There is a dated mentality that working from home or remote working is not as effective as working in the office, but recent studies have shown this to be false. With the current Covid-19 pandemic, almost everyone has been forced to convert their home into their office, and it can be a difficult transition. But fret not! There are several ways that have been proven to increase productivity when working from home.
- Be Aware of Your Daily Tasks
It’s difficult to complete your work when you don’t know what exactly you have to do. The best way to ensure that you tackle all your tasks is by creating a list of tasks, a to-do list, or a schedule. Not only will that keep you on track, checking off each completed task will give you a sense of accomplishment, encouraging you to work towards your next assignment.
- Setting Boundaries
This can be taken both literally and figuratively. In the literal sense, having a specified working area, such as a study room or a quiet corner, can help you focus on your work. This can be especially helpful for multiple member households where things can become chaotic. Do not stay in this working space when taking breaks or doing leisure activities! Separating your work and lounging space will help you associate the former with productivity.
Figuratively, it’s important to set boundaries for yourself. When there is no one to hold you accountable, it can be easy to spend working hours watching Netflix or browsing social media. Spending allocated working time on other activities only means pushing back your entire schedule, it’s a domino effect!
- Dress for the Job
Technically, no one would know if we stayed in our pyjamas all day. However, doing so can impede on our productivity as it disrupts our sense of normalcy. Staying in loungewear can not only make it easier to slack off or get distracted, but it can also make it difficult to differentiate working hours from off-hours. As crazy as it seems, even just putting on a pair of not-so-comfortable jeans can help put us into work mode.
Basically, a routine is vital to create a distinction between working hours versus times to relax. Our productivity doesn’t have to suffer while in isolation, there are always ways to overcome these hurdles. However, while it is important to stay productive during these times, it is also important to stay connected with your colleagues, friends, or family.