your top tips for working from home
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Top tips for working from home
My top 10 as well as your contributions too!
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I’m Martin Jones – Web Development & SEO Consultant – and I’ve been working from home for over 18 years
So when lockdown came in, I figured this might be something I could write about that’d be a little more interesting than web development or my role as an SEO consultant. I figured I should have some tips after all this time for working from home. These lists aren’t intended to be exhaustive, or even important. But I hope some of it will be useful, fun and possibly thought-provoking. It’s our list and testament to the urrent verve for collaboration.
Your Top Tips [below]
Where there were recurring suggestions, I’ve made sure they’re included. Some are in there because they’ve made me smile or bring a different perspective.
My Top Tips
I’ve stuck to general tips on motivation & productivity and tried to avoid the stuff you folks have covered.
1. Build In Rewards
For example, if I get enough work done by Thursday evening, I get to take a half day on Friday.
2. If You’re Stuck, Get Out
When you’re running out of steam on a particular task, move onto something else or take a break. Let your subconcious do it’s thing. This is why solutions occur after we finish for the day.
3. Mental Separation
Try not to work where you later want to relax or socialise. If you can close a door on it, perfect. The same goes for never checking your email after hours.
4. Air, Light & Water
These three simple things will keep you alert and productive. In your office, design and structure may have taken care of these to an extent, but at home you might need to be more conscious of it.
5. But Keep Entertained
Radio 6 does it for me most of the time. But by Thursday afternoon, motvation is flagging. So I deploy my favorite podcasts to keep me entertained and at my desk. Though nothing that demands too much of my attention.
6. Switch Your Email Off
I changed my email settings so that it doesn’t ping the second something hits my inbox. Instead, checking it every hour has made me far more productive. It’s money in the bank. Same with my mobile.
7. Schedule Your Breaks
If it’s not in my schedule, I don’t do it. The same goes for breaks and exercise. And both keep me productive.
8. Pat Yourself On The Back
When there’s no one else around to tell you ‘well done’ you’ve got to tell yourself.
9. Daily Goals
I found that if I just concentrate on my daily goals, and don’t worry about the weeks ahead, the weekly and monthly goals take care of themselves.
10. The Things You Love
My office is filled and covered with reminders of the art, activities and people I love. It reminds me what I’m working for and what really matters. More of them in another post, perhaps.
NOTE: The stars indicate how often I think I practice what I preach. 
= NOT OFTEN / 
= ALL THE TIME
– my contributors top tips-
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” equal_height=”true” dark=”true” bg_type=”” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” full_width=”full_width” top_and_bottom_padding=”” left_and_right_padding=”” class=”” style=”” id=””][vc_column min_height=”390px” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#cccccc”][vc_single_image image=”7503″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Matthew Williams
Software Architect, CodeLaunch
“My tip; create a healthy desk setup. And by healthy I mean make sure your chair has good back support (or use a pillow if not), as well as practise good posture.”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”300″ bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#efefef”][vc_single_image image=”7485″ img_size=”200×200″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Laura Bazile
Communications & Event Executive, Resolutions Events Ltd
“Laugh. I read recently that laugh is a resilience skill.”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”390px” dark=”true” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#ffffff”][vc_single_image image=”7575″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Kyle Parker
Risk Management Consultant, Creditsafe
“Our Zoom team meetings started with a quick quiz… Spirits were lifted and energy levels high for the day. It has had a large impact on productivity.
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#cecece”][vc_single_image image=”7582″ img_size=”200×200″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Danny Kershaw
Account Manager, Prize Content
“My tip; get up and out early. Walk, exercise, even just have a mooch round your garden with a coffee. That early morning sun is a great way to start the day.”
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” equal_height=”true” dark=”true” bg_type=”” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” full_width=”full_width” top_and_bottom_padding=”” left_and_right_padding=”” class=”” style=”” id=””][vc_column min_height=”300″ bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#e0e0e0″][vc_single_image image=”7662″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Michelle Hay
Michelle Hay Training Ltd.
“If you’re an employer… Review and update the policy on home working, issue to employees and check the insurance implications of people working from home”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”390px” dark=”true” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#ffffff”][vc_single_image image=”7521″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Gavin Clarke
Personal Trainer & Instructor
“Activate muscle. Being active is important but activating muscles that get switched off through long periods of sitting and inactivity can cause mobility issues.”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”390px” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#efefef”][vc_single_image image=”7495″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Sarah Steinhöfel
Content Creator, The Smart Bear
“Do something you love every day. That for me is singing my heart out to Queen songs.”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#efefef”][clear by=”15px” id=”” class=””]Andy Jones
Freelance Copywriter & Author
Jacqueline Eyre
Stress & Loss Specialist, Eyre Therapy
“Do tasks for no longer than 45 minutes then have a break this makes us more effective and gives us longer energy. Multi-tasking sounds good but actually make us more tired and less capable.”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#afafaf”][vc_single_image image=”7507″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Karim Samani
Managing Director, TechCleaners
“If your work has provided you with I.T devices to work from home, you want to make sure that they are not contaminated with any viruses, bacteria or germs and safe to use. “
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”390px” dark=”true” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#ffffff”][vc_single_image image=”7488″ img_size=”200×200″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Peter Hall
Digital Marketing Consultant, Perpetial 10
“De-escalate conflict. We’re going to see things about family and partners that annoy us. When a potential conflict is coming, try to de-escalate it rather than letting it boil over.”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”390px” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#cecece”][vc_single_image image=”7843″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Matt Schofield
Managing Director, The IT Dept
“Sanity for me is time with my family… and going on the trampoline at lunchtime in the garden.”
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” equal_height=”true” dark=”true” bg_type=”” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” full_width=”full_width” top_and_bottom_padding=”” left_and_right_padding=”” class=”” style=”” id=””][vc_column min_height=”300″ bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#ffffff”][vc_single_image image=”7862″ img_size=”200×200″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Stephen Sutherland
Founder of Social Circle
“Only watch the headline news twice a day.“
[clear by=”15px” id=”” class=””][/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#e8e8e8″][vc_single_image image=”7861″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Tim Akerman
Coach & Mentor, Tamarind Tree Consulting
“I find routine is key. Have a standard daily routine including breaks – standard work, what else would you expect from me! Don’t set timelines that are unachievable.”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”390px” dark=”true” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#686868″][vc_single_image image=”7863″ img_size=”200×200″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Jennifer Toothill
Account Manager for Sterling Event Group
“Make sure you get dressed! Set up your space and give yourself breaks!”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”390px” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#efefef”][vc_single_image image=”7864″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Alastair Swindlehurst
HR Managing Director, Swindlehurst consulting Ltd.
“Give yourself start and finish times, don’t get drawn in to checking everything all of the time.“
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” equal_height=”true” dark=”true” bg_type=”” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” full_width=”full_width” top_and_bottom_padding=”” left_and_right_padding=”” class=”” style=”” id=””][vc_column min_height=”390px” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#cccccc”][vc_single_image image=”7865″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Kate Branagan
Owner, Branagan Flooring
“Chat – stay in touch with people – build relationships.
This is needed more than ever now in the current world we find ourselves in.”
Thomas Wilcox
Physiotherapist, Physiofusion
“Ensuring your ergonomics are correct while working from home is vital. We suspect almost everyone will be using a set-up at home that hasn’t been optimally designed for them.”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”390px” dark=”true” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#ffffff”][vc_single_image image=”7492″ img_size=”250×250″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Natalie Lewis
HR Consultant, Dynamic HR Services
“Get up at the same time, have a shower, put your make up on and stick to a routine.”
[/vc_column][vc_column min_height=”” bg_type=”bg_color” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”10%” left_and_right_padding=”10%” width=”1/4″ id=”” class=”” style=”” bg_color=”#cecece”][vc_single_image image=”7867″ img_size=”200×200″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”bounceInDown”]Jennifer Barnfield
Business Owner & Motivational Speaker, The PEPP Method
“Be kind to yourself when organising working life around family life. Remember that spending time with your family is of paramount importance too.
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row dark=”true” bg_type=”bg_image” parallax=”fixed_parallax” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ delay=”” delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”0″ left_and_right_padding=”” bg_image=”7543″ class=”” style=”” id=””][vc_column min_height=”” bg_type=”” dima_canvas_style=”” translate_x=”0″ dima_z_index=”0″ animation=”fadeInUp” delay=”400″ delay_duration=”” delay_offset=”” top_and_bottom_padding=”0″ left_and_right_padding=”5%” width=”1/1″ id=”” class=”” style=””][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMGlkJTNEJTIyZm9ybSUyMiUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][clear by=”15px” id=”” class=””]
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