Following the recent initiatives to prevent the spread of COVID-19, most of us have shifted their offices to remote setups within the house. Whilst this might look like a more tranquil arrangement, keeping productivity on supercharge does not come easy. Endless distractions might rob away much necessary focus. Keeping oneself empowered might be difficult through the transition. We’ve highlighted the top 10 best work from home habits to help you adjust to the new home/work setup and keep productivity high.
1. KEEP THE USUAL SCHEDULE OF WORKING HOURS
Refrain from sleeping in or overstretching that morning cup of coffee. Stick to your usual working hours. You might not be driving to the office, but working an extra hour to make up for a lost one will seem like twice the work. Don’t get dazzled into any negative messages shared on social media before you start your day. Choose to follow stories with a positive note; they will surely boost your motivation for the day ahead.
2. AVOID TIME-WASTING ACTIVITIES
Procrastinating, whether at your desk or in the kitchen, will not get that to-do list crossed off. Deadlines still need to be met and your co-workers might depend on your work to proceed with theirs. Inform relatives that even though your location has changed, concentration is still necessary. Indulge in a short, occasional walk around the house or a well-needed stretch to give your body some motion.
3. CHANGE INTO OFFICE CLOTHING RATHER THAN STAYING IN YOUR PJS
You might only be walking to the next room, but looking the part is half the work done. Choose something comfortable but avoid staying in your sleep attire.
4. BRIGHTEN THE NEW OFFICE SETTING
Choose a specific area of the house which doesn’t intrude on other’s spaces. If a spare room is not available, dedicate a quiet area within the living space as your designated office station. Brighten the section with some art and give it extra life with an indoor plant.
5. CLEAR OUT UNNECESSARY JUNK FOR AMPLE SPACE
Laptop, notepad, some stationery, extra nibbles… you’d be amazed how much space little things take. Stop cramming everything together and remove excess objects you do not need within such close contact.
6. KEEP YOUR EMAIL AND PHONE HANDY
Stay connected with your colleagues, managers and clients by being at their disposal. Check your emails and pick up calls during your working hours – the same as you would do at the office. Schedule occasional video calls to make communication easier and pleasant. Let pets and children join for a few moments, they will surely brighten up the atmosphere.
7. CHOOSE SOFT BACKGROUND MUSIC
Researchers discovered that having soothing music in the background will boost productivity further. Choose a playlist to help you concentrate and avoid letting the normal household buzz keep you from your work.
8. TAKE YOUR LUNCH AWAY FROM THE WORKSPACE
At the office, you would indulge your appetite at the kitchen area. The same applies when you’re working from home. Give your eyesight a break from the same four walls and avoid contaminating the work space with spillages.
9. CHOOSE A COMFORTABLE CHAIR
Office work usually involves a lot of sitting time. Avoid getting backaches and muscular pains with a supportive ergonomic chair that follows your spine’s shape and rest your feet flat on the floor.
10. FOLLOW HYGIENE PROCEDURES
Follow the Health Authorities’ suggestions – wash your hands frequently, keep delivery bags in quarantine for two days, ask other household members to take off their shoes after running grocery errands and occasionally rub hand sanitiser in your palms.
Know any other tips that give your work-from-home days a boost? Share them with us in the Facebook comments section!