With the PG Paper team now safely ensconced in our homes around the globe observing ‘lockdown’ rules in their respective countries, we thought it timely to share our Top Tips Working from Home tips with you.
Some of the team are seasoned homeworkers; some of us are newbies – we hope that you find something to inspire you.
The most important piece of advice that we are striving to follow, is to stay positive – and to use the time to think, reflect and to plan. How many of us have tasks that never make it off the to-do list? This is a time to smash then – and to enjoy the satisfaction of ticking them off the list.
Puneet
Business as usual needs to start with maintaining your usual morning routines around alarms, showers, breakfast, etc. It sets you up for a day of productive work. However, these are not normal times, and I will be using some of the time to challenge current ways of working and think about how PG stays ahead of the curve! #StayPositive #WatchThisSpace
Jim
Keep in touch with your colleagues, not just your immediate team, but those working in other areas of the business too – it keeps your finger on the pulse. And don’t let your mind wander into negative thoughts; keep your focus.
Pets can be a welcome distraction for a few minutes across your day, but I try to shut the door on our dog to save interruptions on calls, etc.
Amanda
Unlike many people, I like to have something on the tv that I have already seen (I like Friends) – it gives some background noise without distracting me.
I have a dog, Charlie, and I set times to walk her so that she gets into a routine too and doesn’t distract me. I like to have a set lunch too – to save me snacking throughout the day (Let me know how long your goodie cupboard stays stocked 😊)
And tea – what is the quote, ‘a cup of tea solves everything’? My kettle is always on the boil and there is generally a cup on the go at any given time.
Holly
It’s all about balance and staying positive! I am making sure I get out for some fresh air in the garden after my lunch to help clear my mind, and concentrate on the afternoon ahead. After signing off for the evening, I plan to do a home work out in the slot where I would usually be heading to the gym.
Tony
I’ve worked from home for a large proportion of my career, and if I could offer any tips or advice for anyone where this is a new ‘experience’, it would be to stick to a very strict daily routine and try to take some form of exercise at the beginning and at the end of each day.
Beth
For me, having the right background noise – usually BBC Scotland, Sky News or classical music – helps me concentrate. It doesn’t distract me and it provides enough noise that the dogs don’t bark and every little noise outside 😊 I also like to have food prepped, so it’s ready when I want to break for lunch.
Skype and WhatsApp chats are massively helpful too if I have to ask a quick question. It means I can turn off my email notifications to work on something, yet know that if anyone’s trying to get in touch with me they can still reach me.
Gemma
Like Laura, working in pyjamas doesn’t work for me 😂 – I’m not as productive as if I were dressed for the working day. It also helps to signal the “end of the day” when I can get into more comfy clothing!
I am trying to stay active– I normally have a daily 2.5 hour commute to the office, so I’ve been trying to utilise some of this time to try some mediation, yoga or to go for a walk in the countryside; that’s been really helpful. Additionally I’ve been trying to do 15 minutes of exercise at lunch too to split up the day!
Laura
Don’t work in your PJs! 😊
I’m getting up at 7am and getting a home workout in, before breakfast and a shower. I’m trying a ‘news detox’ so no TV or radio on, just music.
What I’ll struggle with is the discipline to ration the goodies in the kitchen cupboard!
Kemal
I always wake up early, to keep my mind fresh and motivated. After a very light breakfast I start to at the kitchen table. When I am working, my wife and family spend their time in different rooms of the house, to allow me to concentrate, and to allow them to enjoy their time at home.
Vito
Whatever you do, wherever you do it – always do it with passion, never lose your enthusiasm and trust your team!