Due to the pandemic, most of us had to adjust to a new way of working. Although for some people this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it meant that they were able to work more flexibly. Even as things gradually returned to normal, and people were able to return to the workplace, a lot of us found that we preferred working from home because it allowed more freedom and flexibility – not to mention the money saved on commuting to work. However, for many among us changes like working remotely have been challenging too, requiring plenty of adjustment. So, if struggling to navigate working from home, these simple tips might just help you feel more productive and motivated…
Stick to a routine
Without a routine, finding the right balance between your work and personal life can sometimes be difficult, so it’s important to set yourself a work schedule. Try waking up at the same time every day and treat your mornings like a normal working day. Also, try to set a work schedule so that you have clear guidelines for when to work and when to call it a day, as this helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. That said, one of the benefits of remote work is flexibility, which means sometimes you need to adjust your day to accommodate other responsibilities.
Create your own work environment
It’s easier to stay mentally focused if you designate a specific area in your home to get work done. This can be a home office, spare bedroom, or any area that offers privacy, as a quiet space away from distractions will help you feel like you are in a work environment. It’s also important that your designated work area is kept separate from your home life, as this will help you keep a balance between the two.
When setting up your work environment, make sure you have the right equipment so you can be efficient and productive. This includes things like a computer, a high-speed Internet connection that can support video calls, a desk, a comfortable chair, office supplies and any other equipment you might need to work from home.
Set boundaries
It's essential to set boundaries when working remotely, especially if you have a spouse, children and pets all in close quarters. Let you family know that when the door is closed this means you do not want to be disturbed, this way you are able to work productively without the distractions of home life.
Communicate
Just because you are not in an office with people, does not mean you should stop communicating with them, communication is even more critical when working remotely. So make sure you keep in contact with your boss and colleagues in order to know what's expected of you. This way you are always up to date with your workload.
While working from home has its benefits, you may also feel more isolated if you are used to working in a busy office environment, and so it’s important to stay in touch with your colleagues in order to support one another. Whether it’s via zoom or a quick phone call, finding time to check in with your colleagues can help boost their mental wellbeing as well as your own. So try to set aside some time in your schedule to socialise virtually, even if it’s just for a digital coffee break.
Take regular breaks
Working remotely is inherently challenging because it's easy to lose track of time, so remember to pull yourself away from the computer, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Making time for breaks is important to help manage stress and mental wellbeing. Make sure you schedule a lunch break as well as a few screen breaks, as this will help you feel more focused and increase productivity.