Working from home has long been a perk for a select group of professionals, such as senior executives. However, COVID-19, the number one public foe, has prompted an unprecedented social experiment for businesses, allowing regular employees to work from home. As an employee, if you’re concerned about your productivity during this phase and can’t seem to get away from all the distractions, here are five ways on how to keep at your best while working from home.
#1 Create A Dedicated Working Area
To ensure efficiency, it is critical to have a dedicated workspace. This can be an independent room in your home free from the television and bed. To stay focused, you should also arrange your desk with office supplies and inspirational phrases. This is to kick out the ‘homey’ feel to you working area to help trick yourself into thinking that you are in the office. Just make sure your workstation is close to a power outlet so your laptop and phone can stay charged throughout the day.
#2 Wake Up The Same Time You Would On A Regular Work Day
Image Credits: AhbeardEven if you don’t have to travel an hour to go to work, you should still get up the time you typically would. You’ll have more time in the morning to finish other things, such as laundry or a nice breakfast, if you wake up like you would for any other day at the office. During this time, you could also organize your day ahead of time by making a list of your priorities and to-do items. This will help you along your day, ensuring that you are on track.
#3 Take Breaks
When you’re at work, it’s natural to want to take pauses to let your mind to rest. The structure at home, on the other hand, is rather different. You’re working in your resting environment, a space where we usually return to after a long day at work. This makes things become a little messy and confusing, where we often forget breaks and leave us feeling drained. Take pauses at regular intervals and go for a walk, play with your pet, or listen to music. It is scientifically proven that your prefrontal cortex (The region of the brain that thinks) need pauses in order to avoid decision fatigue and improve productivity while also enhancing creativity.
#4 Put On Work-Like Attire
Image Credits: HealthingWorking on your laptop while still in your nightgown or boxers might make you feel as if you should be sleeping. You’ll be more psychologically prepared to work when you change into something more job-appropriate, such as a going-out t-shirt or dress shirt. Although, you don’t have to put on anything fancy, it should be just enough to keep you away from feeling like you should be in bed. Furthermore, you may also be required to participate in video calls for meetings. If you’re still in you sleepwear, or worse, if you’re not wearing a top at all, it’ll be humiliating!
#5 Rules For Family Members
People, especially those who aren’t used to it, may easily misunderstand remote working. Due to the fact that we have either done it or observed it, today’s generation has a clear understanding of the concept of working from home. On the other hand, the elder generation is unfamiliar with this concept. To your parents, working from home is more of a job with no set schedule and routine. Have an open discussion with your family members about the work-from-home expectations. Set explicit guidelines for the children, stating what they should and should not do. Inform your parents about the aspects of working from home. You’ll be on your way once they realize this. Otherwise, it might lead to a slew of difficulties in your working life if a few ground rules aren’t established.
To those of you who work remotely, we hope the following recommendations help you increase your productivity. Stay safe and remember to adhere to the current COVID-19 regulations and measures.
