Ask Chloé: WFH Best Practices

by Chloe Messdaghi on October 12, 2021

Welcome to the Ask Chloé column on Security Boulevard! Each week, Chloé provides answers to readers’ questions to help guide them as they navigate the technology industry. This week, Chloé offers advice to an InfoSec professional struggling with work-life balance while working from home.

Dear Chloé,
Do you have any tips on balancing working from home? I feel like I haven’t figured out best practices to keep my sanity in check these days.
-WFH Struggle

Dear WFH Struggle,

To be honest, I’m always trying to figure out how to improve working from home! Here are 20 tips that seem to work really well for me.

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Have set work hours and keep them there, such as only being online for work from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Create weekly time blocks dedicated to certain tasks, such as writing blocks.
Have a dedicated space for work. This helps separate work from your personal life.
Get outside at least once a day. That’s right. It’s a magical place outside, go explore it.
Take breaks. And actually take those breaks fully. That means not eating lunch at your desk while responding to emails.
Have a separate phone number for work, and possibly even a separate work phone. This helps me in so many ways when it comes to separating work from my personal life.
Keep social media notifications turned off. Let’s be real, you will still check your social media daily regardless; don’t let notifications distract you when you are focusing on professional tasks.
Standing desks and laptop risers are your friends. Your body will thank you.
Blue light-blocking glasses also help a lot. If your eyes are not happy, you won’t be happy. Also, they can reduce headaches.
Wear sunscreen when in front of your computer. Your skin will thank you.
Create a morning ritual that works for you. This starts your day off on the right foot before work.
Don’t go on Slack or other internal communication platforms during non-work hours. Balancing personal and work life is in your hands, and this also helps your colleagues’ work-life balance.
Request workspace items that can help you better manage your time, your comfort and your productivity while working from home. This may be materials or equipment.
Socialize with your colleagues daily.
Take time off whenever you need it. Keep burnout at bay by taking time off whenever you start showing symptoms. Also, take time off if you feel sick.
End your workday via a routine, such as walking your dog(s) or playing with your cat(s) or other pets.
Use a productivity journal or a to-do list. This will help you with timing and prioritizing tasks.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Don’t forget to stretch!
Refrain from over-consuming food and drinks while working. I know it can be tempting, but try your best to maintain a healthy relationship with food and drinks.