The shift to working from home accelerated during the pandemic, many Australian employees continue to work remotely at least part of the week. Flexible work hours and hybrid work models offered by employers are likely here to stay.

Remote work is particularly suitable for office-based roles that rely on computers, as opposed to physical or outdoor jobs. While many enjoy the savings on commuting and the added flexibility, maintaining productivity can be challenging. Whether you work from home full-time or part-time, having a routine is crucial. If you’re looking to refine your routine, here are six excellent tips to consider.

1. Allow Yourself Morning Prep Time
It’s tempting to replace the morning commute with extra snooze time, but transitioning straight from bed to desk isn’t ideal. Aim to wake up early enough to shower, dress, eat breakfast, and mentally prepare for the day.

2. Establish Set Work Hours
Even if you have flexible hours, setting boundaries is essential. While running errands during the day can be convenient, it’s important to set start, finish, and break times. This helps avoid slipping into unproductive periods and working late into the evening. Conversely, some may find themselves working through lunch and into the evening without the usual office structure. Sticking to regular hours and switching off at the end of the day is vital to prevent burnout.

3. Incorporate Incidental Exercise
Commuting often includes incidental exercise, like a 10-minute walk to and from the bus. When working from home, replicate this with a walk around the block twice a day or a bike ride at lunch. Exercise boosts circulation and brain function, and it’s beneficial for mental health to step outside during the workday.

4. Develop Healthy Habits
Use your former commuting time for healthy activities. The evening commute time can be repurposed for preparing nutritious meals or lunches for the next few days. Morning mindfulness or meditation exercises can also help prepare your mind and body for a productive day.

5. Stay Organised
Working from home can lead to disorganisation. In the office, you might plan meals and shop on weekends to avoid midweek errands. At home, the flexibility can lead to last-minute decisions and pressure to finish work in time for shopping and meal prep. Balance your saved commuting time and flexible hours by being proactive about organisation.

6. Maintain Contact with Colleagues
While working from home can be enjoyable, it can also be isolating. Stay connected with colleagues through chat and video calls. Arrange occasional lunch dates and participate in brainstorming or training sessions to share ideas and learn from each other. This helps build and maintain strong, rewarding working relationships.

The rapid shift to remote work during the pandemic was unprecedented. While it offers numerous benefits, it also has downsides. With proper management and a solid routine, these challenges can be mitigated.