Three years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the way many of us work. By now, you might think that we’ve exhausted every possible tip and trick for working from home. Yet, at Scriptorium, we’re still fielding questions about how we do it! So, what are the differences between working from home before, during, and after COVID lockdowns? Let's explore the evolution of remote work and how you can continue to make the most of it.
The Before Times
Before the pandemic, working from home was often seen as a perk. Here at Scriptorium, it's one we’ve been fortunate to always enjoy! Remote work offered more flexibility as well as a break from lengthy commutes and the distractions of the workplace.
Lockdowns
At the beginning of 2020, remote work became a necessary reality for many of us. Almost overnight, our homes transformed into our workplaces. We scrambled to turn kitchen tables and spare rooms into offices and wrangled kids and pets during countless video calls. We faced the daunting challenges of maintaining work-life balance as well as combating widespread feelings of isolation.
The New Normal
As we settle into the new normal, many of us find ourselves in a changed work landscape. Though some have returned to the office, others continue to work remotely or in a hybrid mix of in-person and online.
Tips & Tricks For Working Remotely
Though we’ve learned a lot over the past few years, it can still be a challenge to find the right working-from-home setup and balance professional and personal time.
Maintain a regular schedule
If possible, set regular work hours with a start-up routine and an end-of-day routine. Getting dressed for the day (not just staying in your PJs) can help to differentiate between “work” and “not work” time. Simulating a commute to the office by walking to the kitchen for your coffee before settling at your desk can also help make you feel like you’re on the clock. These steps encourage the maintenance of that precious work-life balance.
Set up a dedicated workspace
Find a space or room where it is easy to concentrate. If you don’t have a separate room, noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce distractions. Invest in a few items that make your workspace comfortable, such as an ergonomic chair or a monitor/laptop riser that brings your screen up to eye level.
Communicate often
Establishing communication expectations with your coworkers can help reduce stress and make your workflow more transparent and efficient. Communicating often also helps avoid feelings of disconnectedness and isolation. Although there are many platforms and software for communication, at Scriptorium, we use a mix of Zoom (for video calls) and Slack (for text chatting) to stay in touch with each other.
Take breaks
Schedule regular work breaks to stretch, eat, and decompress. Get away from the screen (or outside) if you can.
End your workday
It can be tempting to overwork when your home is your office. So when your workday ends, let it end! Silence your notifications, shut down your computer, and let your coworkers know you won't be available until tomorrow. Setting boundaries between work and home life means that you can spend the rest of your day enjoying your life and return to work relaxed and refreshed.
Ask for help if you need it
Working from home can be stressful, and it can take time to figure out what works best for you. The most important tenants to remember are support, routine, and communication. Talk to your supervisor or employer if you need scheduling or workload accommodations.