Due to the recent Covid-19 crisis Businesses and Governments are enforcing workers to work from home. Advancements and the availability of technology are making it possible for people to work from home, however, there are still challenges many will face making this transition.
Workplaces and Home environments are different. Workplaces are structured, with set times and set guidelines that are designed for maximising productivity. Homes, on the other hand, are less so.
If you are working from home it is important to maintain a working mindset and stay productive. For those who are not remote ready, small changes can be made to your daily routine to effectively work from home.
Maintain Working Hours
For those working from home, treat this new working format like you would a normal workday - with set working hours. An Airtasker Survey noted that "33% of WFH workers said having set working hours helped their productivity." This means you should be starting early and finishing on time - even have your morning coffee like you normally would.
Acting out this daily routine will structure your day and help you gain mental focus. Fittingly, by establishing your work hours you are setting boundaries for your work time and finishing time. Being mentally aware of both when to work and when to relax is very important and can negatively affect your mental and physical health.
Set a Designated Work Space
When working from home designate a space where you will complete your work. This workspace should be free of distraction. A work-from-home survey identified "the biggest home distractions were children (33%), pets (18%), flatmates (18%) and noisy neighbours (16%)." Identify and separate yourself from these distractions as much as you can.
Also, separate yourself from entertainment such as TVs, and mobile devices so you can maintain focus on the tasks at hand. Cutting yourself off from these distractions improve your productivity.
Your eventual workspace should be ergonomic and comfortable for you to maximise work output.
Prioritise Communication
One noticeable change when working from home is how you will communicate with your team members. Team Communication is reduced in these at-home conditions and may now take place using online apps such as Zoom or Slack. Ensure you are always logged on and are communicating frequently.
To further improve communication and clarity be sure to use the full extent of communication tools. These innovative apps allow users to voice and video call, show screenshots or send documents should there be miscommunication or need of assistance.
Take Breaks When You Work From Home
Just like in the workplace, set yourself some time to take breaks. Go make yourself another coffee, take a short walk around the house or go elsewhere for a short period. Studies have shown that taking breaks helps workers feel refreshed and improves their productivity.
Effective Work From Home Practices for the Future
Following these tips will ensure your new work-from-home lifestyle is manageable and productive. Technology has advanced so much that working from home is very possible. The adoption of this new work structure across the globe has changed how businesses conduct work. It will be interesting to see the extent to which working from home takes in future years.
