Tuesday 19 - Be kind to yourself whilst working
There are currently an increased number of staff working remotely and adapting to home working and staff who still go into work as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is important at this time that you continue to take steps to look after your health, safety and wellbeing whether it is at home or in your working environment. Further guidance is available from the Mental Health Foundation within Looking after your mental health whilst working guidance.
 Arrange a team cuppa and a catch up
Why not take a break today and enjoy a cuppa and a catch up with your colleagues over skype/teams? With more of us working at home and coping with a new way of working it would be good to chat about things that are not related to work.
It’s good to stay in touch with our colleagues. Work is a large part of our daily routine so speaking with others about our day to day activities – both in and out of work – is a good way to stay in touch and enjoy being part of a team.
Staying at home
Here are some hints and tips from the Scottish Digital Office:
Create a daily routine
- Set an alarm each monting to get up and get dressed the same as you would for going into work.
- Take time in the morning to get breakfast, showered and ready to prepare for the day ahead/
- Create a daily schedule which balances work and home life so that you have a chance to focus on both,
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Protect your time and establish boundaries
- Set ‘in office’ hours that work best for you, and set these in your diary so colleagues know when you are available and when you have switched off for the day.
Create a daily to do list and be realistic
- Create a daily to do list of achievable tasks to keep your mind focused. Be realistic with the tasks on each daily list.
Take scheduled breaks
- Set reminders/alarms to get up and take a break from your screen as we often lose track of time.
- If possible, take some time outside to get fresh air.
Set up a designated work station
- Set up a work station which will help to be in a working mind-set and switch off at the end of the day. Make sure you are comfortable at your work station and are maintaining good posture.
DSE Guidance is available on CHASM to support you to set up your workstation properly. Please regularly review this guidance to ensure that you have good posture and are not falling into bad habits e.g. sitting at the wrong height.
A Home Working Security Assessment Form is also available for staff to complete in relation to working from home.
Stay connected with colleagues
- Communicate with your team about work and non-work related things. Ask your colleagues for advice – what are they doing to cope in this situation? Could you get any tips to help yourself?
Support your colleagues
- Tell your team how you are feeling – you are there to support each other.
- Let your team know if you have capacity to help with their workload or if you are struggling with your workload and need support.
Socialise with your team
- Have regular catch ups with your colleagues where possible. Set up a regular coffee break or communication channel through MS Teams, skype or telephone call to check in on each other and help boost morale.
- Use the video camera functionality in meetings – this is important as a major part of communication is non-verbal.
Working at Home Guidance is available to support you to remain productive and healthy whilst working from home.
 Coming into work
If you are an essential worker coming into work, it will feel unusual and might feel like a difficult and stressful time for both you and your family.
It is important that you take care of yourself and adhere to the processes in place to ensure that you do carry out your important role in a safe environment and remember to:
- Maintain the hygiene and safeguard measures put in place.
- To ensure you maintain a social distance of 2 metres
- Continue to follow NHS Inform guidance.
- If you have any concerns speak to your manager
Further information to help you with coping with coming into work:
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