As the world isolates, I thought I'd share some unsolicited survival tips on working from home. What makes me such an expert, I hear you ask? Well, first of all, I've been inside for months, even before COVID popped off.
What with the bushfire smoke and then recovering from surgery. I was just about back on my feet when four days into starting a new job with Canva, we were instructed to work from home to help stop the spread.
So here I am in week 10 (or is it 11?) stuck in a studio flat with my partner. We're both crammed around the dining table, working independently, while both having a full schedule of meetings. How do we survive? I've no fucking idea - so I've tried to get some thoughts down here to unravel my secret.
1. Don't stay in bed all-day
Although it is tempting, don't do it. Treat every workday as you usually would. Get up, make the bed, eat breakfast, shower, and get dressed (even if it's into the same joggers you've been wearing for the past month). Take a lunch break and schedule some time away from the screen. It helps trust me. Whenever possible, I try and squeeze in a chapter of my book.
2. Have a workspace
It's hard to separate your work and home mindset - especially when you're in a studio flat. I found out quickly that it's essential to have a workspace where you can focus entirely on your work, but not be drawn to outside of working hours.
I invested in a stand-up desk that I set up on the dining table every morning and pack away at the end of every working day. This helps me keep maintain typical 'office' hours - anyway, we need space for breakfast and dinner.
3. Schedule meetings in advance
It can be difficult working close to your partner when you have meetings that overlap and clash. I've had to take a few meetings from the toilet. I even had to compete with the parrots while giving a presentation outside in the garden. Just because I'm mobile with a laptop doesn't mean I can take notes, balance my laptop, and participate in the conversation from anywhere without being distracted. I need to be set up at my desk. We now communicate when, and for how long our meetings will be, so the other can plan accordingly.
4. Get some fresh air
Take a walk outside or go down to the beach. Getting fresh air can help you recharge and gain a greater perspective. It can also give you some thinking time.
5. Know your tools
I was an old-school copywriter before starting at Canva. Using offline word docs to email across just doesn't cut it when you're working for a leading tech company. I quickly had to learn a range of online tools, and I won't be looking back. With Slack, Zoom, Braze, Confluence, Trello, Jira, Amplitude, Dyspatch, Figma, and Google docs I'm always connected and ready to instantly collaborate on work in real-time.
6. Boss it
Take some initiative, work hard, and before you know it, you've been working remotely for two and a half months. Here's to fuck knows how many more.
Good luck and stay safe out there people.
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