For many businesses, working from home is a foreign concept and has been another obstacle for businesses to face during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like thousands of businesses across the UK, The Fuel Store has temporarily closed our head office to contribute to the global effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, we recognise the work we do is an essential part of our customers’ supply chain in ensuring you can keep your fleets on the road.
Where possible, we have ensured our employees can continue their vital roles safely at home. By utilising remote working technologies, our teams can work alongside one another, albeit remotely yet remaining productive. Our Fuellers are proving our outstanding service can continue to be delivered at this crucial time.
Working from home is a challenge, especially with nurseries and schools closed. It is also easy to be distracted in the comfort of your home. Working on your own can also leave you feeling isolated, so it’s important to keep up morale within your teams.
So how do we stay focused and productive?
We have put together some simple steps to take to begin your working day at home. Plus, we have some tips on maintaining productivity, even during the inevitable afternoon slump.
Step 1 – Get up, showered and dressed, just as you would for the commute to work.
Step 2 – Before you sit down to work, take your daily walk or run, or do some stretches and a few minutes of meditation.
Step 3 – Create a designated work space, away from where you’d usually relax. I.e. Not on the sofa in the lounge!
Top Tip: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as well as having a caffeine fix. Snack on nuts and fruit rather than reaching for the treat cupboard.
Step 4 – Make sure you take a break from your laptop every hour and a half.
Step 5 – Always have a lunch break, and not at your desk!
Top tip: Before eating, take your daily walk/run or try out a new online exercise routine. It will change your mindset and help you to keep productive throughout the afternoon.
Step 6: Keep in touch with colleagues throughout the day, via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Skype. It’s a good idea to make phone calls to talk through any projects or queries, rather than just emailing. Human interaction will keep morale high.
Step 7: Make sure you finish work at the usual time. Turn off your laptop and put it away ready for your next working day.
Feel free to share these ideas to colleagues and employees, and let us know how you are keeping morale and productivity high.
For more information about the government Covid-19 guidelines for businesses, click here.