Email your tips on how you’ve been staying alert and productive whilst home working to marketing@nicholasassociatesgroup.co.uk
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Home Working
Tips on how to master home working:
- Set up a designated workspace. Make space for yourself to work in, which is somewhere you can focus without being distracted. Ensure it is set up with everything you need for a normal working day e.g. computer, phone, stationery, paper etc. It is advised to not work from the sofa.
- Make sure you have all the technology you need. This includes a reliable internet connection, any necessary files, hardware, software, and remote access to our company network. Most importantly, how to get IT support from Cooper Parry – helpdesk@cooperparryit.com and 01332411160.
- Remember GDPR. Be mindful not to expose the company to data breaches. No company data should be transferred to a personal laptop or device whilst working at home. Ensure you comply with the IT security and data protection requirements at all times.
- You must ensure that information and equipment are kept secure. In particular, private and confidential material must be kept in lockable secure storage at all times. Line managers must be satisfied that all reasonable precautions are taken to maintain the confidentiality of material in accordance with the company’s policy.
- Ensure you continue to meet agreed work objectives. This includes deadlines and monitoring arrangements, with a focus on outcomes and achievement. The role should be performed just as well away from the business as someone working on their own.
- Get dressed. Changing into working clothes will help you mentally switch to productive work mode. It will also help you distinguish between ‘homeworking’ and ‘home life’. Set ground rules with other people in your home or who you share your space with for when you are working.
- Write a daily to-do list. Set out a list of realistic, achievable tasks to keep you focused.
- Step away from your desk. Be clear about when your working day begins and ends and take breaks to refresh. It’s easy to let yourself be ‘always on’ when your home and office are the same place. When work is over, be sure you switch off to avoid burnout. Move away from your laptop, sit down and enjoy.
- Stay in conversation. Contribute regularly to team chats/group emails so you don’t drop off the radar. Ask about what people are working on and share how you’re doing. Being physically separated means you miss the ‘water-cooler moments’ so these are the means to keep informed. Make time for non-work chats as you would in the workplace and use video calling to maintain face-to-face contact.
- Ask for support when needed. Speak out when you need assistance, further training or support. Your manager, colleagues and you are part of a team and should be supporting each other, especially remotely.
- Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and follow the Display Screen Guidance and other health and safety arrangements and procedures
- Make remote working work for you. Change where you sit, put on music, whatever helps you work. And enjoy the perks – no commute or uncomfortable shoes, and all your home comforts!
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