A good WFH setup doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
PHOTO: COCONUTS SINGAPORE
Are you dozing off during work-from-home (WFH) or constantly checking social media? If your productivity is slumping or if you find yourself burning out during WFH, here’s how you can design a workstation that encourages efficiency and mental wellbeing.
1. Set up a conducive work environment
Start by creating a dedicated space for WFH. Of course, a flat and stable work desk, a comfy chair that promotes good posture, and good Wi-Fi reception come first. Besides these aspects, lighting is also important as lighting that is too harsh or too dim can harm your eyesight and cause you to accumulate unnecessary stress. If you like sunlight, pick a sunny spot in or around your home. Besides inspiring creativity and solutions, a view of the sun and the outdoors can also help you manage your time better.
Working in a room with neutral tones is the safest option. Scientific studies have observed that painting walls with loud colours like bright green, orange or red can prevent some people’s minds from calming down. To keep your stress level low, you should also ensure that you enjoy optimal air flow and a temperature that you like at your WFH desk.
2. Follow a routine
Even if you aren’t seeing anyone today, you might yield a more productive day if you shower and get dressed for work, rather than remain in your PJs. Going about your regular workday rituals can help your mind shift to work mode.
If you find yourself watching videos and surfing social media platforms several times an hour, make a physical or written note to remind yourself not to cave. Instead, incentivise yourself. For example, you can tell yourself: “Once I complete this big task, I can take a short YouTube or Instagram break”.
3. WFH with two or more people
Optimising your WFH environment gets tricky if your small living space is housing two or more members engaging in WFH or home-based learning (HBL). Earphones are a great solution, and quiet rooms for taking calls are just as important. While shopping for affordable pairs of earphones for your family members or housemates, consider picking up privacy screens and shelves too. Some people use ‘do not disturb’ signs when they need some space and silence, but it is best if you speak to your loved ones first about why you need that occasional temporary separation. On the other hand, you can rely on your WFH mates for ideas and support.
Your work space should preferably be physically distanced from your leisure and sleeping spaces. We might flounder with time management when working from home, but this is actually more important than we might realise, so set a knock off time for yourself. Global surveys have observed that we are prone to toiling well beyond our working hours during WFH, largely because there is no physical departure from the office to the home.
4. WFH with kids
The greatest challenge of WFH and HBL is the little ones. Adults might find themselves needing to drop the kids off at daycare or at gramps’ house, or hire a helper to mind the kids. Most of all, many parents have voiced that they need the understanding and acceptance of their coworkers, who might be disturbed by these children during work calls. Speak to your team or your boss about this, so that they will understand your needs and challenges.
Consider scheduling tough tasks and important meetings during time slots when the young ones aren’t around. If your children are old enough, speak with them about the importance of not disturbing you during work hours. You can also reward good behaviour, such as being attentive and completing their HBL lessons, and helping you with household chores.
Setting up a WFH space for two or more people can be challenging but also fun.
PHOTO: UNSPLASH
What else keeps you ‘in the zone’? For some people, it’s being able to admire beautiful design and lush greenery from their workstations. For others, it might be as simple as having easy access to healthy pick-me-up foods and beverages.
Last but not least, plan different activities that you and your loved ones can enjoy together after work hours. This might improve your time management and help make every day under lockdown or semi-lockdown feel different and memorable.
