Top tips for WHF (Working From Home)

Despite all of the bad things about 2020 – the murder hornets, wildfires, world war 3, and the virus – there is one massive upside. Working from home. Commuting is long gone, the office is just a state of mind, and Brenda from accounts can be ignored in just a click of a button. What a revelation. I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve loved it. The thing is though, if you’re living in a house share, there are certain things to consider now it’s also your workspace. So I share with you, my top tips for working from house shares…

Make the most of your extra time

Firstly, since your commute is now from your bed to your desk, you’ve got so much more extra time that never existed before. So make the most of it. Learn a new hobby, catch more Zs, or spend it socialising with your housemates.

Work in different areas

Because your new office is likely your bedroom, you can get a bit confined. Work in different areas around the house or the garden if it’s sunny. Even going to a coffee shop or a pub is enough to feel the WFH shackles break.

Although, don’t have calls in communal areas

I’m sure this has probably dawned on you by now but having a Teams call in a living room where people could walk around in the background isn’t a good idea.

Explore music

Usually in offices there’s some music playing and because everyone has to like it, it’s usually shit. So now’s your chance – listen through all of the greatest albums of all time, find some new artists on Radio 6, listen to those daily playlists Spotify makes you, and you may just come out of this as the next John Peel.

Ace your background

In every video call, your background is unescapable and trust me, people are looking. That’s why now’s your time to let your place shine. A cool canvas, some nice plants, or some expensive-looking electronics can really make the difference. Also, tidy your room and don’t leave anything suspicious out. You may not notice it on the tiny square on your video call but it’s likely a full screen image on theirs.

Watch your meter

Unless your bills are included, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on how much electricity you have left. Because if you’re working from home, losing power could happen in the middle of a meeting or right before an important deadline. And let’s face it, it will do. Also, work out the closest coffee shops and bars near you with Wi-Fi for if that ever goes down.

Breaks with Housemates

The social aspect of work is the one everyone claims to miss, but it’s easy enough to replicate when living in a houseshare. Plan to have break times with other people that are working in your house and it’ll be just like work, but without having people rambling on about work. Winner.

So there are a few tips for you. Working from home in a house share is not just doable, but can even be better than the office. Just keep in mind this advice and job’s a good one.