How to make sure you’re productive working from home

During the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, many homes have become temporary offices, as companies implore their staff to work from home. Home working is the safest thing you can do, as well as helping prevent the spread of the virus, however, in the era of social distancing, home working can be a lonely enterprise.

Productivity tips

Not in your usual professional environment, staying focused, working hard and getting jobs done can be difficult. Laundry needs doing, dishes need washing and the house needs to be cleaner, with jobs to do, procrastinating is all the easier. So, what can you do to ensure you stay productive at home?

Stick to a schedule

If you’re not used to working from home, it can take some getting used to and incorporates some challenges you’re not used to facing at the office. Firstly, it’s important to have a defined schedule. Avoid sleeping in, or lingering over breakfast, try getting to work the same as if you would be going into the office. Get up at the same time, put on the same radio station, try and stay in your normal routine.

Create a good workspace

Confine your working environment to one specific space in your home. Not only does this give you a dedicated space to have all your work clutter, it also takes away the distractions of working in front of the TV, or having your laptop out in bed. An area of solitude can provide a stress-free zone of quiet, if you can make sure it’s in a separate room to avoid intruders, if you can’t, find a space that has minimal house traffic.

Get out, avoid cabin fever

With social distancing in check and many countries across the globe embracing lockdown, most people are spending an absorbent amount of time in their homes. Without the opportunity to get out as much, it’s more difficult to separate work from home and you might find yourself spending even more time working than you would in the office.

Research has shown us that nature (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190404074915.htm) helps to lower stress levels, make sure you go out at least once a day, even if it’s just taking a walk. Taking yourself away from the laptop and emails, might just give you a chance to switch off. Leading as full a life as possible is key in these dark times, doing the things you always ‘meant to do’ DIY around the house, reading that book or learning to cook, are great excuses to take you away from work when you get the opportunity.

Make the most out of comms

Normally at the office, any question, query and even the work quiz would be easy to do. But with everyone in their own homes staying up to date with your team and company can be that bit harder.

Try having regular video calls with your team, not only to discuss work and be creative together, but also as a chance to stay up to date with each other personal lives and keep up everyone’s spirits. If you feel yourself struggling mentally(https://www.unihomes.co.uk/blog/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-coronavirus), make plans to just have a chat with people, everyone is in the same boat and potentially not having a great time themselves.

Maintain a good attitude

Above all, maintaining a good working attitude is essential. It would be easy to slack and not be as productive as you usually are in the office, be sure to remember that you are meant to be working and your company could be counting on you now more than ever. Your best ally in our situation is to find the opportunities and take them, remain focused and look for ways to keep up a good output.
Although working from home at the beginning may have seemed brilliant, too much of a good thing can lead to negativity. It won’t be easy, but if you stick to a good work ethic, take advantage of your breaks, stay in touch with everyone and make the most out of the excellent communication technology available, everyone will be able to get through this.