Covid-19 has forced everyone to stay at home and not step outside, even for work. Now, most of the people are working from their homes, which may not be a comfortable situation for some. Any distraction and low motivation can make conditions more robust when working from home. Thus, affecting the productivity of an individual and the company as well.
Moreover, situations can be even worse when you are less focused and have weak self-control. And nothing can be worse than a pissed off boss. So, there is always a sword hanging overhead even when working from home.
Don’t worry! Read our work at home tips and learn how you can improve productivity, avoid distractions, and stay focused when working from home. Here you go!
Work At Home Tips From Experts
Set up An Office At Home
via:medium
Since you are at home, you can comfortably sit at a couch or bed and start working. But, don’t do that. Professional says that this kind of set up will not help you to be more productive; instead, it makes you lousy. So, set up a home office that gives you a feel of the workplace. Place a comfortable chair, a desk, and your laptop or monitor( whatever you use). Also, tell everyone not to disturb you during working hours.
Also Read: Effective Tips For Managing Team Remotely Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Don’t Work In Pj’s
via:businessinsider
Sweatpants or pajamas are surely not clothes for the office. But when working from home, who cares whether you work in pj’s or sweats. Well, if that’s what you think, then definitely your productivity is going to be hurt. What you wear affects your behavior. Attire defines characteristics. So, dress up as usual as you do each day for the office before starting the work. It will give you a real feel that you are at the workplace.
Also Read: Kids And Work- A New Challenge Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
A Self-Set Deadline
via:bizjournals
Deadlines create pressure so that work gets done on time. Now, your boss is not physically present, so stress maybe a little less. And you may delay the work since you are at home. I guess nobody likes to work 24×7 hours, right.
Delaying the work means you will have to stretch the work till night, whereas others will enjoy that time. So, create a self-set deadline for a project to stay focused when working from home.
It is convenient to maintain productivity and avoid procrastination. So, whether the boss set a deadline for you or not, you have to make realistic timeframes for a project.
Know Your Distractions
via:moneycrashers
The biggest distractions when working from home is the electronic gadgets( usually a phone and TV). Moreover, the new virus is making news every day so you must be checking your phone or TV for the latest news. That’s okay to get all the information. As we don’t know much about the virus and the social media and news channels are the only way to stay informed.
But this is also a distraction to keep you away from work. Don’t use mobile phones or sit in the room with the TV when working from home. However, don’t switch off the mobile phone as communication with colleagues and boss is very important when working from home.
Another distraction could be your kids as for them; this lockdown is not less than the summer holidays. The best way to avoid disturbance due to the kids is to ask them to study while you are working. This way, neither you lose the focus nor the kids lose the studies.
52 And 17 Rule
via:humanresourcesonline.net
Breaks are essential whether working at the office or home to recharge yourself and stay motivated. However, when working from home, these breaks can be a little longer than one you get at the workplace. Moreover, you are your boss, but it does not mean that you take breaks every half an hour or whenever you feel.
The 52 and 17 rule is the best way to take sufficient break time without losing productivity. It says, work for 52 minutes and take a break for 17 minutes. However, you can modify it as per your preferences. Set the alarm for short breaks so that you don’t forget taking breaks as it happens with many. As a result, they feel stiffed muscles, pain in joints, and other health issues.
Final Words
Home is your new office now( till the lockdown). These work at home tips will not only help you stay focused when working from home but also ensure productivity. Lastly, don’t forget to follow the precautions to keep safe from covid-19.
After all, health is wealth. So, stay safe and stay at home!