Did you know that commuting is considered the biggest obstacle to happiness? Since the turn of the millennium, the number of people who regularly work from home has more than tripled, according to a study by the Federal Statistical Office (2019). This is due to the sharp increase in digitalization and the implementation of new forms of work. This allows you to offer home office in the long term without having to sacrifice productivity.
Despite the different work locations, visual communication is eminently important. We often underestimate this and try to resolve conflicts or the like through nonverbal communication (e.g. e-mails), which rarely succeeds. It is advisable to establish clear communication rules and informal meetings, such as a virtual coffee round. I personally like the organized virtual gamer rounds, whereby all employees are invited to a quiz shortly before the weekend.
Reliable and regular communication with work colleagues should be ensured in any case.
Did you know that in the office you are interrupted on average every eleven minutes. After that, another eight minutes of mental set-up time are needed to be at the same mental level as before. In the home office, too, clear times should be defined in which one may not be disturbed. I personally visualize these slots in my calendar, put my cell phone aside, and switch the status of my communication tools to “Do not disturb”. In case of non-compliance, for example, one franc can be paid into a money box, which the company then uses to pay for a joint lunch.
Enormous self-discipline is required in the home office. Clear structures and the same rituals are helpful here. These must be defined and adhered to in a disciplined manner. An ergonomic workstation with an external monitor and keyboard, as well as sufficient light, space and air, is a basic requirement, along with a stable infrastructure. For psychological hygiene, it is important that work does not take place in pajamas on the sofa, but if possible in a dedicated work corner. It is also important to take breaks, especially to give your eyes a break from the screen.
An absolute productivity killer is the lack of a strict separation between the private work device and the business interface. This prevents, for example, a suitable “bring-your-own-device” concept, which means that no business data and business programs can be stored locally. Our customers appreciate their Virtual Workplace and the fact that they can access their workstation from anywhere with a central data repository, allowing them to work productively even in their home office.
Homeoffice brings new challenges for managers. The transition from manager to coach is currently being promoted as never before. Goals are to be defined and freedom allowed in their implementation. Nevertheless, it is increasingly necessary to accept sensitivities as well as current challenges. Also, motivational difficulties and disciplinary problems as well as the so-called home office coller should be addressed openly and possible measures for improvement should be discussed. A Daily Standup, for example, can help here, with a brief daily discussion of the individual situation.
Working from home is not always easy. However, clear communication rules, time slots in which you can work undisturbed, self-discipline and clear structures will help you to work productively even when working from home. Business and private matters should be strictly separated. Your managers should work even more closely with their employees and communicate even more about their well-being. If you follow these tips, nothing will stand in the way of a sustainable home office.
