Best Tips for a Productive Work Day at Home

Working from home has always been a welcomed benefit or work perk, but now the entire nation is shifting as many jobs as possible to remote work in response to COVID-19. At 30 Lines, we built our company knowing that our team members do their best work where they work best. We’ve had a Work from Home (WFH) option in place for nearly a decade.

Since we’ve been doing this for a while, we wanted to share some basics we use to structure our day. 

• Get Dressed: Yes, sweats are nice, but at least change from your nighttime sweats into your daytime sweats. It helps signal your brain that it’s time to work. And, it’ll help you feel more confident and prepared for any unplanned video calls you may get invited to. 
• Create a “Start My Day Ritual”: For some of our team members it’s making a Pour-Over Coffee, playing a song on their computer, or reading an inspirational quote to get their day kicked off. 
• Take Breaks: It’s easy to get wrapped up in your work, but don’t forget to take breaks to give your eyes and your body a break. Stand up, stretch, or go for a short walk every hour to ensure your blood is pumping and you’re practicing wellness at home.
• Show Your Face: Instead of a phone call, make it a video call. A little bit of face time goes a long way. This counts for internal and external meetings, sales calls, and more! 
• Network: Just because you aren’t able to go to the coffee shop to meet somebody for networking doesn’t mean you still can’t do it! Schedule time once a week for a Virtual Coffee. Use a video conferencing tool while you’re at it. 
• Take it Outside: Is it a gorgeous day? Then set up shop on your porch or balcony and get a bit of Vitamin D while you’re working. 
• Mix It Up: Right now, lots of working professionals are working from home and experiencing “Groundhog Day Syndrome” where each day feels the same. Try to do something different each day of the week. For example, make Mondays the day you add networking to your schedule. Make Tuesdays the day you eat lunch outside. On Wednesdays work from a different part of your house. Each Thursday, take a moment and write a card to send to a teammate you appreciate. On Fridays have a Virtual Happy Hour with your team!
• Create a “Quitting Time Ritual”: Creating a stopping time is important, otherwise the day will disappear right before your eyes. Once you’re ready to hang up your hat for the day, turn your computer off and practice a Quitting Time Ritual. This could be a walk around the block, treating yourself to a piece of chocolate, or a pillow fight with your kids. 

We recognize that working from home is new for some of you, so let us know how we can help.  Looking for communication or marketing support? Drop us a line–we’re here to help!