Specialist HR Topics and Masterclasses

Podcast Episode 47: Effective Homeworking

20th March 2020

2,157 views

5 min read

Add comment

Resource: 10 Tips For Effective Homeworking

This Episode: Effective Homeworking

In this special HR Uprising Podcast episode, Lucinda explores how we can make the best out of these unprecedented times by focusing on how we can carry out effective homeworking despite the distractions. With tips and suggestions for individuals and managers, this podcast is a great resource for all. Lucinda will also explore how HR can practically respond to these current challenges.

First Brexit, now Coronavirus – so easy for us to lose focus and effectiveness. Certainly, the reality is that these are unprecedented times and the continued productivity and focus of our people is going to be key. Above all, we all need to be resilient which means supporting and bringing the best out of each other.

Valuable Resources

Host of The HR Uprising Podcast, Lucinda Carney, is also the founder and CEO of Actus Software, where you can find additional free HR Resources: https://actus.co.uk/free-performance-management-resources/
Actus Software resources particularly relevant to this podcast:
- Blog: How to be Effective when Working Remotely
- Blog: How to Manage People Remotely
- Infographic: 10 Tips for Effective Homeworking
- Infographic: 5 Tips for Managing your Remote Workforce
The Pomodoro Technique
Join the HR Uprising LinkedIn Group

Key Takeaways

10 Tips for Effective Homeworking

Designated Workspace – If at all possible create a workspace that you can designate as your ‘office’.
Right Kit – The key is to take into account what your job entails and therefore what equipment you will need. Talk to your employer or invest in yourself to get the right homeworking kit for your ‘office’ e.g. a proper chair, monitor, mouse, headphones.
Create New Routines – You want to be comfortable, so perhaps work in exercise gear but don’t sit in pj’s all day.
Move Around – Plan in regular breaks where you can stretch or get some fresh air by going for walks. This is especially key if you don’t have the best set up at home.
Focus – Plan your working day, don’t just sit in email. Schedule in blocks of time that encompass a variety of activities or project work. Perhaps try using the Pomodoro technique.
Planning & Closure – Close up by planning for tomorrow by creating goals or a to-do list. So you are ready to go come the next morning.
Limit Interruptions & Social Media – Put the phone away! Don’t be sucked into the news or social media. Possibly turn off notifications when you are trying to focus.
Choose your Attitude – Think about what you can do to be effective. Control what you can control and keep the right attitude. Most importantly, stay away from things that make you anxious.
Don’t just Email – Have a conversation by picking up the phone or by jumping on Skype, so that you can collaborate and get things done.
Up the Social Conversation – Ask how people are, what their successes or challenges have been, ask about their kids, plants, or pets they’ve got at home. This helps to lighten the mood and brings in the social element that comes naturally in an office.

5 Tips for Managing People Remotely

Carry out virtual 121’s – Creating a sense of structure and normality.
Break down objectives – Focus people on short term tasks and targets.
Seize the opportunity to promote Self-Development – As many no longer have to deal with a commute to work, there is more time in their day to do some self-development.
Recognise positive behaviours virtually – Show that your team may be out of sight but they are not out of mind.
Hold virtual team meetings – Use collaboration technology to bring people together weekly. Allow people to transfer knowledge around personal development and recognise others for their contribution.

Best Moments

‘Focus is one of the main things if you are not used to working from home.’
‘Social media is a great way to have some downtime, however, it is also a huge time thief. So make sure you only limit this to 5 minutes.’
‘You need to reach out more, because people are remote, little and often, but equally having that structure in terms of your working day.’
‘Make sure people know what they need to focus on.’

About The Host

Lucinda Carney is a Business Psychologist with 15 years in Senior Corporate L&D roles and a further 10 as CEO of Actus Software where she worked closely with HR colleagues helping them to solve the same challenges across a huge range of industries. Certainly, it was this breadth of experience that inspired Lucinda to set up the HR Uprising community to facilitate greater collaboration across HR professionals in different sectors, helping them to ‘rise up’ together.

“When we look up we rise up”