How to make working from home, work for you

Almost a third of Australian employees (or 4.3 million people) have been working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic¹. Many industries have been forced to adapt, meaning more of us are adjusting to new ways of working. While flexibility is a positive step, self-discipline is required to make it sustainable in the long-term. Here’s how to ensure your home office is as comfortable and productive as possible.

Finding the right time for friends and family

In most of our idyllic work from home fantasies housemates, crying babies and noisy neighbours probably don’t factor in. In reality, there are a number of responsibilities and distractions we still need to manage. If you’re sharing the space with family or friends, let others know in advance when you need silence or use of certain spaces. In turn, respect their needs and help out where possible. That said, making sure to spend valuable time with friends and family where possible can also greatly improve your sense of wellbeing^. When we’re all working from home the sense of community that is tied to our colleagues can be lost. Whether it’s in person or via a phone or video call, scheduling time with a colleague or a loved one is all the more important when you’re working from home to maintain the usual level of social connection that you would have had in the office.

Maintain a regular routine

While working from home, the temptation might be to sleep a little longer or stay in your pyjamas as you log on each morning. But this can be a slippery slope en route to bad habits. You’ll get better results if you get up at a similar time each day to shower, eat breakfast, and get dressed as you would normally. Though it’s hard to switch off while working from home, take a break every hour or two to give your eyes a rest from screens. Try to make time for physical activities, whether it’s a jog, a swim, or simple stretching. You may even wish to take a short walk in the morning and evening to replicate a sense of commuting. Maintaining a level of social connection in the way that you would in the office, can also help to provide a greater feeling of normality at home. These simple rituals will help set clear boundaries between your work and personal life, helping with sustaining efficiency, motivation and support your wellbeing

Proofing

Start with the right equipment You may find it challenging if you don’t have the right tools. Set yourself up with all necessary technical equipment. If you need additional equipment, whether it’s a second screen or updated software subscriptions best to get onto this quickly rather than waiting until you’re on deadline and realising you’re missing something. Once the proper platform is set, focus and productivity becomes much easier.

Review your home and contents policy

With the shift in working arrangements as a result of COVID-19, many Australians have found themselves setting up a home office for the first time. Given the increase of technology and equipment now in the home, you might find your insurance policy needs to be reviewed to ensure it provides adequate cover that meets your current needs. Specific equipment used for business purposes which may be incorporated in your policy includes computers, hardware and software; tools or musical instruments and photographic equipment*.

With the world always changing, we need to take care of ourselves and our livelihoods. Insure your home office with Allianz Home and Contents insurance. Purchase a policy today to consolidate your insurance and banking in one place. To find out more, visit www.newcastlepermanent.com.au/insurance or call us on 13 19 87.

Please note the information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any decisions based on this article.

¹Working from home

^If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, contact Beyond Blue Support Services 24/7 on 1300 224 636, or Lifeline 24/7 Crisis Support on 13 11 14.

*Limits apply, please refer to the PDS for more information or talk to us today.

This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (“Allianz”). Information contained in this article is accurate as at 16 03 2021 and may be subject to change. In some cases information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way. Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article. 

Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited arranges this insurance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL No 234708, acting under our own AFS Licence. Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before making a decision, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement and key facts sheets available on this website, by calling 13 19 87 or from any branch. The relevant Target Market Determination is available by calling 1300 493 824. If you purchase this insurance, we will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details or see our Financial Services Guide before we provide you with services. Any links to third party websites are for your information only and we do not endorse their content.