanna Jacobs is an HR consultant
No comments yet