Remote Control: How to stay productive when working from home
By now the routine of working from home has become ‘normal’ for a lot of people. However, staying productive whilst at home is a different thing entirely! TV, children, social media, chores and a lack of accountability can all wreak havoc on your workload.
Help is at hand though - we have curated a list of 5 simple tricks to help you make the most of your workday, without boring yourself to tears or chaining yourself to your desk/bed in the process!
“No one has a home office this tidy!”
ANNOUNCE YOUR WORKING HOURS
It might seem a little strict but telling your colleagues, family and friends when you are working can help provide a clear divide between life and work. Making your partner know that you want to avoid being interrupted (where possible) between 8 - 5 will reduce the stop-start of the day. Even letting family members know they are free to appear at the doorstep for a socially-responsible hello but ideally, after work can help keep your workflow flowing!
ISOLATE WHILST ISOLATED
It may seem strange but whilst you’re working try and find an ‘office space’ that can be dedicated just to, well, working! Now I appreciate that not everyone has the privilege of spare rooms within their home but where possible aim to avoid working from the sofa or bed! Create a clear distinction between work and play can help you keep a productive mindset. Getting up, showering and heading into the home office can help replicate the usual commute - albeit with a coffee in hand! Try changing out of your pyjamas as well!
DE-DIGITALISE
Most people working remotely will have to remain glued to their computer screen and mobile throughout the day. Now for a lot of people relaxing after a hard day’s work involves their phone or their TV - going down the YouTube rabbit hole, scrolling through Instagram or reading BBC Sport to name a few and whilst there is nothing wrong with that it is important to give your brain a break from consuming pixels, if only for an hour. Where possible take your exercise/outdoor time immediately after work and leave your phone at home. Give yourself an uninterrupted hour of non-digital space before going back to your online life!
TAKE A LATE LUNCH
Research shows that everyone’s productivity drops for the hour or so immediately after lunch and the twenty-five minutes before the end of work. Minimise that unproductive window by taking lunch between 1:30/2pm. This can be especially difficult when the fridge and kettle are mere steps away but exercise the self-control and your brain (and waistline) will thank you!
GIVE YOURSELF ROOM TO BREATHE
Whilst this blog is all about making the most of your time away from the office remember that you are more than the output of work you produce! Know that there will be some days that are more productive than others and that’s okay. Not every day has to be the best day ever and there will be surprise factors that affect different people in different ways. Communicate with others about how your day is going and how you’re feeling. It’s all going to be okay.
If you have any questions whatsoever about remote working please don’t hesitate to contact us at help@mvnc.uk
Stay home, stay safe!
Maven Consultancy