As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, working from home is now a necessity for most companies all over the world (and we’re not at all sure how long it’ll last).
While working from home has its advantages (you spend more time with loved ones, take breaks at any moment, stay in your PJs all day, etc.), many have difficulty staying focused and eventually end up having a less productive day.
If you’re reading this article, you have probably faced certain challenges while working remotely. No worries! These simple tips will boost your work from home productivity while you’re stuck at home because of the coronavirus.
Create and Stick to a Schedule
One of the benefits of working from home is that you have greater flexibility and can set your own hours. However, don’t forget to have a work schedule and stick to it. Without a schedule, it will be harder to stay productive and motivated. It’s a good idea to write up a to-do list and decide what you need and want to accomplish in a day. Plus, being on the same schedule as your coworkers will make everything much easier.
Minimize Distractions
The kids are running around, talking loudly, or fighting with each other. Your spouse is coming and talking to you about things that aren’t important at all. You pick up your cell phone to check on a message and start looking at social media posts. Worst of all, your kids are interrupting your Zoom meetings.
Ugh…It’s so easy to get distracted when working from home, isn’t it? Just remember Professor Robert Kelly, the ‘‘BBC Dad’’ who became an Internet sensation when his two children invaded a live BBC TV interview. Looks like ‘we are all Robert Kelly’ now.
Yes, one of the biggest challenges when it comes to working from home is the number of distractions you’ll have to deal with. So, it’s time to take measures to minimize distractions. Set limits to the amount of time you allow family members to distract you. Instead, use your break times to interact with them. Don’t forget to close any social media tabs and turn off notifications to avoid scrolling through the newsfeed.
Don’t Forget to Take Breaks
If you work from home, you may find yourself stuck in front of a screen all day, which is detrimental to your productivity. The solution? Allow yourself a break when you need one. Leave your desk, do some stretches, get a drink, chat with your spouse for a couple of minutes, then dive right back into work.
Trust me, you’ll return feeling refreshed and more productive for the rest of the day.
Stay Organized - Switch from Home to Work Mode
In order to increase work from home productivity, we need to switch from home to work mode. Here’s how:
Have a workspace: One of the biggest mistakes people working from home make is not having a space for work. I agree, it may seem more comfortable to work remotely from your couch or your bed, but it’ll be much harder to concentrate on work. On the flip side, having a workspace will help you focus on work and cut down on outside interruptions from family and friends.
Get dressed: It might seem like a simple tip, but it’s a crucial one. Even if your desk is only a few feet away from your bed, spend a few minutes to shower, get dressed and fix your hair before starting your workday. This will help you mentally prepare for the day and will make you alert and keen.
We hope these tips will help boost your work from home productivity and give you the freedom you’ve always dreamed of.
