Top tips for working from home effectively
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many of us to stay at home once again, remote working seems to be the way forward for the foreseeable future. Indeed lots of companies are considering making it a more widespread option even after the pandemic is over – so it might be time to start thinking about how to level up your remote working experience to become more productive and enjoyable. Here’s how.
Set up a dedicated workspace
Whilst technically in a lot of jobs you can work from anywhere as long as you have a laptop and internet connection, in reality having a specific place in your home set aside for working will help you to be more efficient. It signals to your brain that it’s work time and enables you to keep all your work materials organized. Of course, having a home office is not a viable option for everyone, but having a dedicated desk in the corner of another room can help.
Keep in regular communication with your colleagues
If you’re used to sitting side by side with your colleagues, you might find working from home a bit lonely or that you feel somewhat disconnected from your team. This is where online communication tools can be invaluable. Whether it’s using Google Docs and Microsoft 365 for collaboration or Slack alternatives for instant messaging, even digital communication helps us to stay in touch with our coworkers in a way that both boosts productivity and lets us feel less isolated.
Make a routine and stick to it
When you work in an office, there are usually fewer distractions compared to working at home, and being surrounded by other people who are hard at work makes it easier for us to stay on task. With remote working, however, you need to be a bit more self-motivated. A good tip is to craft a work routine that works for you and stick to it. To begin with, set definite times to get up, start working and take lunch, and see what a difference it can make.
Get dressed for work every day
Yes, working from home is a fantastic excuse to work in your pajamas – however you might find doing so negatively affects your productivity. Putting on ‘proper’ clothes (it doesn’t have to be a suit!) sends a message to your mind that it’s time to work and prevents you from lapsing into laziness. It’s also good for your mental health and even helps you to regulate your sleep patterns better.
Set boundaries between your work and home life
One of the negative side effects of working from home is that it blurs the boundaries between your work life and personal life, making it easier for you to work longer hours and harder to switch off. Be sure to log out when the workday is over and spend some time relaxing, hanging out with your family, or enjoying your hobbies – this will not only help you stay productive but is essential for maintaining good mental wellbeing during these difficult times.
