As most of you will be joining me in self-isolation, many of you will probably be joined by another member of your family or your partner in setting up a temporary office environment so that you can work from home. Whilst there are many positives that come with this - lounge-wear, sofas and all the coffee you may need? - there is a seriousness in continuing your normal working procedures and a need to create a space in which to do so. I know that dedicating a new project for a home office is something we would gladly do but it is not an ideal solution for the uncertainty that we face. Realistically, we need quick fix solutions that enable and encourage us to prioritise our workload and stay motivated, but happy, throughout. As I sit at my dining room table and compress my usual work-space so that my Mum can share it with me, it is clear that we will need to sync somehow, even just temporarily, so that we can work alongside each other in a harmonious and healthy environment as we can. So, what little additions will help make a house a home-office?
Firstly, one of my essential buys is a cork board. It is so cheap and you don't even need to have it fastened to the wall. It is a great help in keeping your priority list and schedule on show and helps to deter your temptation to save work "for tomorrow" (again) and visualise what tasks are at hand. Being able to see what you've ticked off is a good motivator for continuing to do so as well. We also like to put little notes and quotes or a photograph on it to instil some positivism (and remind us that we don't want to kill each other!)
Another priority piece is a wall planner - the first pin for your new board, perhaps? It's so important to have an idea of one another’s schedules so that you can communicate and co-ordinate your separate workloads whilst acknowledging who may need to use what and at what time. If one of you have a conference call at 11 AM, having everybody else know what you’ll be focussed on reduces the chances of being embarrassingly disturbed, distracted or unable to use the phone at all. It is also a good way to stay focussed on your working hours and what you're producing by knowing that others are bound by a schedule too. Print off a basic template or buy a little calendar to dedicate to home-work entirely. I love this Italian calendar and use it as motivation towards my post-Coronavirus travel plans.
Next up, timing is everything! Not only are these hourglass timers’ gorgeous additions to your desk space and home, they are an underrated and useful tool for managing your break times or how long you want to spend on a certain task. Breaks are essential for any workplace as they allow you to refresh and revitalise your brain and body for the workload ahead. In the current climate, a break will also give you chance to have a chat with your family members, practice a quick yoga or breathing session, read a chapter of your bedside book – whatever helps you socialise, calm, or normalise your routine. After 15 minutes of replenishing yourself, you’ll be ready to face your to-do list again. (Hourglass Timers from £17.00, HAYS, Liberty London)
Anybody else sat with 2 ipads, 2 phones, 3 screens and a mile of wires? Keep things a little bit neater with these technology stands and set of containers from The Range. The latter are only £9.99 but will be a world of help in keeping your desk space tidy and means you are able to put away all the desky bits and stationary so that you can attempt to keep your home / work life a little more separated.
L-R: Faux Leather Phone holder, £9, OSCO. Faux Leather Letter holder, £12, OSCO. Store & More Boxes, £9.99, The Range
Speaking of stationary, I could spend HOURS searching and promoting stationary and it has been so hard to narrow it down, but here are my SELECT FEW items that I just adore, and know that they will help ease the home-work feels. If you can’t treat yourself to new stationary at this time, when can you? And yes I am aware that there are two staplers on here, but I couldn't decide between them.
L-R: Writing Paper Set, £19, SMYTHSON. Klizia Stapler, £24, ELLEPI. L.S. LOWRY Sketchpad, £5, TK. Maxx.. Envelopes Set, £19, SMYTHSON. Crocodile Stapler, £70, NACH BIJOUX. Days of the Week Paperclips, £5, Paperchase. L'Artiste Colour Pencils set of 12, £12, PRINTWORKS. Slim Ballpoint Inspirational Pens pack of 4, £6, KIKKI.K.. Nahe A6 General Purpose Case, £16, HIGHTIDE (all items available from Selfridges unless stated otherwise!)
A key priority (and very easy task) for EVERYONE to do is to stay hydrated! Great for your concentration and immune system – two absolute priorities for working from home and for combatting the threat of disease. I have an 850ml bottle of VOSS and try to get through 2 of these (plus tea and coffee) per day, or else I plough through a 2 litre bottle of sparkling water with serious ease, and at 17p per bottle there is very little in terms of loss for the health benefits I gain. However, an apparent "vice" of mine is my love for coffee. If you’re like me and can’t resist a coffee (or three) throughout the day, water becomes even more important to combat the acidity and diuretic effects of the caffeine. Nevertheless, now is the perfect time to invest in a little coffee machine to reduce your time standing by the kettle and coming back from the fridge with more than just milk in your hands. This little Nespresso Machine is currently £100 off at John Lewis and has a complimentary 100 capsules available too.
Another essential that should transcend your home and office life: Let in the light! Natural light is imperative for helping us stay sane and keeping our bodies well. Try to set up your desk somewhere bright and airy to keep your body clock working and your mind engaged. As the sun shines over the next few days, being able to sit surrounded by it will help you combat feels of claustrophobia and allow you to work with a little positivism too, staying motivated until you can go outside on your break and relish in the fresh air to your hearts content. If you do need to work after sunset, then a little lamp such as below is small enough to add to your room without it being invasive, and good looking enough to transition into your home when you are no longer needed to work there. Blue Glass Lamp, £15, ASDA Direct.
Finally, some florals. We have all read how beneficial having plants such as eucalyptus or aglaonema in or around your workplace is great for naturalising and purifying the air. The benefit of bringing the office to the home? You can have your favourite flowers delivered and sat in front of you in all of their glory, and have the luxury of being able to inhale the scent as often and as deeply as you like, without fearing the spread of others germs or the looks from your fellow employees. I adore pompous bouquets at the best of times, but now they are an essential requirement even more so! I also know that WAITROSE FLORIST do “letterbox flowers” which are packed and posted rather than hand delivered – ideal for coronavirus communications and a great way to brighten someone else’s day, too.
MY FINAL WORDS: Work Happy, Work Hard, Stay safe.
A x
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