6. Homeworking Guidance

The guidance below can be provided to employees to help them look after their own wellbeing when working from home. 

Looking After Wellbeing when Working From Home

It is important to look after your own wellbeing and especially so when you have moved to working from home as this will present new challenges.

Looking after your own wellbeing is about the mind and the body; staying healthy includes putting in place both physical and mental measures. 

It takes time and energy to look after yourself and others, but it is time well spent – just a few minor changes to how you work from home can make the world of difference to how you feel.

Use the below as a handy reminder of the things that keep us mentally and physically prepared for the daily challenges that we face when working from home. 

Create a Routine 

For some of us, ‘working from home’ is totally new and let’s be honest, it can be hard. Create a routine early on – it’s the only way. Keep your work life organised and a healthy divide between work life and home life.

Your routine could be as simple as ensuring that you set your alarm, or that you that follow your normal morning routine as if you are working in the office; not forgetting the importance of having breakfast.

It can be beneficial to go further and make your lunch in the morning and prepare your snacks. An easy way of avoiding skipping meals and reaching for the biscuits.

Design Your Workspace  

In an Ideal world, this will be a separate place in the house, but we have to be realistic and work with the space that we have available. Ensure that your space is organised, and you have all the equipment and stationery items that you need to hand. Avoid clutter and set up your equipment to avoid physical strain (refer to our document on setting up your workstation).

Check your workstation regularly to avoid bad habits creeping in, using the guidance provided on how to set up your workstation; and don’t forget to complete your DSE risk assessment.

Manage Your Own Expectations 

In theory, this should be great – working from home. The reality can be somewhat different, and the transition can take some getting used to. 

If things are unsettled for a while, give yourself a break – the new normal will come, it just takes time. The time will vary from one person to another, so, try not to compare yourself to others who appear to have everything under control – the reality is not always as it seems.

Communication  

This is probably the biggest challenge that teams face when remote working and the area that is the most essential for our wellbeing, and that of others. Be prepared to check in with your colleagues as frequently as possible.

Think about getting 2/3 of your colleagues on a conference call at tea break time or virtual tea breaks on a video conferencing tool. We have never been better prepared as a nation to keep in touch – now let’s use the tools effectively.

Celebrate success, however small, with the team – it’s not bragging, it’s encouraging others to do the same. Positivity breeds positivity, and every talking point should be exploited to its full potential. Take the time to appreciate every single win.

If you haven’t heard from someone in a while, check in with them – see if they are OK.  A good sign that someone is struggling is reduced communication. Take the time to look after each other and help others beat the isolation. If you are struggling, ask for help.

Take Regular Breaks   

Never before have taking breaks been so important. Working life has changed dramatically and very quickly. So, don’t forget or feel guilty about taking a break

You don’t have to leave the house, you can break the day up with household chores, just as long as you are taking time away from your screen – giving your body a chance to readjust to a more natural position.

No matter what you choose to do, try to take regular screen breaks and Stretch throughout the day. Take a clearly defined lunch break and move away from your workspace.

Also, aim to have a break of 5 minutes an hour away from your screen.

Have a Balanced Diet and Health Lifestyle 

Try to eat regularly and healthily, ensuring that you drink 2 litres of water a day. As an alternative to your usual tea or coffee, why not try a herbal tea or hot water with a slice of lemon.

Don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep. Not getting enough sleep can leave us unproductive the following day and for prolonged periods, a poor sleep pattern will affect resilience and mental health.

Accept that Distractions will Happen 

Don’t beat yourself up if pets or children distract you for a while – it will happen. Deal with the distraction, reset the calm, and then continue.

Take Time to Relax and Keep Active 

Most importantly, take time to relax and engage in activities that you like to do. Maybe spending time with your immediate family or friends (even over zoom), put some music on or practice some mindfulness – there are lots of apps available for you to try.

Or just go for a walk – it’s a beautiful world - be curious, indulge your senses and observe what is beautiful or unusual in the world. Being aware of your thoughts and feelings as they arise, without getting lost in them, can improve your well-being.

If you prefer to stay inside (or there are further restrictions placed on movement), you can include some movement from home, put on a workout DVD, get sweaty with the housework or put on some music and have a dance. Exercise will help you to feel more awake and alert, and your concentration and sleep will improve.

Make Your own Schedule 

Use the template below to make your own schedule

Work Safely

 Incorporate the following into your schedule: 

1. Break up long spells of work with rest breaks (at least 5 minutes every hour) or changes in activity
2. Change position regularly to avoid awkward or static postures
3. Get up, move about, do stretching exercises
4. Avoid eye strain by regularly changing focus and blinking