Ways to stay productive when you work from home

With everything going on, we’re all spending more time at home than we’re probably used to.

Waking up in our place of work comes with a slew of benefits, but it’s all about striking a balance and creating an environment that is conducive to productivity.

Working within your personal space can mean many things, including juggling housework and managing your cyber social schedule, all while keeping up with your day-to-day professional commitments.

This flexibility comes with the potential of social isolation, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If working from home is new to you, it can take some time to adjust, as distractions might pop up, get the best out of your working situation with these handy prompts.

Stay connected within your network

Whether it’s for professional or personal purposes, almost everyone is engaged in a group chat of some kind. Staying connected with your colleagues can help maintain transparency with deadlines while keeping everyone on the same page.

Across a variety of social platforms, group conversations are a popular alternative to more traditional forms of communications, often removing the fourth wall in work environments.

While working from home, take time to schedule virtual catch-ups within your network, or regularly converse in light-hearted conversation with your colleagues and peers. A positive working culture and comradery within your team often helps produce great results in collaborative projects.

Set aside some time to check in with your workmates regularly and be flexible where possible. In difficult times, it’s important to show empathy with work pressures and to stay connected.

When time permits, schedule a group call with your colleagues on your preferred video calling service, and try to regularly lock these in through your calendar in advance.

Get dressed — it’s time to clock on!

The temptation to start the day in your pyjamas or loungewear is real — and very relatable.

However, there is a myriad of factors that go into replicating your workplace productivity, and it starts from the top. The process of getting ready for your commute and/or workday plays a valuable role in allowing you to switch-on, and to start your day on the right foot.

Moreover, it’s the ability to wind down and recap your workday that makes the ritualistic process of getting dressed significant. While most people won’t be wearing a suit when working from home, the reward of putting on comfortable house clothes after hours is well worth the wait.

Make a separate working space

Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated space to work from home.

There are many of us who have worked on emails or their to-do list from the comfort of their bed or couch, but when working for a sustained period, creating a zone-specific for work often translates into better productivity, and a healthy professional balance.

Having clear zonal separation within your home allows you to compartmentalise the difference between working and relaxing. It’s about creating equality within your space, so the lines aren’t blurred, enabling you to keep your mental health at the forefront of all the things you do.

The idea of relaxing in your workspace is not only unrealistic but also not sustainable.

Check yourself and be accountable

Much like a standard day (or night) at the office, things can often pop up at unexpected times when working from home.

Despite this, it’s essential to acknowledge any deterrents in your day and to keep yourself accountable. A great example of this can often be your working desk.

Although eating lunch while reading emails is something we’ve all done before, ensuring that you don’t stockpile any unnecessary food or snacks, is a useful process to implement. If you’re working in a confined space, be sure to make regular trips to the kitchen, or wherever your bin is kept.

Meanwhile, for those separated by a flight of stairs, practice being efficient with your time, including regular movement throughout the day and keep plenty of water nearby.

Limit your social media distractions

In times of isolation, social media if often the gel that keeps us together, but when work is at the forefront, and with plenty of things to do, a break away from your secondary screen can often serve a wealth of benefits.

Where possible, try putting controls in place, including limits on your device, allowing you when to control your use — in addition to this, taking time intervals to temporarily mute mobile notifications and phone calls will cease procrastination and aid productivity.

To avoid feeling isolated, regularly take time to check up on friends and family who are in a similar environment to you, albeit digitally.

Regular mealtimes

Without scheduled breaks and mealtimes it’s easy to lose track of time.

When momentum falls your way, prioritising workflow often takes precedence overeating. Although boredom can sometimes combat the habits above, tracking your food intake and regularly snacking does a world of good for your workday.

Although many prefer heavier meals, it’s important to acknowledge what food structure works for you and sticking to it with it consistently. Combined with regular breaks and a healthy diet, your meals will often compliment your day-to-day duties.

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