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New job - working from home tips
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So I have managed to get myself a new job (yay) which means I will be working from home.
I know a lot of you will have been forced in to this position during lockdown so hit me with the things you wish you'd have known and been prepared for before you started working from home! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Start your day as you normally would if you were going out to work, Have a shower get dressed eat breakfast, Get your stuff ready for the working day.
If possible set up a room that you can work from and structure your day as closely as you can to a "normal" work day. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I was thrown into it last March without notice.
My tips for you in relation to preparing yourself is to buy notebooks, pens, post it notes etc.
Make sure you complete a DSE assessment when you start working and seriously consider any equipment you may need to make your working day more comfortable and reduce the risk of aches and pains in the longer term.
From me doing this for past 10 months I have awful pains that go from my bum down back of my legs which are caused from sitting for such long periods of time. Whereas in the office I was so much more mobile and rarely sat at my desk. So my advice is regular stretches and change of activity breaks.
I previously thought that self discipline would be a big problem but it isn't at all, my job is still extremely busy and I now find myself logging on to complete work after my working day has finished. This is a habit I wouldn't recommend as you need a good balance of work and relaxation.
Technology can be temperamental and frustrating on times but make sure you are aware of how to raise issues.
I try to dress for work even if I haven't done my hair and makeup. I don't make a huge effort but I have a handful of comfortable yet tidy dresses that I wear which helps you feel like you're transitioning from chilling out to working time, are comfortable for your environment and will be suitable for being on video calls. Although I have worked all day in my nightie and dressing gown or my running clothes.
These are a few hints and tips.
Most importantly congratulations on your new job and I hope you enjoy your new adventure.
Her x
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By *eliWoman
over a year ago
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Congratulations on your new job!
I've been doing mine for some time now so it affords me the chance to be a bit more relaxed than you should possibly be. 
I normally put my phone down, screen down so if I get notifications I'm not tempted to check them. I've set different apps different vibrations so I know if they are work related or not. It doesn't always work the best but I try.
Definitely starting the day and approaching it as a working one is a good idea, have a structured routine and take breaks as needed. Try to have a clear, designated working space, it helps your mindset be more focused on the tasks ahead.
Try and have a shower and dress like you're having a day of work (or at least get out of pyjamas). I don't wear my work dresses and heels (they are sitting forlorn in the wardrobe) but I'm not in pyjamas.
I'm rotten for checking work emails and doing little jobs very early in the morning or during the weekend - don't do that! It could become expected of you. Best of luck Evie! x |
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By *eliWoman
over a year ago
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"Get some decent backgrounds for any video meetings - they can hide a multitude of things "
Or spend a good hour curating your bookshelves so all the erotica/feminist texts are hidden and your multitude of essay collections from your uni days are proudly on display.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Get some decent backgrounds for any video meetings - they can hide a multitude of things
Or spend a good hour curating your bookshelves so all the erotica/feminist texts are hidden and your multitude of essay collections from your uni days are proudly on display. "
And there are no dildos on a shelf |
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I was accustomed to 800 miles a week so being permanently at home for 11 months has been a huge departure from the norm... but much more productive I have to say.
Don’t fall into the trap of ‘ living at work’ as opposed to ‘ working from home’
1) don’t start before your office times and finish when the office closes
2) take breaks away from the screen
3) take a lunch break if your allocated time for it
3) teams or Skype with colleagues - it’s good moral support
4) don’t expect every day to be a good day ... there will be times when you struggle
5) change your office around regularly so the surroundings stay fresh and keep your mood fresh
6) I have flowers on my desk
7) if you video call make sure your camera is set up correctly and there are no personal items in the back ground
8) invest in a decent chair!
9) find some merging suitable to put your feet on!
10) have water and tissues on your desk
11) treat it like and office job. Dress for it and put your face on
12) know who to contact when your IT equipment fails!!
Enjoy!!
10) |
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"I was accustomed to 800 miles a week so being permanently at home for 11 months has been a huge departure from the norm... but much more productive I have to say.
Don’t fall into the trap of ‘ living at work’ as opposed to ‘ working from home’
1) don’t start before your office times and finish when the office closes
2) take breaks away from the screen
3) take a lunch break if your allocated time for it
3) teams or Skype with colleagues - it’s good moral support
4) don’t expect every day to be a good day ... there will be times when you struggle
5) change your office around regularly so the surroundings stay fresh and keep your mood fresh
6) I have flowers on my desk
7) if you video call make sure your camera is set up correctly and there are no personal items in the back ground
8) invest in a decent chair!
9) find some merging suitable to put your feet on!
10) have water and tissues on your desk
11) treat it like and office job. Dress for it and put your face on
12) know who to contact when your IT equipment fails!!
Enjoy!!
10) "
* something suitable |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Excellent advice from all above... I found my wifi signal isn't stable enough and i was constantly reconnecting at critical times, so I've installed an ethernet ehich has given me stability during the day and saved a lot of frustration |
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Make sure that you are provided with everything you need by your employer from the start.
They have an obligation to do so. This includes stationary...
Other than that, I agree to set up an office space if you can, get up ready and dressed as though you were going out to work and ensure you know who to contact if you have any problems. |
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Everyone has already said it all I think. I'd definitely say making sure you have a proper workstation - desk and chair, and think about getting a separate screen if using a laptop because often the height of the screen vs desk doesn't work comfortably.
Have breaks
Move away from the work area for lunch, even if it's within the same room.
Have a tidy background OR use blurring/fake backgrounds
Be prepared for technology to break down. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Congrats on the new job!
Most people have covered the main things but I would say use any chance you get to smile and be nice to people. Sounds cheesy but the number of stoney faced video calls gets people down. In an office you get to smile, make jokes, feel like a person. Don't let that side of things go! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Apologies if someone has already said it. If your work is all based on screen , regular breaks, I would say every 2 hours. Keep room as bright as possible. If you can set yourself up with a window view xx |
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Well done on getti g the job OP!
I would agree with everything the others have said. I had real issues in legs and thighs and lost a lot of strength in them to a point where it was painful to get up out of the chair.. Also circulation issues meant swollen feet!
To combat those I like to keep a lot of the work phone calls to hands free.. That way you can walk about the house apparently talking to yourself and avoid getting the back/ leg issues and still get the job done .
Also.. A window to look out on is very helpful too..
Good luck |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Congrats on the new job!
Most people have covered the main things but I would say use any chance you get to smile and be nice to people. Sounds cheesy but the number of stoney faced video calls gets people down. In an office you get to smile, make jokes, feel like a person. Don't let that side of things go! "
Good point  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I have been working from home off and on since March. It helped when I bought a comfy office chair, large desk, second monitor, separate keyboard and mouse.
Now I can sit in comfort. |
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"I was accustomed to 800 miles a week so being permanently at home for 11 months has been a huge departure from the norm... but much more productive I have to say.
Don’t fall into the trap of ‘ living at work’ as opposed to ‘ working from home’
1) don’t start before your office times and finish when the office closes
2) take breaks away from the screen
3) take a lunch break if your allocated time for it
3) teams or Skype with colleagues - it’s good moral support
4) don’t expect every day to be a good day ... there will be times when you struggle
5) change your office around regularly so the surroundings stay fresh and keep your mood fresh
6) I have flowers on my desk
7) if you video call make sure your camera is set up correctly and there are no personal items in the back ground
8) invest in a decent chair!
9) find some merging suitable to put your feet on!
10) have water and tissues on your desk
11) treat it like and office job. Dress for it and put your face on
12) know who to contact when your IT equipment fails!!
Enjoy!!
10) "
This! Nothing to add! Well done |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I have been working from home off and on since March. It helped when I bought a comfy office chair, large desk, second monitor, separate keyboard and mouse.
Now I can sit in comfort. "
All this. I also have my workstation next to a window with a view. A headset for hands free video conferencing and calls. I'm as far away from the kitchen as possible, although I have hot drink makings on hand. I periodically get up and walk around as my fitbit hates me now. If I'm not actively doing something I have other distractions to hand, TV/DVD/Amazon Firestick. I'm in my man cave anyway so I have stuff around my, even a couple of small dumbells.. |
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"I was accustomed to 800 miles a week so being permanently at home for 11 months has been a huge departure from the norm... but much more productive I have to say.
Don’t fall into the trap of ‘ living at work’ as opposed to ‘ working from home’
1) don’t start before your office times and finish when the office closes
2) take breaks away from the screen
3) take a lunch break if your allocated time for it
3) teams or Skype with colleagues - it’s good moral support
4) don’t expect every day to be a good day ... there will be times when you struggle
5) change your office around regularly so the surroundings stay fresh and keep your mood fresh
6) I have flowers on my desk
7) if you video call make sure your camera is set up correctly and there are no personal items in the back ground
8) invest in a decent chair!
9) find something suitable to put your feet on!
10) have water and tissues on your desk
11) treat it like an office job. Dress for it and put your face on
12) know who to contact when your IT equipment fails!!
Enjoy!!
10)
This! Nothing to add! Well done "
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