10 Helpful Tips for Working from Home
With the ongoing pandemic, more people are working from home than ever before. While it can be convenient to have your office just a few steps away from your bed, it can also be challenging to stay productive and motivated when your home is your workspace. To help you navigate this new working environment, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for working from home.
1. Designate a workspace
It’s essential to have a dedicated workspace in your home where you can focus and be productive. Create a space that is comfortable and allows you to work without distractions. Ideally, this space should be separate from the other areas of your home, such as the living room or your bedroom.
2. Dress for success
Working in your pajamas might sound like a dream come true, but it can actually make it harder to get into the right mindset for work. Dressing for success can help you feel more productive and confident, and it sets a clear boundary between your work life and your personal life.
3. Establish a routine
Having a routine can help to maintain a sense of normalcy and structure in your workday. Set a schedule for yourself, including regular work hours, breaks, and a designated time to “clock out” for the day.
4. Communicate with your colleagues
Since you’re not working in the office, communication is essential to stay connected with your colleagues. Use video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to have regular meetings and maintain a sense of teamwork.
5. Take breaks
It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re working from home, so remember to take regular breaks to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or even take a short nap. Taking breaks helps to maintain productivity and mental health.
6. Minimize distractions
At home, there are a lot of distractions, from pets and family members to TV and social media. Try to minimize these distractions by turning off the TV and silencing your phone during work hours. Use noise-cancelling headphones to block out noise if necessary.
7. Stay organized
Working from home can quickly become chaotic if you don’t stay organized. Keep your workspace clean and tidy, use a planner or calendar to keep track of tasks and deadlines, and take advantage of productivity apps like Trello and Asana.
8. Stay connected with your company culture
Working from home can make it easy to feel disconnected from your company’s culture. To combat this, attend virtual company events, participate in online team-building activities, and stay in touch with your colleagues.
9. Be kind to yourself
Working from home can be stressful, and it’s important to be kind to yourself during this time. Practice self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or reading to help reduce stress and boost mental health.
10. Log off at the end of the day
When you work from home, it can be easy to let work bleed into your personal life. Be sure to log off at the end of the day and shut down your computer to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life.
In these uncertain times, working from home is fast becoming the new normal. By implementing these tips, you’ll be able to stay productive and motivated while working from home, and maintain a healthy work/life balance.