Working from home sounds like a dream right? Well, until your kids barge into your room during your zoom work meetings or your dog constantly gives you the puppy eye for not paying attention to him (how do we say no to that face right?)
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have resorted to working from home. Some prefer to work from home, and some don’t, which is understandable due to the fact you might not be as productive because of the distractions around you.
When you’re at work, your boss is always around to keep an eye on you. In some cases, even colleagues. However, at home, there’s no one watching you. You may not experience the same peer pressure or social pressure to complete tasks. Lucky for you, we’ve curated 7 strategies to maximize your productivity when you work from home.
Communicate With Your Family
If you’re working, you need to let your family know and remind them to respect your space and to leave you alone. Now, of course, I don’t expect you to do this with your pets (unless you have superpowers that allow you to communicate with them). What works for me is that I lock my door when I’m working. This is a sign that I do not want to be disturbed unless it’s an emergency.
Dress Well
Let me guess, you work with last night’s pajamas on? Or with no pants? Yeap, been there. No doubt that is very comfortable but did you know that dressing up somewhat maximizes our performance? When we look good, we feel good, and when we feel good, we become more productive. Now, I’m not saying to wear a heavy full face of makeup and heels to work from home but I suggest picking out an outfit that isn’t pajamas and maybe touching up your face a little. After all, we do have video meetings during working hours,
Have A Designated Workspace
I know it can be very tempting to work from your bed or couch, the comfiest place in the world. But, it’s best to stay away from them when you’re working. The bed and couch are for you to unwind and relax, your mind will not know the difference. You could have a temporary workstation in the guest room or a real desk and office area at home. Your workplace should ideally include a door so you can block out any distractions and be equipped with anything you could need nearby, like a computer, paper, headphones, snacks, etc. Avoid needing to constantly stand up to grab things you might need because doing so will simply reduce your productivity.
Get Up Early
Do you wake up at 8:50 am before clocking in at 9:00 am? Did you know, our brain needs at least 30 minutes after waking up to start being productive? It’s advisable to wake up at least an hour before your working hours. Use this extra time to prepare your favorite coffee drink or to make a to-do list for the day. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
Take Breaks
One important way to stay productive is by taking a break. Every hour, try taking a walk around the house or refilling your water bottle. After completing every task, allow yourself to take a 10 minutes break. Also, make sure to make use of your one-hour lunch breaks. Taking regular breaks can help you recharge and keep your head in the game.
Stick To Your Working Hours
Now I know this article is about being productive, but you need to always set your boundaries when you work from home. It’s very important to set precise times when you'll be available to be reached via phone, email, or online and available to work. Getting your job done is crucial, but so is taking some time to unwind, spend time with your loved ones, and just unwind. Be cautious to establish appropriate boundaries on both a professional and personal level.
Eliminate Digital Distractions
Have you ever thought to your self ‘Hmm a little screen time wouldn’t hurt, I’ll just check my socials for a bit’ and then end up losing an hour of your time? It’s like a black hole. Once you’re in, it’s hard to get out. Hence why I suggest you either log off all your social accounts or mute all notifications. Well, at least until you’re done with all your tasks for the day.
That’s it from me today. Hoping these tips will help you when you log into work tomorrow. You would be surprised to know that you can be just as productive working from home as well as the office. Happy working!