The COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us to experience what it’s like working from home. Over the past few years, we all had to deal with the challenge of combining work and home life in the same space. What started as an unfamiliar shift quickly became the new routine, with “homework” taking on a different meaning outside the classroom.
Reflecting on that time, it’s clear that moving to a work-from-home setup required adjustments. It took time to establish a routine that allowed productivity while dealing with the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Now that the pandemic is behind us and remote work remains common, the lessons we learnt during that time still hold value. Here’s a look at some practices that helped many of us work effectively from home.
5 Tips That Made Working from Home Work
1. Find a Dedicated Space
One of the first challenges of working from home was creating a specific area for work. Identifying a spot in the house that supported focus and productivity was key. Whether it was a spare room, a corner of the living room, or a desk in the bedroom, setting up a work-specific area helped many avoid distractions and maintain structure throughout the workday.
2. Stick to a Routine
Even with all the changes the pandemic brought, sticking to a routine was important for those working from home. By following a schedule similar to what they had before, people found a sense of normalcy during a time of uncertainty. This meant waking up at the usual time, preparing as if heading to the office, and keeping regular working hours. Setting boundaries with family members was also necessary to maintain focus on work.
3. Explore New Interests
With the daily commute gone, people gained extra time that could be spent on personal interests and hobbies. Many used this opportunity to pick up new activities—whether it was learning to knit, watching TV shows, trying out a new form of exercise, or catching up on video games. Shifting some focus to hobbies helped maintain a healthier balance between work and personal life, as long as work was completed first.
4. Keep Communication Open
With the distance from colleagues, keeping communication lines open became more important. Regular check-ins, video calls, and staying in touch with colleagues and managers helped bridge the gap that working from home created. These interactions kept work moving smoothly and provided much-needed emotional support during uncertain times.
5. Make Time for Self-Care
The stress and anxiety of the pandemic made self-care a priority. Taking regular breaks, practising mindfulness, stretching, and even short meditation sessions helped many people stay grounded. Finding moments for reflection and relaxation became important strategies for dealing with the challenges of working through a global crisis.
STAFFLINK’s Ongoing Support
Throughout the pandemic, STAFFLINK remained committed to the well-being of its staff. As we move forward, our dedication to your personal and professional growth continues. If you face any challenges, whether related to work or life outside of it, please reach out to the STAFFLINK management team. Supporting each other has always been our strength, and we will continue to tackle any obstacles together as a team.
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Looking back at the lessons of the past, we can see how they’ve shaped the present and will continue to influence the future of work. The adaptability, resilience, and creativity shown during those years have set a strong foundation for whatever comes next in our professional lives.
