As COVID-19 spreads across the world, the entire nation, apart from a few professions like healthcare workers, is in quarantine to mitigate the spread of the virus and flatten the curve. While the lockdown may be relaxed in the next few weeks/months, working from home will become the norm. Everyone dreams of working from the comfort of their home – no more congested and lengthy commutes. Instead, the time could be spent on cooking, exercise, and self-care. But, working from home is a double-edged sword. It comes with its own set of unique challenges. You may be tempted to do things around the house like – laundry, catching a new show on TV, mindlessly surfing social media networks on your mobile, or just chilling out on the sofa. All of which leads to a loss of productivity. Plus, the isolation without colleagues to interact with can make you lose your edge. Staying focussed on your work while working remotely from home requires some extra efforts. Here, you can find tips on how to boost your productivity and improve your mental health while working from home.
1. Set up a Dedicated Workspace
One of the biggest mistakes first-time work-from-home employees do is that they do not have a designated workspace for work. They try to get into work-mode from the kitchen table, the bed, or the middle of the living room with the TV running in the background.
To get into the work mode, you need a dedicated workspace where you can concentrate on work without any distractions. Make sure that the place is well ventilated and well-lit so that you don’t feel tired or lethargic.
If you’re uncomfortable or always getting up for things, then you are likely to find it challenging to work continuously without fidgeting. So, set up a dedicated workspace or corner in your home, that is comfortable and has everything you need for work.
2. Get Dressed Up for Work
With the quarantine, every day seems just like the one before and after. To get the most out of your workday, you need to get ready for work. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a formal suit and tie. But, make sure that you take a bath, comb your hair and wear comfortable clothes so that your mind gets into the work-zone as soon as you start.
3. Lay some Ground Rules to Minimize Distractions
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is the frequent distractions. With schools closed, your children are likely to be at home, always demanding your attention. If both you and your partner are working from home, then set different time schedules for work. So, one person can work without any distractions, while the other person takes care of children and household duties.
4. Set SMART Goals
One of the biggest perks of working from home is that you enjoy more flexibility. But, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to adhere to deadlines. It’s easy to get off track. To avoid losing productivity:
- Set up goals for each day – decide what you want to accomplish in a day.
- Be specific – set tangible goals that give you a clear idea of what you should be working on.
- Assign priorities – arrange your to-do tasks for the day/week based on priorities.
- Set a deadline – if you don’t have a deadline, you’re likely to keep procrastinating.
5. Turn Off all Social Media Distractions
It may feel like just a few minutes, but social media is the biggest obstacle to productivity. Log out of your social media pages on your work laptop and turn off all notifications on your mobile. Keep your mobile phone out of reach to avoid the temptation of scrolling through your newsfeeds.
Fix a particular time to browse social media. There are plenty of apps that limit the time you spend on social media or apps that block social media during work hours.
6. Rely on a Work Buddy
Social interactions at work play a crucial role in motivating you. The interactions you have with your colleagues make you feel a part of a tight-knit team, boosting your confidence and motivation. Pair up with a colleague who can respond to you while the urge to chat hits you up. Use video calling apps like Zoom, Slack or Google Hangouts to connect with your team on a face-to-face call. This facilitates connectedness and co-operation, even while working remotely.
7. Get Tech-Savvy
Thanks to technology, working from home while staying connected with our team is easier than ever before. There are plenty of apps and digital tools like Zoom (for video calls), Google Docs (to create, share and collaborate on documents with the team), time-tracking apps to stay connected and to keep the ideas flowing.
8. Take a Break
While working from home is flexible and enjoyable, it can get tiring. Just like at the office, you need to take short breaks to break the monotony, encourage the flow of ideas and to freshen up. With the nation encouraged to stay indoors, it may not be possible to go for a stroll in the park. Instead, make use of any outdoor space that is available to you. Step out for a few minutes on your balcony or take a walk inside your apartment complex for a change of scenery and pace. If stepping outside your home, don’t forget to wear a mask and wash your hands thoroughly once you come back in.
9. Don’t Forget to Log Off
The crucial aspect of a successful work-from-home routine is setting boundaries. Just like you would do at the office, log off for the day. Set aside a few minutes every day for some uninterrupted “me” time. Do anything that interests and refreshes you. Read a book, cook, exercise, meditate or watch your favorite show. Just because you’re working from home, it doesn’t mean you have to be logged in 24 x 7.