How To Stay Productive While Working From Home
It’s been over two months since people were advised to work from home to curb the spread of COVID-19. And I’m guessing it hasn’t been easy, has it?
Working from home is not just taking all the documents or types of equipment you have in your office and continuing work like you normally do.
Working from home can be pretty complicated — kids, dirty laundry, dishes on the sink, groceries needed to be done, your dog, cat, and not to mention… “what are we having for breakfast/lunch/dinner?”
So here’s a combined list of tips and advice from experts on how to stay productive even while working from the comfort of your homes!
1. The importance of workspaces
According to David Zweig, an associate professor from the University of Toronto, having a neat personalized workspace at home is important. You can never get work done when all you see is clutter on your desk or when you’re lying with your laptop in bed.
If you don’t have a home office, try to think of a place in your home that you can easily convert into a small and neat workspace. A workspace is a good way to set boundaries at home. In that way, people at home will know you are at your “work-only” zone.
2. The importance of earbuds or headphones
Studies show that listening to classical music or soothing sounds can calm our brains helping us to concentrate more on what we do. If you want to focus more, you can use headphones or earbuds to listen to these sounds while working.
However, if music distracts you from working, these devices still come in handy when you’re attending a zoom meeting to block out unnecessary background sounds from your home, like your barking dog.
3. Keep a schedule
Your regular work schedule might not fit with the situation at home. Try to tweak it. Set time for cooking, working, eating, and spending time with your family.
Having a schedule will allow you to finish more tasks on time and prevent you from slacking off.
4. Take a break
Don’t overwork! Take a 10-minute break now and then. Stretch out and rest your eyes from your computers for a little while. Drink a glass of water.
According to Julie McCarthy, a professor from the University of Toronto, paying attention to our mental health is more important than ever. With things uncertain, stress and anxiety can crawl in. Allow yourself to pause and take a break. Pushing yourself to work when you’re physically and mentally exhausted will not create a good and satisfying output.
5. Communication is key!
When working remotely, zoom calls, phone calls, and emails are essential. Communication is key. You have to reach out to your workmates, ask questions, share ideas, and check on them.
Regardless if it’s work-related or personal, it’s always better to have that connection with your workmates. Let them know of any updates or inquiries you may have with work and vice versa.
Let these tips turn your complicated work-from-home situation into a more comfortable and flexible one.