For the majority of Austrians, the Corona crisis currently means one thing above all: home office. A concept that has become increasingly important in recent years due to the digitization has suddenly become the reality of life for millions in this country. But many people struggle with this fate, because without a proper approach, productivity, mood and ultimately performance suffers. We want to show you what is important in times of government-mandated home offices, so that you can manage your daily work routine at home. four walls successfully in your own four walls.
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Find your home office routine
A fundamental aspect of our normal workday is routine. We get up at a certain time every day, go to the office, do our work. Our body gets used to this routine, which makes it easier for us to switch to a productive work mode at certain times. This routine is also needed in the home office. Set specific work hours as you would in the office and schedule specific break times as well. It is best to discuss these working hours with your colleagues as well, so that everyone is aware of your availability.
Create a beautiful workplace
In addition to a regular schedule, a productive workday also requires the right place that signals to your body: This is where work is done. Working from the couch or bed may seem tempting and many have certainly tried it, but most have failed. If you do not already have a study, there is a few ways to set up a comfortable home office yourself:
Redesign your living room or bedroom
For the right home office feeling, it helps to break out of one’s usual environment, for which it is worth making a few changes to the interior design. Place your work desk in a spot with as much natural light as possible and remove anything not relevant to your work. With a room divider like a curtain or shelf, the feeling of having your own workspace can be further enhanced.
Clear out the storage room
Provided you have a storage room with enough space for a table, such a room is well suited to set up a small office in it. However, sufficient lighting, in the best case a window, should be provided. When you are clearing out you don’t know where to put all the stuff you actually have stored there, you can always leave your belongings at STORE ROOM.
Save your back at the bar table
Some people have a bar table with stools in their kitchen where they usually have refreshing drinks with friends. Such a table can also be used sometimes as a work surface to work while standing. In quarantine times, when we don’t move much anyway, a certainly welcome change.
Absolutely get out of your sweatpants
The second temptation besides couch office is wearing cozy clothes which should also be avoided. As mentioned before, the big challenge with home office is to put yourself in a working mode, as you are actually used to spending your free time at home and switching off. Dress as you would in the office and slip back into your pajamas only after you’ve finished working.
Regular exchange with employees and superiors
If you can’t chat from table to table as usual or just pop into your colleague’s office, you have to find other ways of regularly exchanging ideas. It’s good that digitization digitalization offers us numerous opportunities in this regard, because there are many platforms for telephone and video conferences. We have summarized the best providers for you:
- Zoom
is currently the provider par excellence when it comes to video conferencing with multiple participants. In the free version, however, only calls of a maximum of 40 minutes are possible, and from €13.99 per month also unlimited.
- Skype
is well known, even if the video service is currently outranked by Zoom. However, due to its affiliation with Microsoft, Skype offers many useful tools if a company already uses other Microsoft products.
- FaceTime
is probably a familiar term to anyone who owns an iPhone, because it’s Apple’s video calling app. It is perfectly suitable for conversations between two iPhone owners.
- WhatsApp
has established itself as the communication app par excellence in Austria in recent years. Recently, audio calls with up to four participants as well as video calls are also feasible, which makes the app very suitable for quick meetings and arrangements.
To-do lists are especially important in the home office
Without being in constant communication with colleagues, it can be easy to lose track of all the tasks and projects at hand. Making a to-do list for each day of the week can help you work in a more structured and organized way, especially in your home office. In addition, crossing completed tasks off the list can be exceedingly motivating.
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The right infrastructure should be provided
In order to be able to work well from home, it must be ensured that the appropriate infrastructure is also available. It’s best to clarify with your employer right at the beginning what items you can take home from the office to be prepared for several weeks of home office. A good Internet connection, for example, to be able to hold video conferences smoothly, should also be part of the basic equipment. Anyway, home office essentials include:
- Computer (laptop)
- Computer accessories like charger, mouse, keyboard, etc.
- Camera and microphone for video conferencing if not built into the device
- Printer or scanner
- Writing pads and pens
- Post-it Notes
- Good internet connection
- Very much coffee
Avoid distractions from your environment
If you live alone or with someone who also has a home office, potential distractions during scheduled work hours are likely to be limited. However, if you have children, working at home can quickly become a nightmare if every 30 minutes a wish has to be fulfilled, an argument settled or a hungry mouth stuffed. If necessary, explain to your children what a home office is and why you need your peace and quiet. In a pinch, here are 100 ideas to keep your child occupied during Corona times.
Home office is not for everyone and needs to be learned, so do not despair if the first weeks are still rather bumpy. Working from home is a big adjustment for many, and it takes time to find your personal routine for a productive workday. We hope to help you with our tips seven steps closer to becoming a home office professional and wish you successful working!
Your STORE ROOM Team 🤖