Over the past year, people around the world have come to face new realities: working from home (WFH). This has been a choice for some and others, mandatory. Some people love it, while some are sceptical. There is more pressure when WFH during a global pandemic, creating a heavier strain than conventional remote work environments. Your workstation at home arguably has its pros and cons, let us look at eliminating the cons, with few tips below on how to increase productivity and making you smile.
- Catch-up meetings.
Include catch-up meetings in your work life at least once a day. These are brief meetings that include members of a team working on a project where everyone discusses starting tasks, tasks in progress, and those finished. This enhances inclusivity in the team. It allows everyone to keep up to date on what has been going on.
2. Good workspace.
A good workspace is essential when trying to increase productivity at home. It is important to have a designated workspace if possible, preferably somewhere with minimal distraction or somewhere you will not fall asleep! If you can work near a window at home, this is a plus! Studies have shown that people who work in naturally lit spaces have reported less eye strain, headaches, and drowsiness. Bonus alert, this helps you sleep better at night.
3. Take breaks.
It can be very easy to get distracted when you are WFH, so it is crucial to take breaks. Rather than watching video clips on YouTube, why not get away from the desk, get your blood flowing and allow yourself to look at something else other than a screen. Going for a walk in your local park, for instance, is great for relieving stress, boosting your mental health, and making better and informed decisions (allowing you to think clearer). Even having a quick coffee with your housemates might do the trick! Remember that taking a break from working is part of the journey to success.
4. Set a schedule.
When working in your office building, there is usually a consistent routine that is followed, however, these lines become blurred when WFH. There is no one monitoring your arrival and departure time so it can be harder to stay on track. One thing you can do is check-in and out with team members at the beginning and end of the day just as a courtesy. Moreover, you should allow yourself some time for the things you do to start the day such as having breakfast, having a shower, working out, or taking the dog out for a walk.
5. Get dressed.
Even though no one will see you for the day (maybe just your dog), it is hard to feel productive in your PJs. Having a shower and putting on fresh clothes can help you draw a line between work and leisure.
6. Have the right nutrition.
WFH gives you the advantage of preparing delicious home-cooked meals rather than spending your money at the deli for a greasy meal. What we eat can have a big impact on how we feel throughout the day, and just like a car needs petrol to function properly, we need the right nutrients to work at our best. Eating healthy allows us to stay productive and to focus for longer periods.
Having the right mindset and approach will allow you to be successful when WFH. You must stick to the hours you have devoted to work and allow yourself not to be strayed away with distractions in your home environment. Following the techniques, above will steer you in the right direction to increase your productivity at home.
Written by Keisha Parry
