As a famous man once said, the times they are a-changin'. Luckily it’s business as usual at Visualhouse and our talented team of strategists, artists and storytellers are as dedicated as ever to crafting compelling brand stories and photo-realistic imagery that not only captivates, but inspires others to believe in your vision.

Like many companies, we had no way of knowing whether we would be able to maintain business continuity as a remote operation during these challenging and unusual times, but thanks to the breadth of online communication tools now available, we have been able to seamlessly continue project work, have spontaneous creative discussions, maintain constant communication with our clients, and of course, compare everyone's banana bread attempts (who knew baking would be the new hottest trend?!).

WORKING FROM HOME

Flexible working is a concept that many have never experienced, yet due to COVID-19, it is one that everyone has had to embrace, practically overnight. There has no doubt been countless challenges trying to balance home life with work life, and maintain both productivity and high spirits as the weeks have rolled on, so we asked the team for some tips on making the most of working from home:

Set goals - When each day can feel like the last, it is important to write a to-do list every morning. This provides focus and keeps you accountable for your responsibilities and tasks.

Establish a routine - We know it is all too tempting to roll out of bed 5 minutes before your first video call of the day, but keeping to a routine will stave off lethargy and help shift your mindset from home to work. Keeping to your usual exercise and sleep pattern, as well as dressing for work as you would usually do, should help to maintain the daily cues that prepare you for work and get you in the productivity zone.

Know you’ll get distracted - and that’s perfectly fine - It is inevitable, you will get distracted throughout your day. Your mind might wander while looking out your window, friends or family might call to catch-up, your children might be causing a riot…whatever the reason, try and enjoy those distractions and use them as a great excuse to step back from your work and recharge, if only for a few moments.

Set boundaries - Now that the office is so close, it is tempting to check emails or jump onto a piece of work in the evening. It is important to set yourself office hours so you get the chance to step back from your work and breathe. If you don’t, burnout will become increasingly likely. For those with families, we know your daily routine has become a little more complicated, if your working hours need to change to accommodate that then don't sweat it, just make sure you stay accountable for your deadlines.

Take breaks - Just like taking a coffee break or stepping outside for some fresh air while in the office, it is ok to do so at home. You do not need to be glued to your computer every minute of the day. If it is sunny outside, take the opportunity to get some fresh air or read a book while soaking up that vitamin D, you will return to your work more relaxed and invigorated.

Stay connected - We live in an age where endless technological solutions exist to help us communicate with one another. Staying connected with your colleagues will maintain a sense of office culture and ensure your output doesn’t suffer. Remember to have a laugh as well! It is also important to carve out time for social interactions away from your computer in order to disengage your brain. Next time you reach for your phone, try calling someone and feel the difference that interaction makes.

Keep everything in context - No one ever said this was going to be easy, and for some, it has been rather difficult trying to acclimatize to the new normal. Many have embraced flexible working with open arms, but it's important to remember that we are all different and we are all living through a very unique and challenging time. It is ok to feel unsettled, just try and remember that you’re not going through this alone and you can reach out to your colleagues and leadership, they are there to help.