Since the spike of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous companies adopted the work-from-home setup. For many employees, it can be a tough adjustment, especially for those who are doing it for the first time. Nonetheless, there are ways employees can transition to this change without affecting their productivity.
1. Create a Dedicated Workspace
A private space for all your work-related activities will play a huge role in getting your daily work done.
Set up a station that will feel like an environment you would love to work in. Convert that spare bedroom to a home office and fill this room with “for work only” supplies.
It is necessary to dedicate a space to be your home office as this will create a physical separation of your work life and home life. This will help you focus on the task at hand.
2. Invest in Quality Equipment and Network Connection
Your work from home is what earns you a living so consider it your business. And just like any other business, it will require you a little investment. Some of the most common purchases that you will make are as follows:
- A computer or laptop
- Large, sturdy desk
- Comfortable office chair
- Reliable internet connection
- Software
You may want to purchase the high-quality and best-performing ones to avoid nuisance. If you are worried about your additional electric energy consumption, you may want to buy energy plans. This will enable you to optimize your energy consumption.
3. Keep your Mobile Phone Away from your Desk
Everyone can agree that the biggest reason why we procrastinate is social media. It’s easy to get sucked in the loop of scrolling on mobile phones. According to science, a chemical called dopamine is responsible for this scrolling addiction.
There will be times that you will need a phone to make and receive calls. Keeping it away from the desk may not be a good idea then. What can do is provide a business phone for all things business and nothing else. You can leave your personal phone out of your workstation so can get more work done.
4. Set Your Business Hours
Establishing your schedule of when to start working and when to call it a day can help you maintain a healthy work and life balance. Write it down and don’t forget to include your short breaks and lunch-times. Have a structured time because, without it, your working hours will extend into late nights. You may want to avoid that from happening, otherwise, your family time will suffer.
5. Eat Meals at the Right Time
One advantage of working from home is we have unlimited access to the fridge. This means more healthy options. Unlike when we work in an office, we are left with whatever you packed for lunch and what is available in the office pantry; which most of the time are just unhealthy snacks.
We have talked about setting your hours. If you set your lunch-time to noon, eat at exactly 12 o’clock in the afternoon. That should be non-negotiable. Eating healthy at the right time is crucial for your work efficiency.
6. Take Short Breaks
In times that you feel like you are too busy to take a break, that is the time you need to take a break the most. Schedule your breaks and take them in their entirety.
Taking short breaks keeps us from being bored and unfocused. You may be enthusiastic at the beginning of work but that will not last forever. Take your break and move away from your work desk for about 15 minutes. There is no need to feel guilty about it because when you take mental breaks, it helps you get back on track and stay focus on your task.
This may be just a tiny part of your work schedule, but it sure does make a big impact.
7. Prevent Distractions
Distractions can come in many forms. It can be from your kids, from your pets, and even from the delivery guys. That’s why we stated the importance of having a dedicated workspace at home earlier. Set ground rules with other people living with you. Let them know what they can do and not do at a certain time.
It is also a great idea to shut the door and restrict family and pets inside the workspace when it is working hours. Even though you are working from home it is still necessary to separate your home life from your work life. Otherwise, it will compromise your daily productivity.
Above all else, keep the attitude in check. Seize this as an opportunity to showcase your skills as a remote worker.
