7 Best Productivity Tips for Working From Home

With the outbreak of COVID-19, many companies are opting to choose the work from home strategy but they also need to ensure the best productivity tips for working from home are put in place in a bid to flatten the curve in stemming the spread of coronavirus and ensuring productivity and output remains ongoing.

Social distancing is one key element in stopping the spread of this disease. It basically defines being physically distant while maintaining social solidarity. While not everyone will be comfortable or used to working from home, there are some simple behavioural tips that can be applied in these trying times. Home, after all, is a personal space and filled with distractions from doing the dishes to laundry, taking care of a child or a pet, assisting in the house chores and the list can go on.

On the other hand, you might find yourself overworking. Since you’re in your home 24×7, you have carried on with your work without noticing the time and worked past your usual hours. Staying put indoors for long can also make you susceptible to cabin fever, without you even realising it!

However, much like everything, working from home is a challenge that everyone has to get used to. The key remains in maintaining your daily schedule much in the same way as you would when leaving for office. Avoid sleeping in, taking too long over breakfast, and mentally prepare yourself for a commute to work, even if it means stepping in the next room.

Everyone will function differently during this time but below are some tips that can help you along:

Tip 1: Set Boundaries

Set a concrete working hour, in much the same way as your normal office hours. This will help you prepare yourself in getting your work done. Make a checklist in the morning of your things to do. Set up online meetings and con-calls. Let your spouse and children know you’re at work and will able to attend to them after completing certain tasks.

Tip 2: Set Your Day Like Everyday

When you had to commute to work, you would wake up at a certain hour to reach work on time. Do not give up that habit. Set your alarm for the same time you would usually wake up, make a nice breakfast, and change into something comfortable – either work clothes or even a t-shirt and track pants – but get out of your nightgowns and pyjamas.

Tip 3: Commute Gets Interesting

As you’re now working from home, one would argue your commute doesn’t exist. This can create a complacent attitude which can result in you unable to switch your mind once work from home is no longer an option. Use the commute time for your own personal growth by reading a book or changing your timetable a bit for exercise and then changing for work and breakfast. This commute time is extra-time for you, so spend it wisely!

Tip 4: Create Space

Working from home brings its own set of challenges. As a professional, you will need to find a space within your home which is comfortable and distraction-free. If you’re used to the busy buzz of a noisy office, play music in the background or turn on the TV but at a comfortable volume. This will help you get into your work zone.

Tip 5: Balance House Chores

Remember the commute time which is now open for you to utilise? Use that time to finish off your laundry, washing dishes and undertaking various other house chores. Once your actual work time commences, you should be the focus on your professional work and get back to your personal chores at the end of business hours.

Tip 6: Arrange Morning Meetings

One of the best productivity tips for working from home is ensuring you can set your day’s task by holding a call or video conferencing with your teammates. This can also be done with your office buddies to get the work vibe flowing through you. A simple talk with others can be extremely healthy to start your day.

Tip 7: Don’t Become A Couch Potato

Keep moving as you would while being in office. Get up and move every 30 minutes. Stretch yourself or take a quick walk to the kitchen. Experts recommend to keep moving your body and not sit for too long.