Tips for successful home office

I am working from home for a couple of months now and since I never did it before, I needed to learn how to work efficiently but also how to make a difference between working hours and personal time.

1. A dedicated workspace

The couch should not be part of your home office. It is important that you separate your work life from your personal life. Especially when working from home. This is possible with a space only set up for work.

2. End your workday properly

When I am done working, I put away all work-related notes, keyboard and mouse go into a drawer. I close my laptop and clean up my desk. It is just a small ritual for me to mentally end my workday.

3. Stick to your working hours

You might start working earlier, because commuting is not necessary anymore. Many people tend to work longer because they don't set boundaries. Short term that might seem ok, but it is creating stress long term. Try to end your day on time, like when you would leave the office usually.

4. Morning routine

If you would go to the office, you would set an alarm, get up at a certain time, shower, have breakfast etc. Keep up your regular morning routine. This means, get up at the same time, have a shower and have breakfast (if you do), take some time for yourself and read something or go for a run before you start your workday.

5. Communicate with your team

Working from home means you are missing out on information. There are always things discussed in the office in the kitchen or hallway. It is important to have regular 1on1 meetings with stakeholders, stand-ups with the team you are working in. Try to make your work as visible as possible. Everyone should be up to date on what is in progress and what is done.

6. Small breaks & fresh air

My personal "problem" is focussing a lot on my work, I sometimes don't notice how time flies by. Out of a sudden, its 11 am, I have been working for three hours already and didn't take a break. But it is important to get up, open the windows for a few minutes and move around. Maybe get a coffee or a tea.

These are things that help me the most and I built up my own home office routine. I use mornings or evenings after work to go for workouts. Keeping up the social life you don't have anymore during the day is also an important thing to consider.