How do you Ensure Productivity in your Homeworking Schedule?

In 3 weeks, UK workers will reach 6 weeks or more of working from home. For some, it is business as usual since many already worked from home for at least part of their day or week. For others, it has been a big change and a huge upheaval. Some will have simply made a necessary adjustment while others, unfortunately, cannot work from home due to the nature of their job or where they have been furloughed or, sadly, made redundant.

It Starts with Mindset

I remember, several years ago, when I was working from home, I was asked by a friend how I handled things. The question puzzled me since I had never had a problem even though remote working using cloud-based technology was not a thing back then. He could not understand why I was not distracted.

So, what is the secret? How do you ensure that working from home works for you and your business? Below are my tips for #productiveworking.

Remember that it is Work

It sounds obvious but remember that it is your job. It is not supposed to be a time to chill and watch daytime TV or check out Facebook. There is no problem taking a break. After all, some people (not me) typically take their traditional hour for lunch. Some also need cigarette breaks, though I’ve never understood that having never smoked in my life. So, take the requisite breaks but when it is work time, it is time to work.

Devote Space to Work

With the current crisis, this is a bit of a challenge in our house. We are 4 adults all trying to do different things. We have a downstairs office where my wife usually works within the business part-time, so that’s partially off limits. We also previously created an upstairs office where, usually, my son or daughter work as they both work from home periodically. And, now I am also at home. Luckily, we have space so whether it is the kitchen or dining room, I still have a comfortable space. Whilst I do not have my usual 2 screens from the office, I am still perfectly capable of being fully operational. I adjust and, as frustrating as it may be, everyone must make the best of it for now.

Allocate Appropriate Time to Work

Once again, it is obvious but worth pointing out. What are your usual working hours? If you have a commute, consider those too. In the past, I have had long commutes. Currently, my office is 5 mins drive or a 13 mins walk from home. So, I get ready for work in the normal way. I am at my desk between 8-8.30. At the office I am usually there by 7.45-8.15. I have a schedule. I plan every day like I did previously. I use Monday.com to task manage and that has not changed. Some of the tasks have shifted due to the environment but I follow my usual pattern. Work ends between 4.30 and 6pm, dependent on workload and my desire to go for a walk. This is a bit earlier than in the office, but I still have a full day. And, if I am less busy, I create relevant and positive things to do like writing this article. There will always be things to do if you look hard enough.

Create Relevant Tasks

I alluded to this in my point above. Perhaps some are not as busy as they were a few weeks ago. I have adapted my schedule to include self-development through webinars, conversations with contacts to whom I have not spoken in a while and more social media work such as LinkedIn posts and articles. There is really no excuse for not being active. I totally accept that, for some, the working environment is not perfect. Mine is not ideal with 4 adults competing for space, 3 cats meowing at inconvenient times and being perched on a kitchen stool or sitting on a dining chair. Many will have kids at home competing for attention which is hard. However, in this environment, I have had plenty of client calls with their kids shouting in the background. We are all much more accommodating of people’s situations. So, regardless of your own personal situation, you need to create relevant tasks and be ‘present’ when you are on work time.

Use the Time Wisely

You are not alone working from home. A vast number of others, including your prospects and customers, are doing the same. So, if you are less busy in your day job than in the past, consider reaching out via email, LinkedIn messaging, and by phone to customers, prospects, and those you have not spoken to for a while. I have started messaging 5 first level LinkedIn connections each day. I suggested that we take our online connection offline and have a chat. I filter to those that I feel would be relevant. From 20 or so messages in Week 1, I organised 4 calls. It may not lead to business not least since my aim is not to pitch at anyone, but it is about being active and creating momentum.

Be a Good Actor

There are lots of articles about mental health now, and I do not claim to be any sort of expert. What I would say is that, as far as work is concerned, you do sometimes need to be a good actor. Outside of those that support key industries or where they provide essential services such as connectivity, many businesses are having a hard time. Whilst I do not advocate lying, I prefer honesty, I also feel that it is important to remain upbeat. People buy people. So, we all need empathy and understanding and to support each other. Focus on the positives. Occasionally, you will need to become an actor when you are feeling low. That means focusing on others and allowing them to vent rather than moaning about your situation however tough that may be.

Do not Hide Yourself Away

Out of sight, out of mind is an expression we all know. Since today’s technology such as Zoom and Skype enable us to be more connected, it is important not to hide away. Allocate time to be in contact with clients, prospects, customers, and suppliers or whoever you usually connect with. We all crave human contact, and, in many ways, this is the best time to make contact when we are, perhaps less distracted by office activity. The more you engage, the more engaged you will feel so schedule time for conference calls whether that is to review projects and progress or to just catch up with clients to see how they are doing.

Maybe I am odd but having worked from home several times over the past 20 years running my own business, I just kind of get on with it. Outside of the obvious crisis that is unfolding around us, I have tried to ensure that my work life is not disrupted. Business has changed but my process and routine have not.

Thank goodness, my family is healthy. Sadly, not everyone is so fortunate. We are extremely blessed to be able to walk in the woods once a day for exercise. And, my team is supportive in these tough times. So, maybe I am just lucky. But, in the work context at least, I am reminded of the famous quote from the world of golf

The harder I practise, the luckier I get.

Keep safe and healthy and do your bit to keep the wheels of business turning.