How to use ITIL when working from home

It might be tempting to create an extravagant home office. Some of you may have been looking at office inspiration online, where trendy furniture is surrounded by overflowing plant pots and candles. Yet, the reality for many is that this type if set-up is neither realistic nor practical. Keep it simple and practical by ensuring that you have enough space for necessary equipment. A laptop riser could be used instead of a height adjustable desk. Try to avoid unnecessary clutter, as it might only serve as a distraction.

There have been suggestions that some people are working more than ever during this period. This will only lead to burnout. So, remember to take regular breaks and carry on with regular activities, such as exercise and hobbies.

Maintaining relationships is essential for our wellbeing, so reach out to colleagues and also use this opportunity to see if you can support them in any way. Don’t forget about other teams. Many existing communication processes apply to face-to-face interactions within an office environment. As many of us are now working from home, these processes should be adapted to reflect this new reality.

It can be difficult to connect with colleagues when everywhere is stuck at home. Nonetheless, it is important to maintain these relationships to ensure that the team and the organization can work as effectively as possible. Arrange regular calls with the team and the wider business. This is to ensure that everyone understands their tasks and its effect on the wider organization. Professional relationships can also be maintained through social events, which has been made possible by video conferencing. Organize things like quizzes, fancy dress competitions, and other team building activities that can be completed virtually.

When you know where you are and have reinforced your relationship with your team and organization, you can then focus on continual improvement. After surveying and using your current set-up, you may have found areas for improvement, such as the need for a proper office chair. Certain issues may not have obvious solutions. For example, if your cat is constantly jumping into your calls, it may be worth investing in toys to distract it or put it into another room.

A global pandemic constitutes a crisis; for some businesses it has even been a disaster that has led to their collapse. Others have been able to cope better due to their very nature. Technology has enabled certain organizations to carry on business as usual. Training centres can run virtual courses. Moreover, meetings can be conducted via video conferencing software. Ensure that you are appropriately dressed if you will be on camera. Create a company branded background for use on video calls as this looks more professional for external clients – especially if don’t have a dedicated office space and have to work with family members or flatmates walking around behind you.

As you can see ITIL can be applied to all workspaces, whether at home or on site. This crisis can be an opportunity to refine your working practices wherever you are.