Working From Home - Tips That Actually Work!
- by XpatAthens
- Friday, 13 March 2020
Social distancing is a novel concept for everyone who is going to be on quarantine for the next few weeks. Even though our lives and habits have changed, it is imperative to continue to work as productively as possible. It is essential to stay focused, to continue to pursue our goals, and to support our employer or our own business.
Some people are already used to working remotely, but for many it is a new concept. Here are a few tips on how to successfully and productively work from home.
1. Set Your Working Hours
Setting real 'office' hours is one of the fundamentals of successful remote work. The beauty of it all is that you can be flexible with your working hours. Work-around your daily schedule to make sure you use the hours when you're most productive. It is vital to enforce a hard limit at the end of the day, so you don't end-up working non-stop.
2. Don't Work In Your PJ's
Did you know that working in your pajamas could be killing your productivity? "Dress for success" isn't just a corny catchphrase; it makes a difference, especially when you're working from home. Getting groomed and dressed in the morning is not only good for your mood; it also makes you presentable for video meetings and chats. So, remember to dress as if you were in the office, even if you are working from your dining room table!
3. Create A Designated Workspace
It doesn't matter where you set your home office-it could be a home study, the dining room, or even a small space on your kitchen table. However, it is crucial to designate a specific place and store all work-related files and reference materials there. Try to make your space emulate a real office environment. Keep your computer at your designated workspace to create a sense of stability.
4. Take Short Breaks
When planning your day, you might want to consider appointing some time to take a break time to step away from your computer as frequent breaks will help you both mentally and physically. Although taking breaks may seem counterproductive, it is a proven fact that short breaks can increase productivity and creativity levels.
5. Set Your Boundaries
Boundaries are super important when it comes to successfully working from home. Working from home isn't much different than working in an office, but sometimes, it's harder. Your family, friends, or housemates might not understand your need to concentrate. Ask them to contact you after office hours and to respect your schedule.
6. Stay Connected
When working remotely, it's crucial to make yourself readily accessible via e-mail, phone, instant messaging, and Skype. To make up for your lack of presence, keep a free-flowing communication with your teammates and/or boss. While you're away from the office, don't hold your colleagues in the dark and make sure to adequately communicate your activities, initiatives, and achievements.
This content has been prepared by: Codico Lab
This content has been prepared by: Codico Lab