If you’re one of the millions of people who are now working from home, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. There’s so much to think about! How do you stay productive? How do you manage your time? What’s the best way to stay connected with your team?
Just follow these simple tips, and you’ll be an expert in no time!
1. Set up a dedicated workspace
The first step to being productive when working from home is to create a dedicated workspace. This could be a spare room that you can close the door on at the end of the day, a corner of the living room, or even just a small desk in your bedroom. Wherever you choose to set up shop, make sure it’s comfortable and has everything you need to do your job well. A good chair, plenty of light, and a few personal touches will go a long way. If there are any issues that need fixing, contact your landlord and let them fix it. Always have contact details on hand for housing disrepair claims, rather safe than sorry.
2. Make a daily schedule
Working from home can be great for flexible scheduling, but it’s still important to have some structure to your day. Set regular hours for yourself and stick to them as much as possible. If you know you work best in the morning, make sure you’re up and working by 9 am. And if you need a break in the afternoon, schedule it! Just like with traditional office jobs, it’s important to take a break now and then to avoid burnout.
3. Stay connected with your team
Just because you’re not in the same physical space as your coworkers don’t mean you can’t stay connected. In fact, there are more ways to stay in touch than ever before, thanks to technology. If you’re working on a project with someone, consider using a project management tool like Asana or Trello. For regular check-ins, video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype are essential.
4. Take advantage of alone time
One of the best things about working from home is that you can take advantage of moments of alone time that you might not have had in a traditional office setting. If you need to make a phone call or hop on a video conference, do it when the kids are napping or after they’ve gone to bed.
5. Get moving
Sitting at a desk all day can be tough on your body, so make sure to get up and move around as much as possible. Take regular breaks to walk around the block, do some stretches, or just get up and pace around your house. And if you have the space, consider setting up a standing desk or investing in a comfortable ergonomic chair.
6. Make time for socializing
Just because you’re not in an office doesn’t mean you can’t socialize with your coworkers. Planning regular video happy hours or virtual game nights is a great way to stay connected and bond with your team. And if you live near any of your coworkers, don’t be afraid to schedule an occasional in-person get-together, too!
In Closing
Working from home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just follow these simple tips, and you’ll be well on your way to success!