Lifestyle
Turning teleworking into a great experience
26.11.2020
Teleworking can be wonderful – but it can also be a struggle, and it can be lonely. Here’s some helpful advice.
According to a survey conducted in 2019 by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, only a quarter (24.6%) of workers in Switzerland were able to work from home (a.k.a. telework) on an occasional basis, If it were the employees (see survey by Colombus Consulting), the situation would be completely different: 80% would like to work from home on a regular basis. This desire is gaining momentum as companies find themselves having to find more flexible solutions for their employees.
The question remains: How can you make working from home positive? We sourced some hints and tips from the employees of car sharing provider Mobility:
1. Structure your day
When you work from home, the commute to work is no longer necessary – and thus the dividing line between professional and private life can be experienced. That’s why it’s important to create new routines for yourself: in the morning when you start your working day, and in the evening when you resume your home life.
Especially important: Don’t stay in your pajamas all day! Instead, take the time to get yourself ready for the day and wear something appropriate. That way, you’ll always be prepared for that last-minute video conference.
To wind up the working day:
Go out for a walk in the fresh air
Call friends or family
Do something else you enjoy
2. Set up a workstation
Not everyone has a room that they can use entirely as an office. That said, ensure you have at least one corner that’s devoted to work and invest in some ergonomic furniture to maintain a good posture. Also, make sure your desk is well lit: your eyes will thank you for it and you’ll avoid headaches.
3. Stay in touch with colleagues
Lack of communication with your colleagues can lead to isolation. You can quickly find yourself missing human contact, get-togethers and even gossip and banter. So get in the habit of regularly exchanging news or organising a video conference for the coffee break. That will act as a welcome morale booster.
4. Manage your time well
Plan your working day carefully: create a to-do list for the next day in the evening and prioritize according to urgency. Crossing off what you’ve accomplished during the day keeps you motivated.
Working from home doesn’t mean you have to be available at all times and throw standard working hours overboard: Make sure you switch off your mobile phone and computer before and after work and make a note of your hours for guidance.
Take a break in the morning and the afternoon to relax and These include:
Put a wash on
Pop out for ten minutes of fresh air
Do some stretching exercises
5. Inform your household
If you don’t live alone, it can be a challenge to make your family or flatmates understand that you’re working and that they shouldn’t knock on your door every 10 minutes. Block out set periods of time during which you don’t want to be disturbed and let the others know.
6. Stay positive!
For sure, the Covid-19 situation isn’t easy, But it’s worth taking a positive side to the whole thing: You have more time for your family and close friends, less commuting stress and more freedom for yourself.
The Mobility Cooperative is confident that teleworking enhances its employees’ quality of life. It’s taken steps to ensure that they continue to interact. For example, with a coffee lottery: Every month, people from different departments are drawn together to spend a virtual coffee break together.
What about you – are you doing things to improve your experience of working from home? We look forward to hearing from you.