5 Tips To Stay Productive When Working From Home

Remote working is not something new, but it has become part of our ‘new normal’ since the start of the pandemic. The good news is that there are a lot of advantages to working from home, even if you do not have a choice. For example, you can say goodbye to long commutes. Now, the office is only a few steps away, which saves you time, money, and on top of it, is good for the environment.

You may have found that you need to change your habits and routines to make working from home a success. Everyone who works remotely has to figure out what works for them in terms of when to work, where to work, and how to create boundaries between work and personal life.

Here are 5 helpful insights into how to stay productive and adapt to remote working:

1. Stick to a schedule?

Being strict about your schedule is an excellent way to ensure that you maintain intensity and professionalism throughout your working day. Also, try to get ready and have your breakfast before you start work. It will keep you disciplined.

If your boss does not require set hours, implement them yourself. This will help in creating boundaries between work and personal life.

2. Avoid distractions

As tempting as it is having a lie-in, catching up on Netflix shows, getting suck into morning TV or scrolling down social media, getting distracted could have a significant impact on your workflow and overall productivity.

To keep away from the mobile phone, you can download apps that block out digital distractions like Freedom, or you can disable alerts and notifications. Keeping the phone in a different room when working could work too.

3. Have a designated workspace

Setting up a work area that is comfortable, private, and peaceful is important to help you focus. As well as giving you a professional space to work in, if you live with others, they should be able to recognise when you are busy at work and avoid distracting you.

Even in a small apartment or a co-working space that is always changing, remote workers should clearly define their workspace. Working in bed is a big NO-NO, as your body and mind associate that room with relaxation and sleep.

4. Organise breaks

If you really want to be productive, consider taking regular short breaks to help increase mental clarity. Every hour or so, take at least a few minutes to get away from the screen.

Use your lunch break to get away from your working space and take your mind off work to allow yourself to recharge. Go for a walk, enjoy fresh air, consider interacting with others.

5. Facetime meetings (including regular one-on-one with the boss)

The remote life could be liberating, but it can be also lonely. Human connection is a must. Socializing is just as important when working remotely as it is in the traditional workplace, even more. Isolation, disconnection, and loneliness can be a bad recipe for your mental health.

Use facetime to communicate with your work colleagues, not just e-mails. Having regular video calls helps you stay connected as a team. Getting regular feedback from your boss on one-on-one meetings can have a positive effect on your productiveness.?