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7 biggest mistakes you can make working from home, and how to avoid them
Working from home undoubtedly has its benefits over working in the office, whether thats getting rid of the daily commute or allowing for extra flexibility in our schedules. But remote working also has plenty of challenges and there are several key mistakes many people make that can lead to a frustrating, unproductive and potentially unhealthy experience.
1. Not taking proper breaks
One of the key mistakes of working from home, is staying at your desk while eating lunch to try and get a little extra work done. However, this not only risks getting your workspace full of crumbs and other food debris, but it prevents your brain from switching off and recharging while youre supposed to be taking a break.
To combat this, ensure that you take proper, regular breaks. When it is time to have some lunch, make sure to eat away from your desk to give your eyes a rest from your laptop screen so you can return to work in the afternoon feeling refreshed and re-energized.
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2. Not going outside
As an extension of the previous point, working from home often removes any need to get active and go outside. The daily commute now consists of getting out of bed and heading to your desk in the next room, via a quick pitstop in the kitchen for some breakfast. It’s not exactly a long journey.
Staying sat in the same chair all day and unhealthy snacking can not only make you feel sluggish but over time, a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of numerous health problems including heart disease, obesity as well as mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression.
Using your break to have a quick walk around the block or investing in a standing desk or walking pad can be a great way of getting the blood pumping and help to look after your physical and mental health.
3. Not setting a proper routine
The flexibility that working from home brings can also be a hindrance to some, as it can be very easy to get distracted by household tasks such as the laundry piling up in the hamper. Some of these chores end up eating into your work time and leave you rushing around, getting stressed and potentially working late at the end of the day.
Setting up a strict routine can help to maintain the structure and flow of each day, whether thats allocating a certain time for a coffee break, getting some exercise in, or even finishing at the correct time at the end of the day. While it can be incredibly tempting to work late to get one final task done, it could lead to issues such as burnout in the long run.
4. Becoming isolated
One of the biggest challenges faced by those working from home is loneliness, as it can feel incredibly isolating to be by yourself all day.
A great way to alleviate this and build up friendships and teamwork with your colleagues could be to schedule a call and treat it like a virtual coffee break or water cooler chat that allows you to unwind, vent about issues youre having or simply talk about non-work-related things like what TV youve been watching.
5. Not having a designated workspace
While being at home means that you can work wherever you want, such as on your cozy couch or even from bed on a freezing cold day, it’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make when working from home. Working in the same areas you relax in, as it can hinder your ability to unplug at the end of the day or create distractions like being in the same room as the TV.
Setting up a designated workspace, either in a spare room or in the corner of a quieter room, is a great way of helping to create a separation between home and work life.
If there isnt a suitable option for a home office where you live, you could always venture out to a local coffee shop or shared workspace.
6. Being distracted by children or pets
Working from home can be seen as a benefit for parents as it means you can be around to look after young or school-age children during the summer break without having to arrange for things like childcare.
However, this comes with its own risks as it can be very easy to get distracted by your kids and fall behind on your daily workload, or have one of them interrupt an important video call, therefore adding to the stress youre already under.
If your partner also works remotely, it could be wise to share childcare duties with them to not distract from your own work too much. Alternatively, arranging childcare on certain days you know are likely going to be busy will ease the load on you and benefit your kids, as youll be more relaxed when you do spend time with them.
7. Having an untidy workspace
A common phrase among self-help guides and gurus is that having a tidy home can lead to a tidy mind. This can also be said of your home office, as it can be incredibly distracting and demotivating to work in a room or at a desk that is full of clutter.
Ensuring that your workspace is clear by regularly tidying away loose stationary, old notebooks or used cups can help to clear your mind and get you feeling more motivated.
