How to work from home effectively

Due to the current situation, most of us will be adapting to working from our homes. Whether you’re completing work for your daily job or progressing with school work or course work, we’ve shared some of our best tips to help you stay productive and get the most out of working from the comfort of your home!

– Get in the zone
It’s important to establish a quiet area where you can carry out your work undisturbed; this could be at a desk or even your kitchen table. Defining your work space and setting up a daily routine will help you focus and allow your mind to associate that area with work, which will encourage you to stay productive. As tempting as it is, avoid working from your bed as this may impact negatively on your sleep!

– Make realistic goals
Set yourself a target each day of what work or task you want to finish. Make sure your goal is realistic, so you’ll be able to achieve your daily target; this will help you stay positive by accomplishing your goals and will give you a challenge to focus on each day.

– Take regular breaks
Make sure you take short breaks throughout the day to stretch and move about so that you do not become uncomfortable while working. Also ensure that you take your normal lunch break to split the day into manageable chunks. Eating healthily during your breaks will not only nourish the body but also the mind and, where possible, try to reduce caffeine intake and stay hydrated with water instead.

– Keep in touch
Working at home by yourself can feel isolating. Make sure you keep in regular contact with your colleagues, course mates or tutors to help you keep up-to-date with work and to simply check in on each other. Remember to ask them for help if you need it; you do not need to struggle alone.

For further advice on mental health and well-being while staying at home during the COVID-19 outbreak, please see HERE.

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School