Page 14 - BOSS Today Issue 47

BOSS Today #47 DOWN TO BUSINESS

It’s no surprise, then, that – even workers to stay at home, while others shortage of laptops has been reported
before the Coronavirus crisis - home had been trialling remote working as firms bulk buy for employees who
working was widely predicted to increase systems (on 13th March Lloyd’s of London normally work on desktop computers,
in the future, with 99% of workers closed down its underwriting room for and it is clear that the UK OP industry is
stating that they would like to work the first time in its 330-year history). very much central to facilitating this shift
remotely at some point for the rest of Many of Britain’s businesses have been to the home.
their careers. going beyond government guidance,
However, the Coronavirus crisis has with flexible or full “working from home” For more information on home working
moved this into a much higher gear: policies becoming standard. and isolation, please visit the HR section
by the 19th March, several of the UK’s However, the move has not been of www.bossfederation.com/coronavirus
largest companies had told office without its challenges: for example, a

Tips For Employees

It is very likely that many workers are being plunged into home working for the first time,
so here are some important tips to share with employees who are working from home:

Routine: start the day early with a routine: get dressed and Socialisation: this is the big one! We all need to talk to
go for a walk, for example. Then create a daily to-do list others, so use technology like Zoom or Skype to do so. If
to give your day some structure and help you measure its you live with someone who’s also working from home, try to
productivity (or create a priority list and try to achieve the plan your breaks at the same time: go for your daily walk or
top thing on that list each day). It’s also important to log off make lunch together. If you’re at home with the kids, split
at a reasonable time every night. Ensure you have a lunch your break into smaller regular chunks to check on them. If
and frequent breaks of 10 minute slots of movement. Take you live alone, call a colleague and have a non-work-related
your time making those cups of tea! catch up.

Workstation: you may not have the perfect workplace or Food & refreshments: start the day right with a nutritious
equipment, but get a supportive chair, or consider a stand- breakfast to help combat mid-morning urges to hit the
up desk. Set up somewhere with a table and chair rather fridge. Eating a balanced lunch is essential for maintaining
than a sofa or bed and get up regularly to stretch. Do not concentration and energy levels in the afternoon: you can
wear lounge clothes or pyjamas when working from home, avoid unhealthy options by batch cooking and stashing
as it can affect your wellbeing - and you never know you the meals in your freezer. Have healthy snacks available,
might have to jump on a video call! otherwise you’ll eat chocolate! Make sure you are adequately
hydrated because mild dehydration can cause fatigue and
Work environment: find a space away from the main home headaches, but if you’re prone to endless cups of tea or
area if possible and definitely not in your bedroom! Moving coffee, try to be aware of your recommended caffeine intake
into another room halfway through the day for a change of so you can get a good night’s sleep.
scenery can also kick-start creativity. Ensure that you pack
down and move away from your workspace at the end of Fresh air: get out once a day for a walk, run or cycle,
the day as a visual cue that work time has finished. because getting fresh air and being closer to nature has
Minimise distraction: we produce much better work when many physical and mental wellbeing benefits.
we are focused on one thing, so move your phone out of
the way and get rid of all the apps which will distract you. Regular breaks and exercise: every 25 minutes, get up and
Make sure that your colleagues and loved ones understand stretch, breathe, go outside, go up and down the stairs,
your boundaries and are aware when you will and will not be anything to move your poor sedentary body!
available. If your distractions are children, there is a range
of online resources for parents to entertain and educate
children, such as BBC Bitesize and We Are Teachers.

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