Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many Americans have started working remotely for the first time. Our team along with millions of other Americans have had to shift from an office to working from home. Not to mention the change in working-home environments from the closure of schools and daycares. With children needing to be entertained, laundry piling up, and the wide range of daily tasks that need to be done around the home, it can be difficult to sit down and completely focus on work. We made adjustments quickly in response to Covid-19 and we have remained focused and on top of our goals despite working remotely. If you are still having a hard time making the adjustment to working remotely or if you need help getting focused again, we have compiled some of our team’s best tips on how to work efficiently despite the distractions you can experience at home.
Get ready for the day
Despite how good it may sound to work in your pajamas all day, it is important to set yourself up for success the same way you would if you were going into the office. Get up, take a shower, change your clothes, enjoy your coffee, and do whatever you normally do to get yourself in the right mindset. Setting up good intentions can increase your chances of being productive throughout the day.
Stick to a routine
Decide on your schedule and make sure to stick with it. Although you are working from home, it is still important to have a work-life balance. Working from home can be flexible because if you are not able to get to a certain task or if you need to communicate with someone in a different time zone, you can start your day early or extend your work day because all of your work tools and information are just a click away. However, be sure to account for this extra time at work by spending a little more time with self care.
Set up a designated workspace and set ground rules
One of the most challenging tasks is setting ground rules with your children, spouse, and family for when you are working. Set up a designated work area for yourself and discuss ground rules with them so that they can understand what is expected while you are in your workspace. Being home does not mean that you are always available to perform house chores or care for family members and pets. If you are a parent who is alone with your child during the workday, consider having them play educational games, help with age-appropriate chores, read a book, watch television, or interest them in a fun activity. If you have a baby, they are not likely to be able to entertain themselves for long. Try to work as much as possible during feeding and nap times. Baby-wearing is a great way to stay close to your baby while keeping your hands free to work.
Set goals for the day
When you are working from home, it is almost like being your own personal manager. Set up a list of things you need to accomplish and number them by priority. Are there things that NEED to be done by today or can some of your tasks be completed later in the week? Stay on schedule by creating a calendar that will remind you to shift gears and begin on new tasks. You should have a clear understanding of what is expected of you and knowing what takes priority is key to accomplishing your goals. If you get burnt out by a specific task, start digging away at another one and remember to come back to it later.
Allow yourself to take breaks
It is important to prevent work burnouts. If you start to feel disengaged from your work or your body starts aching from sitting at your desk, listen to what your mind and body are telling you. You can take your dogs on a quick walk, meditate and stretch, eat a snack, or indulge in small luxuries such as essential oils or candles. Although it can feel comfortable working in your own home, it is important to take breaks just like you would in the office.
Set up your home office for positivity
One of the perks about working from home is you are free to create a personalized work area that you may not be able to have in the office. Give your workspace a cozy feel that promotes productiveness. Does music, good lighting, fresh flowers, or candles help you with creating a positive mindset or help your brain flow? Think about what makes you feel energized and ready to face the day on a positive note and bring these things to your workspace.
As you continue to work from home, keep these tips in mind to help avoid burnout and to remain productive. With these thoughts in mind, our team has continued to stay productive and efficient during our transition to remote work. Most of us, feel like we work more now than we did when we went into the office. We love going above and beyond for our clients. If you have any tips that have helped you stay focused while working from home leave a comment on this blog or share them with us on our Facebook page with the hashtag, #MHTtips.