The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the world’s order as
we know it. Businesses suffered, education halted, and health institutions had
to find new ways to offer essential services. However, it also highlighted new
realities and possibilities that would have taken another decade to implement
fully. One such reality is remote work.
Remote work has broadened the horizon of employees as
corporations now have to jostle in a global talent pool. Millennials, who
comprise the largest workforce, are tech-savvy and seek more flexible work
schedules. Companies must adjust or risk missing out on the best talent to
accommodate this change.
Optimizing
WFM Productivity
Working from home reduces commute stress and helps
employees save valuable time to do more productive tasks. The biggest plus of
working from home is the increased
flexibility that comes with it. Workers get to
choose the most suitable time to execute tasks and allow them to do other things
that matter to them.
This flexibility helps reduce stress and leads to a
healthier life. However, the biggest
challenge of working from home is loneliness.
Another challenger is maintaining optimal productivity. Here are five tips to
improve work from home productivity.
1. Set a Schedule
One of the many benefits of going to an office is you
have a constant schedule. Preparing for work and the habit built at work helps
your mind be more productive. When working from home, it is easy to discard
this pattern as other pressing matters jostle for your time. The key to being
productive while working from home is having a schedule and sticking to it.
First, you want to identify your most productive hours.
Then cross out any activity that might alter this routine. You want to
eliminate distractions, ensure kids are dropped off in school, and your grocery
needs are covered. Also, you’d want to inform colleagues that you’d be
reachable and available during that time to increase accountability.
2. Create an Effective Workspace
No matter how appealing working on your bed or sofa
seems, choosing a specific work area will help improve your productivity.
Differentiating the work area from other parts of the living room improves
concentration. Choosing a well-lit and quiet area helps reduce the production
of melatonin that would have been an obstacle in your dark and cozy bedroom.
It’s your way of telling your brain that it’s time to work.
It can be demoralizing when you’re all set up and ready
to work and find out that your laptop is faulty. You want to ensure that all
your working tools are in top condition. And when they’re not, nothing beats
having same-day scheduled appointments or within 24 hours diagnosis calls.
To find repair technicians close to you, searching
online for ‘computer repair near me’ is a good and general search query to use
to find nearby services, but for more specific needs if you own a Windows
operating PC like a Dell, ‘Dell computer repair near me’
will help you get a qualified and affordable quote for your repair needs.
3. Limit Distractions
One struggle with working from home is finding the
motivation to work. When you finally do, there are so many distractions that
contend with your productivity. Working from home means you see all the chores
you have left undone. Not forgetting the temptations that come from watching
television or social media.
Ensure you have time allocated to do or complete chores
before work. If your workspace is dirty and untidy, it is easy to get
distracted and uninterested in working. Rather than the TV, you can opt for
music instead. Research shows that music can help improve
mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive performance.
4. Get Dressed
This is a psychological trick that helps you get out of
your head. Routines help shape the day and sometimes dictate the mood for
accomplishments. Getting dressed for work can help tune you to the mental
frequency for work and improve productivity. Putting on new clothes can help
eliminate sluggishness and get the day started.
You don’t have to pull off corporate wear to be in the
zone but putting on something other than your pajamas is a good start. Of
course, one of the perks of remote work is comfort. But a little thought into
what you wear can help improve productivity.
5. Exercise Regularly
Working from home reduces mobility and increases a
sedentary lifestyle. You frequent the fridge more often than if you were in the
office. Sustaining this pattern for a prolonged period can increase the risk of
obesity. Remote work increases the risk of social isolation and poor mental
health.
Regular exercise helps reduce these risks and improve
performance. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar and strengthens the bones. It
improves blood flow to the brain, sharpens the mind, and keeps you alert. It
also reduces the risk of heart diseases and cancer,
ensuring a healthy personal and professional life.
Know Yourself
You need to understand what works for you to get the
best of working from home. As long as you deliver on your tasks, nothing else
matters. Are you a morning or night person? Find out what works best for you
and build routines to be more productive.
