In the past few months, our living style has greatly been transformed by Covid19. Social distancing measures have been introduced by governments and companies to slow down the spread of the virus. As a consequence, working or studying from home has become the new norm for those who are fortunate enough. However, with all the distractions and the comfort of the home, it can be extremely challenging to get things done. Fortunately, here are some high-yielding tips for working from home that can help you stay track.
Tips for working from home effectively
These tips are divided into two sections for more clarity. In essence, you want to make sure to set up a professional working environment while taking into account your home environment and the challenges of isolation. Section one is related to work-related activities and the second session is related to general activities.
Tips for working from home effectively: work-related activities
- Create a designate a work or a study space
Take a hard look at your apartment or house then choose a space exclusively dedicated to your work-related activities. It should be a space that’s conducive to working, whether it’s a desk or the couch. Just make sure it allows you to stay focused.
- Get Dressed
You don’t need to dress as formally as you might for work, but the simple act of changing clothes serves as a signal that it’s time to wake up and get things done. “Don’t underestimate the power of putting on clothes suitable for public viewing.
- Create rules in every space you have
For example, a bedroom only to sleep. No phone in your work/study place. In addition, you have to label every space to constantly remind yourself and those living with you of the rules.
- Routine
Even though it might take some time to figure it out. But the sooner you find your routine the better. Wake up early, take a shower, have breakfast, or a cup of coffee. This helps prepare your mind and body for a productive day of working. A routine schedule will mimic your normal daily life in ordinary times.
- To do list
Make your to-do list which I find extremely helpful. It keeps you on track. Before you start, list down your priorities for the day. Set pockets of time to complete your tasks and make sure you stick to your schedule.
- Accomplish 80% of all what you have to do before 2 pm everyday.
Because typically in the afternoon we all experience an energy slop period. It is worst at home.
- Document, document and document
Put everything by writing. It gives you an edge and helps you reflect on your day.
It also enables you to discover and rediscover your personality. What best works for you and how you can evolve as a professional and as a human.It’s probably a good idea to keep track of what you are doing in more detail. It may come in handy if you are asked to justify your time or when you would like to ask for a raise - Do physical things less intellectual things after 3 pm.
It will help you relax and it will facilitate your thinking process.
- Remember to move
Set a timer to always remind yourself to stand, to stretch, to check out another room in the house. It’s important to stay active and to air out the cobwebs.
- Set Boundaries With Your Family And Friends
You need to be careful to set a tone for your family and friends as well as good work habits for yourself. This will help you be productive and efficient.
In addition to all the work-related activities don’t forget as those useful tips for working from home effectively
Additional tips for working from home effectively: General
A. Don’t Forget to Socialize
When the whole office suddenly starts working from home, you’re cutting off a lot of the casual social interactions you’re used to having throughout the day that helps you feel less lonely and break up the monotony of work. “People forget they need to be around others because it’s the small talk and random fire alarms that keep your days feeling unique and prevent that hamster-wheel feeling. When you work from home, you don’t have that,” Yurovsky says.
B. Take breaks
The key is balance. Give yourself enough time during the day to walk away from your computer screen and phone. Move around, take a step back, and don’t forget to clock out at the end of your shift.
C. Communicate
Check-in with your boss and colleagues from time to time. Update them on your schedule and deliverables, especially if there are any changes.
D. Align work schedules with your family
Working from home all of a sudden can be major adjustment. Coordinate with your partner, children, or roommate on work schedules and designate chores equally.
E. Curate your work-from-home playlist
Create a fun lineup of songs if listening to music while working is your jam. Share it with your colleagues too to share the vibe.
F. Prepare your meals the night before.
Preparing food ahead of time ensures you can actually use your meal times to eat, and that you aren’t performing non-work tasks that spend energy better used at your desk.
G. Make sure the kids are alright
You’ll need to make a plan for education and entertainment. Stock up on books and puzzles. Also, it’s OK to use streaming services for kid-appropriate content.
In conclusion, you need to find what best works for you. That is the main reason why by documenting you will be able to assess the situation and adapt accordingly.
H. Disconnect at the end of the day
To prevent working hours from blurring together, set a reminder in your calendar that it’s time to log off your laptop to maintain balance.
Nevertheless, But, let’s not forget that working from home is “a sign of privilege,” said Schulte, author of the bestseller Overwhelmed: Work, Love & Play When No One Has the Time. About a third of American workers cannot work remotely. Typically because of the nature of their jobs. Especially, fast-food and factory workers, people who are stocking the shelves in grocery stores and warehouses, nurses and doctors on the front lines of health care.
Tools for working from home effectively
A. Good internet connection
Your internet doesn’t to be reliable and stable. That is because you will be using multiple apps and devices to stay current with your co-workers or your classmates. Consequently, make sure to get the speed you need to work effectively and load all the apps you need to be effective.
B. Noise cancelling headphones & headsets
This is a valuable option, especially if you have children. Perhaps live with family or roommates and you are in a desperate search of that quiet working time in the house.
They are many brands in the market that meets pretty every budget and needs. Form active noise cancelling headphones to passive voice cancelling headphones and just simple headphone.
C. VPN ( Virtual Private Network)
This will add an extra level of protection to your work and devices. Thus mitigating any piracy breach.
D. Secured wifi network
This is ultimately an issue, especially if like me you like to work in a coffee shop, parks, and restaurants. Keep in mind those are public consequently vulnerable to hacking. Even some buildings wifi systems are not secured. If you fall in that category make sure to have a word with your landlord.
E. Standing desk
Yeah, this one is critical. When you are home, you can work for hours without necessarily adjusting to your environment. Especially when we have tight deadlines. So, investing in a standing desk will go along way in securing your posture and health needs are met.
F. Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth In‑ear Headphones & Headsets
This is hand down a great addition to your work from home toolkits. It would help facilitate your meetings while giving you some flexibility to move around. Multiple designs and brands are available in the market. Chances are you would be able to find what works best for you.
G. Stress balls relievers
Stress balls relievers help to refocus your energy especially during downtime. It can also be effective for improving performance for daily tasks or sports and rehabilitation of hands and fingers.
H. Snacks
That is a most. You should have a bowl of your favorite snacks at your fingertips. It would avoid making many rounds in the kitchen thus disrupting your work schedule.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the goal is to replicate as much as possible from the best of your ability your office environment, work habits, and your work routine, at home. Certainly, it is not going to be easy during the first few weeks. Probably, some adjustments will be needed especially if you have kids at home.
Inspirational materials
Any ideas or tips not mentioned above, share with us and help others.
I seriously need to get dressed more often