Simple tips & tricks with which you can work in a structured, effective and efficient (digital) way
We would like to give you some tips and tricks to help you work effectively and efficiently (digitally), despite the current situation. We will show you how to structure your working day in order to organise yourself and your everyday life in an optimal way.
Of course, we are aware that we at TÜV NORD have many different areas of work with the most diverse activities as well as requirements and challenges, and that our tips and tricks do not cover everything. However, we still want to help a large number of our colleagues to provide information and tools to enable them to work digitally from home without neglecting health, social contacts and (data) security.
If these tips & tricks do not directly help you in your work, for example because you do not have an office job, we would be pleased to receive your suggestions and information on how digital solutions can support your work now and in the future.
Tip #1: Plan the day
It is important that you plan your day in advance. In other words, determine the evening before what you have on your agenda for the next day (meetings, phone calls, tasks, etc.). This way, you can get started in a structured way as soon as you get up.
Find a permanent workplace (ideally a desk and an office chair). Under no circumstances should you look for places where you otherwise relax, such as the bed or couch.
As always, get ready as usual and put on normal clothes. This will help you become productive and stay in the routine.
Tip #2: Work with to-do lists
To-do lists are quite effective. Always conclude your daily planning by creating a cleverly devised to-do list. What do you want to achieve, what do you need for it and what do you have to do for it? Orient your to-do list towards your goals.
Tip #3: Take breaks
In order to work effectively and with concentration, you should always take short breaks and also air the room regularly to let in air to allow oxygen. This work/break system ensures that you stay fresh and productive. It is also important that you actually "take a break" during breaks and not do any housework. Use the breaks to get away from your desk and move around.
Set fixed working hours that you would like to keep and where you can be reached by colleagues. In addition, take a longer lunch break as usual, for example to eat something.
Tip #4: Don't get distracted
In order for you to be really productive in your work phases, it is important that nothing and nobody distracts you during this time. Of course, you cannot prevent this completely, so it is all the more important to plan your day well with fixed working hours.
Tip #5: Pay attention to healthy eating
Working at home can be quite tempting in terms of food, because the cupboards often hide nerve food for "bad" times. Therefore, get healthy nerve food replacements and position them closer to your workplace than the sweets. And while you are shopping, it is best to think about food for a healthy lunch.
Tip #6: Keep up your social contacts, digitally!
Especially in the current situation this tip is very important to us. Because despite the social distance we do not want to miss our daily social contacts. We are of the opinion: Social distancing does not mean social isolation.
In the digital age, there are many opportunities to maintain social contacts and exchange information. So take advantage of the digital opportunities and make the most of the current situation.
Why not invite your colleagues and/or colleagues to a virtual coffee break, for example, and use the time to discuss private issues away from work?
Tip #7: Keep order & safety
Always keep your workplace in order. "Clean desk" is the motto here. Chaos distracts you and makes you unproductive. A tidy and orderly workplace also helps you to find things quickly and to have important things at hand.
Remember not to leave any important documents lying around openly and put them away regularly after work. The same rule applies at home: lock your computer every time you leave your workplace.
Our tip: You can lock your computer quickly and easily with the key combination "Windows key + L".