[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/2020\/08\/24\/work-from-home-wfh-tools\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/2020\/08\/24\/work-from-home-wfh-tools\/","headline":"Home sweet home office: 7 WFH tools to help you survive and thrive","name":"Home sweet home office: 7 WFH tools to help you survive and thrive","description":"A new school year is rapidly approaching and employees are still working from home (WFH). Discover the tools to make the days a bit better.","datePublished":"2020-08-24","dateModified":"2021-01-22","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/contributor\/christian-wehner\/#Person","name":"Christian Wehner","url":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/contributor\/christian-wehner\/","identifier":409,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/676853f1ca14264fed174ba2c5f88fb283ce74b74d0bcb4446e8b1af565e35d8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/676853f1ca14264fed174ba2c5f88fb283ce74b74d0bcb4446e8b1af565e35d8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"The Future of Commerce","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/logo-foc-schema-app-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/logo-foc-schema-app-1.png","width":172,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/WFH.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/WFH.jpg","height":375,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/2020\/08\/24\/work-from-home-wfh-tools\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nFu7zE9DnRA#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nFu7zE9DnRA","name":"Architect\u2019s Micro Studio Apartment","description":"In this video, we tour the incredible 28sqm (301sqft) apartment of architect Douglas Wan. The Melbourne apartment was originally constructed in the 1950's as housing for nurses. It\u2019s now been completely reimagined for modern times and transformed into a clever small studio. \n\nBecome a Living Big Patron and help us to create more videos: https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/livingbig\n\nFor Douglas, this was an opportunity to develop a small living space that would perfectly fit his needs and lifestyle. Attracted to simple living and a self described monastic lifestyle, he wanted to create a place where he could be a part of the city, yet also retreat from it. He ventured to carry out an architectural experiment and find out what was possible in his own small home. \n\nRead More: http:\/\/www.livingbiginatinyhouse.com\/micro-studio-apartment\/\n\nThe result is a micro apartment which is as clever as it is simple. One which utilises the entire space, while remaining open and light. It\u2019s rustic history is celebrated, yet also contrasted with the modern elements. Most importantly, it\u2019s a wonderful home. \n\nEnjoy the full video tour of this very special tiny apartment.  \n\nTo find out more about this apartment and Douglas\u2019 work, visit his website: https:\/\/www.j-in.com.au\/\n\nFollow us on Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/livingbiginatinyhouse\/\n\nFollow us on Facebook:  http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/livingbiginatinyhouse\/\n\nFollow us on Twitter: https:\/\/twitter.com\/tinyhousenz\n\nPlease subscribe for more videos on tiny houses, DIY, design, and sustainable, off-grid living.\n\nMusic in this video by Bryce Langston: http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/brycelangston\n\nPresented and Produced by: Bryce Langsyton\nCamera: Bryce Langston & Rasa Pescud\nEditing: Rasa Pescud\n\n'Living Big in a Tiny House' \u00a9 2019 Zyia Pictures Ltd","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/nFu7zE9DnRA\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/nFu7zE9DnRA\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/nFu7zE9DnRA\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/nFu7zE9DnRA\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/nFu7zE9DnRA\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2019-04-26T20:01:00+00:00","duration":"PT13M22S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nFu7zE9DnRA","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCoNTMWgGuXtGPLv9UeJZwBw#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCoNTMWgGuXtGPLv9UeJZwBw","name":"Living Big In A Tiny House","description":"Join us as we travel the globe seeking out the very best of tiny homes, alternative dwellings and stories of downsized, off-grid living! ","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_nB5HIHJnyy-UGXDoJdgIp7GY-WhACs_tSeJlaXFewbpvA=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nFu7zE9DnRA#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nFu7zE9DnRA#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nFu7zE9DnRA&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nFu7zE9DnRA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":8540553}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nFu7zE9DnRA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":245612}]},"about":["COVID-19 and Business",{"@type":"Thing","@id":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/customer-experience\/customer-experience-general\/","name":"Customer Experience","sameAs":["https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Customer_experience","http:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/entity\/Q984142"]},{"@type":"Thing","@id":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/customer-experience\/employee-engagement\/","name":"Employee Engagement","sameAs":["https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Employee_engagement","http:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/entity\/Q14937678"]},{"@type":"Thing","@id":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/hxm-human-experience-management-solution\/human-resources\/","name":"The Future of Human Resources","sameAs":["https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_resources"]},{"@type":"Thing","@id":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/thought-leadership-2\/","name":"Thought Leadership","sameAs":["https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thought_leader"]}],"wordCount":921,"articleBody":"In Japan, there exists an artful tradition of building incredibly efficient apartments, elegantly referred to locally as \u201cone-room mansions\u201d (\u30ef\u30f3\u30eb\u30fc\u30e0\u30de\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30f3,).The handful of times I\u2019ve watched a video about this, I was left in awe at the level of creativity and innovation invested in transforming minimal space for maximum output and the extent to which people’s domestic lives are enhanced as a result.Now, after more than four months of WFH, living primarily within the four walls of my central Munich apartment, I understand (better than I ever imagined I would) the limitless possibilities of how to make more with less.Working from home: WFH office highs and lowsAs it has for so many of you, home became a restaurant, gym, office, school, therapist\u2019s office, daycare center, and vacation destination all at the same time. At its high point, it became a glamorous improv theater with the kitchen floor serving as central stage for children and their theatrical antics.At its low point, home was a prison with an indefinite sentence and a few fellow inmates that were quickly growing stale.As children, playing at the local pool, lake or ocean, we took pleasure pushing and throwing each other into the water. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, games are no longer needed.We\u2019ve all been pushed into the deep end simultaneously and have been swimming ever since, forced to tap into reserves of creativity and innovation we didn\u2019t even know we had \u2013 with often surprisingly positive results.Home office as a conscious choiceOne of SAP\u2019s customers, Vitra, wrote a wonderful paper featuring tangible approaches for companies, institutions, and employees contemplating a phased return to the office. The following \u00a0paragraph in particular gave me a lot to think about:\u201cTalent will make a conscious choice after having experienced work life without commutes or excruciating travel and instead having spent quality time with loved ones: does my employer allow me the freedom to schedule my day as long as I deliver my output? Does my employer let me live where I can afford a higher standard of living without making me spend hours commuting by car or train? Allowing for remote working gives a company access to a global talent pool and at the same time reduces its ecological footprint. In a physical office, the mere act of showing up already signals commitment. An employee working from home has to continuously prove and demonstrate value creation. Working from home creates a culture that accepts more performance tracking and makes lack of performance more transparent.\u201d7 WFH office tips to stay sane and productiveAs companies ponder office re-openings, our new way of living and working has forced us to become more resourceful. After all, it\u2019s not the strongest who survive, but the ones who adapt and evolve.So, in the spirit of sharing the wealth, below are a few of my favorite recently discovered WFH tools and lifehacks that have helped me not just survive, but grow and thrive over the past few months:A parked car (preferably one you own): A \u201cmobile\u201d home office offering an alternative, quiet environment with no distractions.Forest: The app that helps you stay away from your smartphone and remain focused on your work. Disclaimer: an actual forest would be an even better option, if you can get to one.Qualtrics Pulse Check: The free Qualtrics Remote Work Pulse helps evaluate whether your organization is prepared to support a remote workforce, and if your employees have what they need to succeed in this new environment. As it turns out, there are three things every organization must do immediately, and the order you do them matters.Endel Sound: personalized\u00a0sound environments to help you focus, relax, and sleep. I absolutely LOVE the \u201cFocus Mode\u201d to help boost my productivity; it really helps me get in the flow and stay there longer.Litmos: enables thousands of global companies to deliver training in the now. The solution is comprised of a powerful LMS and a content-rich course catalog that makes it easy to manage the entire learning program, from system implementation and integration to ongoing administration. Many companies have leveraged this solution to keep remote employees up to date on new safety measures and protocols as they navigate new models of engagement.MindNode Mind Map: helps you capture your thoughts and transform them into a clear visual. Just amazing.TED Talks: I don’t know what I’d do without them, honestly. TED Talks are influential and informative videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech, and creativity, with subtitles in 100+ languages. Well done, TED.As we keep ourselves busy, entertained, and educated, we must be mindful not to overload ourselves. Working from home can mean that you’re always in a WFH mindset, which can cause even more stress.Take some time to listen to your thoughts and assimilate all your experiences, listen to those around you and pay attention to their stories.Hey, why not even write down some of these key takeaways to revisit down the road \u2013 who knows what insights they may provide later.And on that note, let me end with a beautiful thought from Christoph Bornschein who said, “The genuine opportunity lies after the crisis when all of the experiences we all had during the crisis are collected, evaluated and translated into structured action.”May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace.Ready to get back to best?\u00a0We can help!\u00a0"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2020","item":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/2020\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/2020\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"24","item":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/2020\/\/08\/\/24\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Home sweet home office: 7 WFH tools to help you survive and thrive","item":"https:\/\/www.the-future-of-commerce.com\/2020\/08\/24\/work-from-home-wfh-tools\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]