{ GET DRESSED }

Get up, get ready, and get going in the morning!  Eric, one of our talent matchmakers, knows that getting ready for work in the morning makes a huge positive impact on the workday.  For Eric, building in a morning routine as though he’s going into the office really helps train his brain to switch into work mode versus ‘lounge-at-home’ mode. He still loves his athleisure clothing but tries to save it for after work to help him maintain the work-life headspace. But, be comfortable so you are still confident and yourself, because when you feel confident, you then do amazing things!  

{ DESIGNATE A WORK AREA }

Another #WFH tip that is super important is to have a designated work area. Christina, our VP, finds it productive to have a specific work location in her home for the work week. Whether it is her kitchen table, home office, or out on her gorgeous Charleston patio, it is key to have a space set up that encourages work, as well as making sure you have your tools and resources accessible. Christina suggests having not just your laptop or desktop computer, but also file folders, organizational tools, highlighters, sticky notes, and access to a printer, as major tools and resources to have while working from home.

{ CREATE A DAILY AGENDA }

Move the peg forward a little every day, and having a daily agenda really helps keep us moving forward and staying committed. Additionally, during these times when schools and daycares are closed and babysitters aren’t able to step in and support, it is helpful to create schedules and to stick to them; create a schedule that works for each person so not only can they support their families but also productively work from home. Lindsay, another of our talent matchmakers, knows it’s intrinsically rewarding to check things off your list and feel accomplished at the end of the workday.

{ EMBRACE YOUR WORK AND HOME LIVES }

Separating work and home lives can be a challenge due to the current crisis, with many of us sharing spaces with multiple people within our homes. We want to shift the idea of separating work and home lives to the idea of embracing the two. If we adjust our perception of this new normal to embrace the many daily distractions, then we will, in turn, be happier and less burdened. It may take a few distractions, such as your adorable child walking in while you’re on a ZOOM call with a client, or your dog barking, for us to cherish being able to work at home and be with our families and loved ones.

{ COMMUNICATE OFTEN WITH YOUR TEAM } 

We all agreed that this tip was one of the most important while working from home. Our team often works remotely, and one thing that keeps us successful is our level of communication. We use virtual platforms and various tools to openly and genuinely communicate. Scott, our Founder, builds in consistent communication into our culture daily by using different channels. We not only communicate to ensure that we are sharing information with each other to achieve business needs but also use it as a time to create deeper relationships and a stronger crew.

{ TAKE BREAKS }

We cannot stress this enough when working from home… take breaks! They don’t need to be long, but they can be a simple 10-15 minute walk around the block (even better if you have a dog and take them with you) or a 10-15 minute at-home yoga or meditation session; these small breaks throughout the day will help you trailblaze through your tasks. This is especially true for Sally, our Chicago-based director, who loves to step away after hours of building relationships with candidates and clients to go for a bike ride around her neighborhood. It helps reset her brain, and of course, is social distancing.    

{ PLAY MUSIC }

Music is in all of us! You may be stressed or feeling anxious during these times, and a great remedy is to listen to your favorite music. Just remember to mute the music before taking a work call or joining a virtual meeting. Once the call or virtual meeting is over, turn that music back up and use that energy it gives you to slay the rest of the workday.  Follow us on Instagram @emergingblue to see some of our favorite #WFH playlists!  Share your playlists with colleagues or clients to spread the joy!

{ REWARD YOURSELF! }

We are firm believers that when you work hard, you get to play hard! Rewards are great motivators to encourage you to do great work. One of Eric’s favorite rewards for himself is a glass of the infamous TikTok Dalgona coffee while he listens to podcasts on The Bachelor. Some people reward themselves with purchasing things or divulging in treats; whatever way you like to reward yourself to celebrate your accomplishments, make sure you do it!  We recommend no happy hour drinks until 5 p.m. (your time zone), unless you’re a mixologist influencer on YouTube, then, by all means, shake up the cocktail!