Ways To Stay Productive And Focused While Working At Home
Working from home is becoming more of a reality for each worker as the days pass on in the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, working from home is a completely different experience, one that they might not be used to, so being able to stay productive or adapt can prove to be difficult, because working from home has made staying focused while working harder.
Treat Your Home Like Your Office
One small, yet simple solution that one can do is to find a space within their home to transform. Essentially, this newly transformed space will now be “your office”, so to speak. It is important to keep a work-life balance and to not have your work blend into your home, and vice versa, which is why having a space dedicated to just the office will help with the transition to working from home. Having no work leave outside this space will help with the mental process of adapting to the home office lifestyle.
“The amount of work I have to do keeps me very focused. Having my own space, a simple constant routine and tasks to do keeps me very grounded and productive.”
Get A Routine In Place
Just like going into the office every day, having a routine in place can do wonders for maintaining one’s mental health. Instead of going to grab a coffee every day, going outside for 15 minutes every morning can be one step to getting a routine in place. Whatever it is, getting some sort of routine going is a key essential to working from home.
“Schedule… if I can take a call outside I will. instead of sending emails I also pick-up the phone more often for ‘voice’ time. I take breaks and leave my desk at lunch. I have worked from home for many years so I understand the challenges. One thing I do not do is and any household chores (multitasking) during my day. I keep those for evenings and weekends as normal. I also try to get out and into the car once a day, even if it’s just to drive around. When the day is complete I also close my laptop so I am not tempted to sign-in.”
Have Conversations With Your Peers
Just because one is working from home doesn’t excuse them from not communicating with their colleagues. In fact, there is an argument to be made that communication needs to increase tenfold with everyone working remotely. Don’t live in exile, check-in with colleagues, and key contacts regularly.
“Reaching out to my industry contacts and customers in having Zoom calls to stay in touch and having some meaningful conversations that didn’t exist as much pre-covid. I find people are much more open, genuine, and interested to connect. Also attending industry webinars reading to stay informed on the COVI mindset.”
Set A Schedule And Take Breaks to Stay Focused While Working
Some are saying that working from home makes them, even more, busier than working at the office. It is this reason why it is important to create a schedule that includes having breaks spread throughout the day. Having those small breaks are great for maintaining mental health and not feeling too overwhelmed.
“I work in a home office with my door closed, a fan on for sound masking, at a sit to stand desk. I find that the lack of distractions helps me keep my focus. I also take little mini-breaks of 5-10 minutes a few times a day in between tasks to refocus.”
