With many of us still working from home, different rooms have been adapted for a dual purpose. Having worked remotely for years, I know how difficult it can be to adjust to a new schedule and environment. The office structure has gone, set coffee breaks and lunches are now more fluid and normal face to face conversations have disappeared. Some have other family members in the same space which can make for some interesting discussions! It can become a big mess creating tension and it is important to choose which room becomes a dual room.

 

Feng Shui First

Definitely not the bedroom! This is the room for sleep, rest and relationships. Laptops and workstations are definitely not good energy. However; if you have to work in your bedroom, create a space where you can store the equipment, even in a drawer so it is put away. The dining area is ideal as there is usually storage and the table for easy use. Make sure you don’t work opposite each other as this is seen as setting up a negative Chi, combative energy. Keep it tidy, have containers for pens and stationery, buy notebooks and make it easy to put it all away at the end of the workday. Our dining room is in the Wealth sector and we are buying some smart navy blue notebooks and items that are easily stored. These are the colours for this sector. Check which area you are going to set your office up in and merge with the colours and elements that match that sector. Our area is still a work in progress but we are getting there.

How to Work from Home

Setting your space up is the easy part, actually working is the hard piece. Some tips and tricks from over the years. These have worked for many of us.

  • Get up, shower and dress as if you are going to work – this doesn’t mean a suit and dress necessarily, just good grooming;
  • Put away the pyjamas, tracksuit and get dressed as if you are going to be on camera;
  • Be aware of your surroundings for being in a live meeting – make sure your art work is what you are ok for your boss to see
  • Write a to do list and set up the week’s meetings and goals to give yourself structure;
  • Schedule casual face to face colleague meetings so you feel connected;
  • For those who have remote teams, think about setting up a local group – in Berlin, I met some wonderful women through Get Out of the 4 Walls;
  • Try to put your work away at a reasonable hour, it is tempting to keep working as the hours are more fluid;
  • Finally, schedule breaks and go for that walk, run or swim – it is all about internal and external balance.