Huddle @ Home: How Inda Intiar Stays Productive
With the entire country working together to contain the spread of coronavirus, many businesses are having employees work from home, many for the first time.
Working from home sounds great in theory, in a lot of ways it is. But to do it effectively takes a lot of self-discipline, otherwise, you’re on a slippery slope. One minute you’re sitting down on the couch at lunch to watch an episode of that new Netflix show, the next you are a half a season in and you’ve got nothing done.
If you’re new to this work from home thing, fear not. There are lots of people who have been doing it for a while who have it nailed down to a science, including the Huddle team! Half of our editorial staff works remotely, while the others split time between the office and home.
In this series, our team will share their at home-work space, and their tips that keep them productive. Today we visit Huddle’s Moncton reporter, Inda Intiar, who works from home the most of all of us.
1) Describe your home workplace:
I mostly work from the dining table and move to the living room if I want to get more sunlight.
2) Why do you have it set up this way?
I like having everything I need (coffee, notebooks, water bottle, pens, electrical outlets, etc.) close by, the table and chairs are a good height, and I have a lot of space for myself. There’s a blackboard and chalks nearby in case I need to sketch out ideas. My dining room also opens up to my living room, and there are large windows that can let the sunshine through. Right now, with my sister having to work from home too, the living room is her space. So, it’s like a co-working space here!
3) What’s the most important thing to have at your home work station (besides the obvious computer and phone)?
My notebook, a pen, and a blanket.
4) What are some things you do to stay on task when working at home?
I do best when I’m excited about the work. So, I put myself in the mood by thinking of my plan for the day, and the story(ies) I’ll be writing as I make my morning coffee. Sometimes I think of a quote from an interview that I know exactly where to place, that gets me excited to sit down and write. Some days the words just flow, and multitasking isn’t a problem. But other days, that can get overwhelming. When that happens, I try to remove all distractions and focus on one task at a time.
5) What do you do when you feel lonely or isolated?
Go for a walk, ask a friend for coffee or lunch (even if it’s at home), or chat with colleagues or friends online. Having something to look forward to after work also helps.
6) What’s the one thing you can’t have around you when you’re working?
Loud noises from TV, music or people talking.
7) One piece of advice for people working from home for the first time?
Pick a spot in your home and make that YOUR space, but never work from bed. Decorate your workspace in a way that would make you feel comfortable.
8) Favourite song on your “Work From Home” playlist?
Only for dance breaks: Paramore’s Rose-Coloured Boy.