Millions of people across the country have been transitioning from their normal work settings to a new style of working. Working from home or remote working can mean different things for different organizations. Some people work from home daily, while others may do so occasionally. Many organizations use remote working for specific tasks and projects. Working remotely also is different for everyone. For some, it means pulling on a pair of leggings and sitting in a coffee shop with your laptop. For others, remote working may mean a home office with a door closed during business hours. It can be fun, very beneficial to your health and work-life balance, affordable, and pretty easy. And while remote working may seem like the best alternative for some, there’s a catch, just as there is in any job.
But sometimes working from home can feel quite isolating. It’s up to you to find your own motivation and routine when you are left to your own devices, and doing this can be hard at the best of times. Here are five fail-safe ways to tackle working from home effectively and reap the rewards.
Stick to a Dedicated Routine
Most people who work from home have trouble transitioning from work to home time. Set a routine that helps you get back into your day job mindset while still giving you time for play. It will also do good to your health and quality of life, which makes you more productive in the long term.
Set up a Workspace
Find a dedicated space, and try to keep all things work-related in one place. If you are sharing space with others, take steps to make sure they know what is off-limits during your work hours. A dedicated workspace helps keep you focused and can help you work independently of your kids or partner.
Take Breaks
Remember to take regular breaks, getting outside if you can. Even if it’s just five or ten minutes, having regular breaks and concentrating on something else for a bit helps to keep you feeling refreshed when you return to work. It can help your productivity.
Interact with People
Remote working can be lonely and mentally draining. Breaking up the day is important, so plan your activities in a fun manner to avoid burnout. Make yourself a hot drink and take time out to watch a film or read a book. Having regular meetings with colleagues not only builds your relationships but also gives you some company and gets people thinking of ideas they may not have been able to do if they weren’t in the office.
Establish Boundaries
It’s all too easy to be pulled away from your work when you’re working from home. There are obvious distractions like cleaning, tidying, and cooking, but small day-to-day interruptions like your family and friends popping in can also be a problem. To avoid this, set boundaries around the time you work each day.
Have guidelines in place for family and friends about when you need quiet time. Share your schedule with key people to keep everyone up-to-date on your working hours and when you need to focus.
