If you have been working from home in recent months, you would know there can be many challenges involved. Not only are you no longer in a professional working environment, you also have to adapt to a space usually associated with comfort, relaxation and family time.
There are, of course, advantages to working from home. Maybe you can have more of a lie-in since you don’t have to commute any more. Or perhaps you enjoy spending your lunch break with loved ones, and wearing more comfortable clothes every day.
But in return, you would likely have to compromise on space and privacy, which could affect your concentration and output.
To supplement these tips shared previously, here are eight more ways to keep productive while working from home.
1. Plan your work schedule
Make efficient use of your time by figuring out which parts of the day are more conducive for different types of activity. Keep a “productivity journal” to keep track of the times when you are more focused and energetic.
2. Close the door
Set clear boundaries about your workspace. It can be tempting to get involved in conversations about domestic issues, but you also need a designated space and time to focus.
3. Find your niche
The ideal scenario is to have a room of your own, but if that isn’t possible, try to designate a specific spot so work doesn’t leak into your relaxation space and vice-versa. Try to bag a window for some healthy natural daylight, too.
4. Keep it green
Bring some nature into your working environment. Plants provide a calming and relaxing presence and have a healthy air-filtration effect, too. Choose a variety that’s not too demanding.
5. Stay online
Poor internet connection can disrupt your workflow, so find an internet provider that offers a decent bandwidth for your needs. If your office space is far from the router, you might also need to invest in equipment to boost the wifi signal.
6. Avoid digital distractions
Even efficient use of screen time can be tiring, but realising you’ve just wasted an hour in a social media vortex can be very frustrating. Aim to keep off social media during work hours unless it’s crucial to your job.
Keep temptation at bay by using apps that block messages and notifications during designated times.
7. Stay social
Don’t lose touch with your colleagues just because you aren’t physically together. You’ll feel more connected to your work and less isolated if you check in with workmates to collaborate, discuss work processes, and catch up.
8. Get physical
Your health should be a priority at all times, especially since working from home is so sedentary. Get your body moving with an online training app or exercise video. Even a short walk or stretch every now and then will get the blood pumping.
This article first appeared in jobstore.com.
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