Tips for working from home

Why working from home feels different

Working from home can feel very different to being in the office, even if you’re doing the same job. You might be working from home all the time or splitting your week between home and workplace, but either way it can affect your routine, focus and how connected you feel to other people. The good news is that small changes to your environment and habits can make working from home more comfortable, productive and enjoyable.

1. Prepare a dedicated workspace

Creating a clear workspace at home helps your brain switch into “work mode”.

• Choose a spot with as much natural light as possible, away from the busiest parts of your home if you can.
• Use a table or desk and a supportive chair, rather than working from the sofa or bed.
• Keep the space tidy and add a few familiar items such as a plant, photo or notebook so it feels like “your” work area.

If you’re not sure how to set your workstation up to protect your neck, back and joints, take a look at our guide to setting up your workstation.

2. Set up your workstation safely

How you sit and position your equipment can make a big difference to how you feel at the end of the day.

• Try to keep your screen at eye level so you’re not hunching over your laptop.
• Keep your keyboard and mouse close so your shoulders are relaxed and your wrists are straight.
• Plant your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest and keep your back supported.

Our article on setting up your workstation has more detailed tips on posture and equipment so you can reduce avoidable aches and pains.

3. Get into work mode

Having a simple “start of the day” routine can help you feel ready for work.

• Wake up at a consistent time and avoid heading straight from bed to your laptop.
• Shower, get dressed and have a healthy breakfast to signal the start of the workday.
• Try to avoid working in pyjamas every day – getting dressed can give you a helpful mental shift.

You don’t need to wear formal clothes at home, but choosing something comfortable that you’d be happy to be seen in on a video call can help you feel more confident and professional.

4. Plan your day and prioritise

Without the usual office structure, time can easily run away from you. A simple plan for the day can keep you on track and reduce stress.

• Write a short to-do list with your top “must-do” tasks for the day.
• Block out time in your calendar for focused work, admin and breaks.
• Break bigger jobs into smaller steps so they feel more manageable.

Many people find it helpful to tackle the most important or most difficult task first, when their energy is highest. It can also be satisfying to physically tick things off your list as you go.

5. Try simple time management techniques

When you’re at home there are always other things competing for your attention, from household jobs to family members. Using a time management technique can help you stay focused without feeling like you have to work non-stop.

One popular approach is the Pomodoro Technique. This means:

• Choose one task to focus on.
• Work on it for around 25 minutes (or a length of time that suits you).
• Take a 5–10 minute break away from your screen.
• Repeat this two or three times, then take a longer break.

You can also build in short 10-minute “pause” breaks during the day to stretch, get some fresh air, make a drink or quickly tackle a small chore so it doesn’t distract you later.

6. Maintain focus and protect your energy

It’s normal to have days when focusing feels harder, especially if you’re working from home regularly. A few small habits can help you stay productive without burning out.

• Notice when you feel most alert and try to schedule your trickier tasks for that time (for many people this is the morning).
• Take regular mini breaks to rest your eyes, stretch and move around – even a short walk can help you reset.
• Try short home workouts, gentle stretches or breathing exercises to boost your energy.

If you’re consistently struggling to concentrate or feel constantly exhausted, it could be a sign that you need more support with your workload, sleep, stress or mental health. Reaching out for help is a positive step, not a failure.

7. Reduce digital distractions

When you’re online all day it’s easy to get pulled into emails, messages and notifications.

• Turn off non-essential notifications on your phone, instant messaging apps and social media during focused work periods.
• Close your email tab and check your inbox at set times instead of reacting to every message as it arrives.
• Let the people you live with know your working hours and when you need quiet time, where possible.

Some people find it useful to use “Do Not Disturb” modes on devices or website blockers during certain times of day to help reduce temptation.

8. Use technology to support you

The right tools can make it much easier to manage your work and stay in touch with your team.

Your organisation may already use project and communication tools such as Trello, Asana, Basecamp or Slack to keep track of tasks and conversations, or platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet for virtual meetings and quick “huddles”. If you’re not sure what’s available, ask your manager or colleagues which tools they’ve found helpful.

You can also:

• Use shared calendars to show when you’re available or focusing.
• Keep shared documents up to date so everyone can see progress.
• Agree how and when your team will use different channels (for example, when to email vs message vs call).

For more ideas on how to keep relationships strong when you’re not in the same place, read our tips on how to stay connected with colleagues.

9. Look after your wellbeing and don’t be hard on yourself

Working from home can sometimes feel isolating and it’s common to have days where things don’t go to plan.

• Remember that, just like in the workplace, you’ll have more productive days and slower days.
• Try to finish work at a consistent time and create a simple “end of the day” routine, like shutting your laptop and going for a short walk.
• Be kind to yourself when things feel difficult – you’re adapting to a different way of working.

You don’t have to handle everything alone. It’s important to stay in touch with colleagues, friends and family and to let people know when you’re struggling. Our article on staying connected with colleagues has more ideas to help you feel less isolated when you’re working remotely.

10. When to ask for extra support

If working from home is affecting your health, relationships or finances, or you’re worried about coping, we’re here for you. You can contact us for free and confidential support – whether that’s for your mental health, physical health, money worries or something else that’s on your mind.

Call us on 08081 311 333, or chat with us online to talk to someone who understands the pressures of working in the automotive industry