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More and more workplaces are becoming flexible in the way that they are allowing their employees to work from home. However, as comfortable as it may be to be able to work in your PJs with unlimited access to food, it can be difficult to focus and be as productive as you would be if you were physically at your workplace. So, here are some tips to ensure that you are getting a substantial amount of work done from home:
Dress appropriately: As tempting as it may be to work in your leggings and oversized jumper, it can be a detriment to your productivity, as you will become too comfortable and unmotivated to do work. So, make some effort to dress as you would at work, only more comfortably.
Don’t work where you sleep: Avoid working in your bed. Instead, try to find an area where you can sit upright at a desk/table and be more productive. You could work in a café, a public library, or, if that’s too distracting for you, create a work area in your home where you can’t be distracted for a good couple of hours.
Prepare beforehand: Make sure you have the access you need to your work files, and make sure you have secure internet at home so that there are no unpleasant surprises. In case the internet does stop working or you have trouble accessing your work, have a back-up plan.
Also, ensure that your workspace is organised and has all of the resources you need.
Communicate: Make sure that you are constantly in contact with your manager and colleagues. It should be as if you are still physically at work. Update your manager on your work, and try to be available as much as you can during your working hours. If you are away from your workspace, let your colleagues know and follow up if they need assistance or clarification on anything. Some great apps to keep in contact are Skype, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
Create and follow a schedule: Make a ‘to do’ list of things that need to be tackled for the week, and ensure that you create blocks of time just for work as well as time off for breaks. Francesco Crillo’s Pomodoro productivity technique is a great way to be productive while working from home.
Don’t get distracted: If you live with other people, let them know when you are working and cannot be interrupted. Also, avoid going on social media on your phone or mindlessly browsing on things that have nothing to do with your work. Some helpful apps to assist you in keeping focused are StayFocused, StrictWorkflow, and TomatoTimer.
Go outside: Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean that you need to be cooped up in the house all day. Going out on walks have been proven to inspire productivity and creativity. Also, plan times to go out and socialise with your family and friends so that you do not isolate yourself.
When work has finished, switch off: Once your work day has ended, completely disconnect yourself from your work, emails, and any other resources connected with work. Relax and make the most of your downtime.
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