5 Ways to Increase Productivity While Working From Home
By Hagen Weiss
Since COVID-19 hit, many have been adjusting their lifestyles in response to the ‘new normal.’ One of these major adjustments is how we work.
According to a recent the University of Chicago and Atlanta Federal Reserve survey, work from home will increase from 5% to 20% after the COVID pandemic.
Working from home has both its advantages and disadvantages. While the idea of waking up 5 minutes before your virtual meeting is enticing, distractions at home can quickly impact your productivity.
Take the following 5 steps to increase your productivity while working from home.
1. Create a Schedule
A schedule is all the more important when you’re working at home. It helps you plan your tasks and day-to-day activities. It’s easy to lose sight of what tasks are truly important without a defined schedule.
Humans require routine. A daily routine is important not only for productivity but also for your physical and mental health.
2. Get Dressed
It’s tempting to just roll out of bed and start working in your pajamas. You’re more cozy and comfortable, so what’s the harm?
Swapping out your pajamas for some work clothes helps separate work from home. Psychologists and experts note that dressing up in business attire helps people feel more ‘competent.’
And, it doesn’t have to be full-out business attire. Simply swapping your pajamas for even a more casual look can help orient your mindset from ‘home’ to ‘work.’
3. Limit Your Distractions
Your home is filled with distractions. From your fridge to your toddler to social media, distractions abound in every direction.
Distractions can look different for different people. Identify potential areas that may cause you to lose productivity during the day. Starting with your workspace, look to find a quiet spot in your home dedicated to work. Get your spouse on board to ensure your family gives you the space to work. Lastly, put away your phone (unless it’s for business use) to avoid wasting time on social media.
4. Get Some Exercise
Exercise has many physical and mental health benefits. It can give you a much-needed jolt of energy when you most need it. This helps you stimulate your mind, making it much easier to be productive.
Here are some exercise ideas:
- Wake up 30 min earlier to ride your bike
- Plan out a simple walk or jog during lunchtime
- Lift weights
- Follow a yoga routine
- Home workout programs (streaming online)
5. Connect With Others
People are social creatures - even the most introverted amongst us. We crave community and social interaction.
While working from home, you lose the small interactions you would’ve had in an office environment: the small chats at the water cooler, the run-ins at the elevator, or the occasional team lunch gatherings.
While these interactions cannot be fully replicated at home, you can make an effort to connect with other people during the day. Meet a friend or partner in person for lunch or coffee. The next best thing would be to schedule video meetings, where you can see each other face-to-face. It doesn’t even have to be work-related. Taking a moment to chat or catch up with an acquaintance can help rejuvenate and refresh you for the work ahead.
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