While times are temporarily changing, we are all doing our best to adapt. If that means you are transitioning your workspace from the office to your home, we have a few tips to help you acclimate yourself. Our hopes are that everyone finds what works for them, set yourself up for success and push through this hard time!
- Using Your Kitchen Table. If you don’t have an office room or a large desk at home, your kitchen table is about to be your best friend. With likely the most empty surface area, it allows you to set up monitors and still have room for the necessities. While the surface area of a kitchen or dining room table works great for a desk replacement, the location is hardly helpful. Usually, this places you in the middle of the action in your home. Consider a short term adjustment in how/where your table is placed to avoid conflicts! Also, replicate your office desk. If you had a cup of pens, notepad, mousepad, plant, or lamp- set these up at home, too. This is crucial to helping you feel prepared and in the work mindset at your new “desk”.
- Getting Up & Dressed. This is going to make or break the routine that you’ve gotten accustomed to up until now. Create a new norm at home that is similar to what helped you get your workday started in the office. Do you pack your breakfast the night before so it’s ready to heat up or put together in the morning? Do you drink your coffee once you sit down at the desk or while you’re getting ready? Do you like to say hi to or visit with a co-worker before sitting at your desk? Find ways to adapt these behaviors at home! Dressing for work is probably the best part of being home because technically you don’t have to! What do we suggest? Do not roll out of bed and work in your pajamas. Make yourself presentable, take a break from the ties and high heels, but definitely make yourself presentable.
- Find the Right Headphones. With the whole family home, things can get loud within 10 seconds of your workday. Find noise canceling, Bluetooth, or over the ear headphones that help keep you focused and functioning! These are the best to use when speaking on the phone because you can hear yourself and the other person best.
