Working from home can either be a paradise or a nightmare, depending on who you ask.
According to a 23ABC Facebook Poll, majority of Kern County residents said working from home is harder.
Out of 383 votes, 238 voted that working from home was harder, while 145 voted that working from home was easier.
In order to assist those who are having difficulty adjusting to a work-at-home lifestyle, here are some tips:
According to Psychology Today, try to maintain a routine while working from home.
It may seem easy to get distracted while at home, experts say the best way to adjust to the changes is by simply not changing. "If you wake up at 5 a.m., then continue that same routine. If you like going for a jog before work, then continue that routine," the article read. However, do these things within reason.
Second, work your normal schedule, and don't feel pressured to work outside your usual hours. "Many do it because they feel guilty that they are working remotely and don’t want their boss or co-workers to think they are slacking off, or they don’t know what to do with the extra time."
You may find yourself with some extra time without having to commute to and from work and therefore feel the need to extend your workday. " If you commute to work, chances are you take that time to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, or something else. That shouldn’t stop."
Next, use video chats to maintain in-person contact. Many of us might be feeling a little isolated since the stay-at-home order. Experts say you should try to continue contacting others throughout the day and your shift, whether it be through a company meeting, or contacting your family and friends.
Experts also say that while working from home, it may be tempting to skip your usual break times.
"Being in the office lends itself to chit chat with co-workers. Someone comes around and asks if you want to go grab a coffee or asks you to go for a walk. That clearly will be hard to do if you’re now working remotely but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take breaks throughout the day. Taking breaks will be critical to your sanity but also make sure you rest your eyes from sitting in front of the computer"
Lastly, stay mobile. It can be tempting to just stay in your office space with your computer. Especially as companies move to virtual meetings and business, meaning there's even less reason to get up.
You can also brighten your routine by changing up your workspace. If you're working from home with a laptop, try moving your daily workspace around. If that's not an option, add some new flowers or photos to spice up your work area.
If you're working from home, we'd like to know how you're adjusting to the changes. Send us an email with your story at news@kero.com
