5 Tips for Staying Productive While You're Working From Home
Technology has made telecommuting a viable option and, in many cases, the new normal for companies in 2020. As organizations create and adopt a work from home policy, we wanted to share a summary of 5 tips from lessons learned when Eastridge launched a work from home initiative:
Create a designated space in your home
It is easy to use the kitchen table, couch, or bed as your desk when working from home. However, establishing a dedicated space will increase your productivity and help minimize distractions. Setting up shop near a TV, common chores (e.g. dirty kitchen), or a noisy pet can interfere with concentration. Having a designated space doesn’t mean needing to dedicate a whole room for work but focus on creating a place that allows you to concentrate and produce as if you were in the office.
Set up a schedule
Do you usually get up at 7 am, get ready, have a coffee, and get into the office by 9 am? Then keep that same schedule at home. You might find it tempting to sleep in and roll out of bed, but getting up and preparing for the day allows you to feel focused and productive before you begin working. Are the chores around the house distracting you? Schedule a dedicated 15-minute break to focus on those responsibilities instead of getting off task by trying to do them throughout the day.
Keep open lines of communication
To combat loneliness and isolation, focus on conversations that connect you to your team. Try and schedule video conferencing for casual check-ins with no set agenda to feel engaged and connected to your organization. Does your company use instant messaging, video calls, or Slack? Utilize these tools to stay in communication with your team or try to embrace video conferencing as your primary method of connecting over traditional phone calls; it will help you connect better with the other party.
Take a break
Studies show that being outside can reduce stress and boost productivity, so take a nature break to combat cabin fever. Walk your dog, grab a coffee break on your patio, or go check the mail. Getting out of the house will give you a much-needed pause, help you manage stress, and aid with prioritizing tasks in order to meet your goals and expectations. Just as you would stretch your legs by walking to and from meetings in the office, take a few minutes to get up and move.
Set Expectations
It is essential to find a way to manage expectations and set goals when working by yourself in your home office. Updating your team of any changes in priorities and project tracking can be challenging when working remotely. Look into utilizing a project management tool like Asana or Monday to easily track tasks and projects to stay productive and bring clarity to your goals and expectations. Many project management tools have features to encourage collaboration and general sharing of ideas.
Having challenges managing your remote workforce or finding the talent you need? Eastridge has integrated solutions to solve your most challenging workforce issues.