Working from home is a sudden new normal due to COVID-19. Some have enjoyed saving driving time and gas money, more time with family or even time for a quick work out. From the people you live with, Netflix, housework, and snacks, there are countless distractions that can prevent you from working productively from home. I am enjoying a balance between working at home and commuting to work. Here are some ways to stay productive and efficient while working at home:
1. Organization Plan your day using a schedule of prioritized tasks from your week. Set long-term or short-term goals and use a calendar to overview your week and month in advance. Determine when you are the most productive and schedule more challenging or attention-demanding tasks for those times. Throughout the day check your plan and ensure that you are on schedule.
2. Designated Work Area It may be tempting to work from a couch or bed, but that may impact productivity and your body. Set up an office space, outside your bedroom if possible. Use a spacious table or desk and lay out the tools you need to get you in work mode. Keep this space organized with work materials and limit other actions in this space.
3. Comfortable Furniture Invest in an ergonomic office chair and ensure you have good posture. You may need to try out a few chairs to find the one right for you. Line up your computer and keyboard properly and check the alignment of your legs and arms. If you find your wrists, back or neck getting sore be sure to investigate your posture and positioning. Occasionally you may need to move, stretch or stand to alleviate stress on your body or to regain focus on a task. Some people find standing desks to be very comfortable.
4. Routine It may be the most efficient to align your workday with your employer’s regular work hours. Doing so will allow you to accomplish more tasks and be available to communicate with colleagues during the day. Many people start working early, finding this time the most productive. This allows you to progress gradually throughout the day. Starting later may make you feel sluggish and tired. It goes without saying that you need to get enough sleep.
5. Dress for Work Yes, you want to be comfortable, but spending the day in your pajamas can put you in a relaxed mode. Wear a comfortable work outfit that you would be able to video conference your coworkers in. Dressing for work may also make you feel more productive.
6. Scheduled Breaks Plan your breaks and stick to the plan. Small frequent breaks for fresh air, stretching, eating, exercising or doing a quick chore may make you more productive. Turning off all technology and meditating for a few minutes may refresh you. You may choose to schedule a break at a set time or after a task is completed. You may also choose to socialize with household members just like you would have conversations with coworkers.
7. Balance Work and Leisure Arrange your work routine and then stick to it. Make sure that you have a definite finishing time so that you are able to turn work off.
8. Schedule Household Chores Set aside a regular time outside of your work day to tidy your house so that your workspace feels clean and comfortable.
9. Limit Distractions Listen to motivating music, sounds or nothing; whatever works for your productivity. Try to match the music to the energy of the project you’re working on. Communicate with household members so that you don’t distract each other when you need a quiet work environment to get work done or have a meeting. You may choose to turn off social media notifications and close tabs.
10. Stay Hydrated Drinking water is great for your skin, health and helping you think clearly. Keep a water bottle at your workstation and refill it throughout the day. This may help limit snacking or drinking too much coffee.
Thanks for reading!
xx Mik
Lounging in clothes from LASTEMGIRL.
