[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Header: 9 Ways to Work From Home” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”9 SIMPLE WAYS” subhead=”to make working from home work for you” text_orientation=”center” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”on” scroll_down_icon=”%%2%%” scroll_down_icon_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ title_line_height=”1.7em” subhead_font_size=”30px” background_color=”#414042″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/9-ways.jpg” parallax=”on” z_index_tablet=”500″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”9 Things” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”75px|0px|110px|0px|false|false” border_color_all=”rgba(255,186,96,0.6)” border_width_right=”8vw” border_color_right=”#5b8cb1″ collapsed=”off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/WFH_dad.jpg” _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n
So, you’re now working from home. Without the benefit of a boss keeping tabs on you and a slew of co-workers to keep you motivated and entertained, working from home can sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable.<\/b><\/p>\n
The difference between thriving and sinking when you work from home is made in the structures you implement for yourself. How, when and even where you spend your time throughout the day (not just while working) will have a significant impact on your ability to work well from home.<\/p>\n
The internet is currently bursting with helpful hints and tips for\u00a0successful\u00a0home-working, all provided by gurus and experts in these things. We don’t profess to be the experts in home-working\u00a0science, but at Gray Dawes<\/strong> we do have many seasoned home-workers. So, we’d like to pass on a few ‘real life’ tips\u00a0which you may just find work for you…<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”the right kit” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Have The Right Equipment” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n When you\u2019re working from home, you obviously need to have the right software and equipment to get the job done. Don\u2019t rely on outsourcing things like basic printing and copying if you can avoid it, make sure you\u2019ve got a working landline phone and a decent broadband connection and, if at all possible, have a computer that\u2019s just for work stuff. This makes it easier to keep your boundaries in place (more on that below).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”commute” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”||60px||false|false” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle:Commute” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n During these unprecedented times of self-isolation and social distancing, you may well be glad of not having to tackle the train crowds or sit stationery on the M25. However, there\u2019s very real value in having a commute, especially when it\u2019s time to get started in the morning. You\u2019re able to transition from home mode to work mode, and getting into work mode is a huge factor in being able to work from home effectively. So what\u2019s the solution? Well\u2026 that\u2019s up to you. But you\u2019ll probably need one.<\/p>\n You may benefit from having a solid, clock-based morning routine. Get up around the same time each day, make breakfast, get dressed and then when the time turns 9 a.m., it’s time to go ‘into the office’ and start working.<\/p>\n Your commute may be showering, making a cup of coffee and then going upstairs to your office \/ spare room. It may involve taking a walk around the block as part of your ‘allowed’ outdoor exercise and coming back in, as though you were arriving at work. Or maybe it’s taking the dog for a walk first thing, to tire him out and ensure you won’t be disturbed later on. Try a few things out and see what (and how much) you need to start slipping into work mode easily.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”get dressed” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”||60px||false|false” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle:Get dressed” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n A lot of the common work-from-home advice out there is to dress as though you\u2019re going to the office. To this, we say: yes and no (but mostly no).<\/p>\n Is it possible to work all day in your pajamas? Sure. We\u2019ve all done it. Is it the greatest idea? Probably not, if for no other reason than you stop feeling like a regular human being when you never put on real clothes. At the same time, we don\u2019t see much sense in stuffing yourself into uncomfortable work clothes if you don\u2019t have to.<\/p>\n So our approach is this: dress in a way you can feel good about. If all you need are yoga bottoms, an unstained shirt and a hint of mascara to get your work done and feel like your normal self, go for it. If you\u2019re more productive and alive wearing chinos, an ironed shirt and your favourite brogues, do it.<\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing effective or helpful about feeling like a slob.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen working from home, it\u2019s less about what you wear and more about how you respond to it. \u201d<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”take care of yourself” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Care” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be surprised how much you end up sitting when you’re working from home. When you\u2019re in an office, you get up pretty frequently to go to the printer, take your turn on the making the tea or popping over to see a colleague. When you\u2019re at home, pretty much everything is within arm\u2019s reach and there\u2019s no one to go visit. It\u2019s just you and your computer, all day long. So take breaks. Work them into your schedule. And no… trips to the fridge don\u2019t count.<\/p>\n Likewise, plan trips that will get you out of the house… but do keep to government guidelines! So, stretching your legs in the garden or getting a breath of fresh air on the balcony is so important. Just do get up regularly and get out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”image: working from home mum” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/WFH_mum.jpg” _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”take schedule” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Schedule” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n If you’re working autonomously, it can be really hard to get things done without someone else to set goals and expectations for you. Being disciplined is part of the story, but if you rely on discipline alone, you will only be disappointing yourself. Instead of leaning on willpower, make yourself a schedule and stick with it.<\/p>\n Every person\u2019s schedule looks different, and might even look different from day to day, depending on the role you’re doing. The idea is to have a structure that you can implement to your workday and even to your working week.<\/p>\n Think about how your energy flows through the day. If you are sharp in the morning, reserve that time each day to do your most demanding work instead of messing around with emails. If you have a slump in the afternoons, use that time to take online courses or do some menial desk work like invoicing or filing (or go outside and listen to a podcast for a breather!).<\/p>\n Batching can be an effective way to manage your time, too. Maybe Monday is your email catch-up and social media day; \u00a0Thursday is the day you\u2019re available for client calls.\u00a0<\/p>\n And no matter what, try to have a quitting time. Even if it\u2019s midnight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”set boundaries” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”||60px||false|false” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Set boundaries” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n When you work from home, keeping your work life separate from your home life is nearly impossible unless you make an effort to do so. And, during the coronavirus pandemic, this is going to be even harder because, chances are, the whole family are at home as well.<\/p>\n It’s easier said than done, but if at all possible do have a dedicated workspace (a door to close is tremendously helpful) and even a dedicated work computer. Don\u2019t let home life encroach on your work time. Throw in a load of laundry, sure, but save the mowing and major cleaning projects for later.<\/p>\n That said, it can be a big relief to accommodate little chores and errands. But make sure there\u2019s always the understanding that your work time is actually for working and that it gets priority over hanging out the washing. Same goes for family members in the house with you. Some people will \u201cget it,\u201d but some – mainly children – will think that you can do anything you (or they) want at any time and you don\u2019t have any real responsibilities, because you’re at home. So, set boundaries and clearly communicate them to everyone else in the house.<\/p>\n Protect your home life, too. At the end of each work day, do whatever it takes to actively step away. Make a priority list for the next day, review your calendar and close the door. Don\u2019t keep hopping on the computer all evening, don\u2019t try to work on a project while watching a TV show with your other half and don\u2019t check work email when it\u2019s not working hours.<\/p>\n A big part of setting and enforcing boundaries is finding your distractions and eliminating them. If the temptation to put off working to take care of some non-essential house project is too great, find out why and address that issue. It could mean that you\u2019re directionless and need some more specific goals. Or you don\u2019t have all the information you need to start a project, so there\u2019s a block. There\u2019s also the possibility that you\u2019re burning out, which should be a big sign that something needs to change. Whatever it is, find the reason and fix it so it doesn\u2019t keep getting in the way of your success.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”human contact” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”||60px||false|false” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Human contact” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n Isolation is no joke. If you’re living alone during this crazy coronavirus time, you\u2019ll succumb to it if you don\u2019t get proactive right away. In your regular job, you\u2019ve got colleagues, customers and sometimes suppliers to keep you company. Not so when you work from home.<\/p>\n The fact is, you need the company kitchen. So make one for yourself! Find peers who you can email, Skype, FaceTime or chat with regularly and groups where you can connect online. Human interaction is the goal and many of us can get by on surprisingly little. Incidentally, this is one of the reasons why people like co-working spaces and even working at the library: other people are there. However, during the current outbreak, you’ll just have to make do with Zoom.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”systems” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”||60px||false|false” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Systems” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n When you\u2019re employed by someone else and you\u2019re working in the company space, there are a lot of systems you won\u2019t be able to use when you work from home. It could be something as basic as IT support or having a phone call screener (aka receptionist) or a bookkeeper. Develop the systems you\u2019ll need at home that someone or something else would have provided for you at an office.<\/p>\n Set a cleaning day each week when you\u2019ll vacuum and water the plants. Use calendar reminders to ping you every Friday when it\u2019s time to send invoices. Find a project management system that you like to help you keep track of all the moving parts of your workday. In short, take charge and automate what you can.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”make the most of it” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Make the most of it” _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.6″]<\/p>\n Let’s face it; chances are you’re not working from home through choice. You’re there because your company is doing the right thing – following government guidelines by closing offices and sending staff home. And you’re at home for the right reasons, too – not going outside and supporting our remarkable NHS.<\/p>\n But, choice or not, you have to make the most of it! Working from home has some huge perks and can make a major difference in your quality-of-life. So enjoy it! Live up the freedom you now have to take an early morning fitness class with Joe Wicks<\/a>\u00a0(if you’re schedule allows), or put your children down for their afternoon naps – you’ll never get that<\/em> time back. Ultimately, you are a lot more in charge of your schedule, which means you can do a lot more with it, if that\u2019s what you want.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”back button” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”75px|0px|110px|0px|false|false” border_color_all=”rgba(255,186,96,0.6)” border_width_right=”8vw” border_color_right=”#5b8cb1″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”back button” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/workingfromhome\/” button_text=”back to Working From Home” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button: back to Working From Home” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”%%23%%” button_icon_color=”#ffffff” button_icon_placement=”left” background_layout=”dark” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” box_shadow_style=”preset3″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Footer” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_color=”#414042″ background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Train-Doors-Open-Start-Your-Journey.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_module=”1383″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Footer Row” module_id=”footer” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_enable_image=”off” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”1800ms” z_index_tablet=”500″ make_fullwidth=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_color=”rgba(65,64,66,0.75)” custom_padding=”100px|10%|100px|10%” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ header_2_font=”|||on|||||” z_index_tablet=”500″ locked=”off”]<\/p>\n START YOUR NEW\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texts” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_font=”|||on|” header_4_font=”|||on|||||” z_index_tablet=”500″ locked=”off”]<\/p>\n 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/contact-us” button_text=”GET IN TOUCH” module_id=”get_in_touch_button_footer” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|||on|||||” button_icon_color=”#5b8cb1″ transform_scale=”98%|98%” transform_translate=”-1px|8px” background_layout=”dark” z_index_tablet=”500″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”#6D6E71″ button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_radius__hover=”0px” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#6D6E71″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_color=”#414042″ custom_padding=”100px|10%|100px|10%” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”HEAD OFFICE” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%249%%” icon_placement=”left” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”28px” _builder_version=”3.21.1″ header_level=”h5″ header_font=”|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#5b8cb1″ body_line_height=”1.8em” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_zoom=”12%” z_index_tablet=”500″]<\/p>\n 27 Middleborough<\/span><\/p>\n Colchester, CO1 1TG<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”CALL US” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%264%%” icon_placement=”left” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”28px” module_id=”call_us_phone_cta_footer” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ header_level=”h5″ header_font=”|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#5b8cb1″ body_line_height=”1.8em” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” animation_delay=”100ms” animation_intensity_zoom=”12%” z_index_tablet=”500″]<\/p>\n1. Have the right equipment<\/h3>\n
2. Invent a commute<\/h3>\n
3. Get dressed for work… or don’t<\/h3>\n
4. Take care of yourself<\/h3>\n
5. Give yourself a schedule<\/h3>\n
6. Set boundaries<\/h3>\n
7. Have human contact… but keep your distance<\/h3>\n
8. Get systems to work for you<\/h3>\n
9. Make the most of it<\/h3>\n
JOURNEY NOW …\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/h4>\n
WE ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE<\/span><\/h3>\n