This strange, unprecedented time is making us all rethink the way we work in a big way. Across the nation, we are finding new benefits and drawbacks to working from home.
A lot of what we do at Byte Entertainment is done virtually so we want to share some of my tips for working from home, so that you don't end up like Homer, in his muumuu dress on the sofa, prodding the computer with a broomstick instead of working.
Communication is key
Whether it's through Google Hangouts, Zoom or Slack, it's really important to feel as in touch with your colleagues as ever. With video calling becoming more and more normalised, we personally recommend Zoom for smaller company meetings - which is super easy to set up and you don't need any kind of app to use it. The Google Suite is great for companies who need to access and edit documents all at the same time, without the stress of trying to log onto a VPN or request specific documents from others.
Don't punish yourself for getting distracted
At home it's easy to sit on the sofa and tell yourself you'll work from there, or just go and check once more what's in the fridge. If you're particularly prone to doing this, why not try the Pomodoro technique of working in which you focus for 25 minutes and have a 5-minute break, 4 times over until you have a longer break after that. There are a plethora of articles on why this works so well - you can get a huge amount done without the mindless scrolling of Twitter. It's also super important to take your state-sanctioned exercise breaks! A day's hour-long walk or run is absolutely brilliant not only for your body but also for your brain and will help with your productivity when you do get back to work.
Working with kids
Of course, these timed breaks won't work so well for people with kids. All you can do is your best, so this probably isn't the time to perfect super-parenting. It's a good idea to make the most of technology right now - online activities for kids like Joe Wicks' now-famous series 'P.E. with Joe' will distract the kids and keep them fit even if only for half an hour!
Focus on wellbeing
Finally, we have to point out that at this point the most important thing at this time is your wellbeing, both mental and physical. So of course staying at home and looking after yourself is essential. Why not give yoga a try - Youtube sensation Yoga With Adriene has a monthly playlist (April's theme is 'nurture') of daily yoga exercises which focus on your mindfulness and wellbeing.
Do take a look at our blog posts on virtual events which will help massively with de-stressing and winding down in the evenings!
Our co-founder Jon Salmon has also written for Heads Together on how he has been coping with the new not-so-normal and you can see his four tips on improving your wellbeing while working from home on Instagram here.
Finally, if you do want to chat about work or just a virtual cuppa give us a call on +44 208 123 2983 or email us at hello@byteentertainment.com
Stay well and take it easy!