There was once a time when working from home (or flexible work hours) was a privilege, a distant dream for those of us obliged to brave traffic or the perils of the daily commute, or reserved for the self-employed. Now, given the circumstances and with social distancing as the norm, working from home is becoming the new standard for many. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. For one, you’re at home—you’re literally an arm’s length away or a few steps from the comfort of your couch or bed. It’s also easier to take frequent breaks (read: procrastinate) when no one’s there to call you out on it. Don’t fret, stay productive! Below, tips on how to get the most out of #WFH.
1. Find Your Work Space
Not all have the luxury of office space within their homes. But it’s important to create or choose a space that fuels your creativity or allows you to work on those spreadsheets. Make sure the area is well lit and conducive for you to get stuff done. And when the day’s over, as you would in the office, sign off.
2. Commit To A Schedule
Someone once said, “Self-discipline is the greatest act of self-love.” Set working hours for yourself and stick to them; don’t let the work bleed into your personal life and vice versa. Having boundaries will help you accomplish the work and allow you to focus on you, your relationships and your passions in your downtime.
3. Block Online Distractions
Yes, we mean social media. Download apps that track how much time you’re spending on your phone, so you’re aware of your scrolling habits. Can’t help yourself? There are anti-procrastination apps, like Focus and Freedom, that block websites like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to help remote workers focus on the task at hand.
4. Get Some Air
At some point, you’ll need to break up the day, especially if you live alone. Take a 10-minute break to walk around your space or maybe call a co-worker to check-in and just chat. Find what works for you to encourage the flow of fresh ideas.
5. Update, Update, Update
List your priorities for the week and share them with your team and your boss to make sure you don’t miss out on anything important. Update your manager or team leader at the start and end of every week, so he or she knows what to expect from you. Do it via email to formalize or video call (via Zoom or Hangouts!) should this be your team’s preferred medium.
