Productivity while working from home

We are living in quasi-dystopian times, a flu-like virus has taken over the world and we have to hide in our homes. It can get a little frustrating when things are not in your control. Even if it is your home, you might feel like you are locked up. Well, that is quarantine for you.

Even in the times of a pandemic, the show must go on.

Sure, it is going to feel different, odd sometimes, to have to wake up and go to work, all in a span of, well… 2 minutes? Experience says, this is not as dreamy as it sounds, employees who have not usually worked from home before find it difficult to focus and stay productive throughout the day.

Home is usually a place to unwind, away from work, a safe haven without professional responsibilities, where you have your pets and other people who love you. Now, these two wholly different worlds are going to overlap. Homes are turning into make-shift work stations, online classrooms, homeschools for kids along with a place where you rest. How to make sure that you still have a productive professional time in a personal zone.

Covid 19 is not the only virus that is spreading this season, unproductivity, laziness, and loneliness will also hinder your work.

Let’s take some tips from at-home professionals- freelancers.

let’s make this work!

For a freelancer, every client is a new relationship. Usually, freelancers could be sitting anywhere in the world, dealing with a client that could be 7000 miles away.

When working from home, you are in a long-distance relationship with your colleagues.

A professional long-distance relationship.

Communication, communication, communication.

Remember, just like any long-distance relationship, maintaining professional relationships while working remotely also becomes difficult.

In both cases, communication is pivotal.

Every film with a long-distance relationship as a base for the plot conflict could be easily avoided by communicating effectively.

The mistake that the protagonist makes- reading between the lines.

Not just communication, but effective communication is necessary. It involves clarity and being direct. If you are not sure of what someone is trying to say, ask. There is no over-communication when you work remotely. Do not assume, ask.

Fool your brain.

Our brains are the most beautiful and complex pieces of anatomy. At the same time, a brain can be easily deceived.

This brain will come up with innumerable reasons and distractions that you could fall prey to. Maintain the same routine, replicate your desk at work. Start your day exactly like you would, minus the commute. Bring home the plant that you had at your studio. Have a separate professional zone, and a personal zone. No leisure activities on your desk. This will make your brain think that it is still at work and lo! productivity!

Indulge in deep working.

You might not be living alone. Along with self-discipline, ask your partner, family, and roommates to avoid disturbing you, like they would when you are at work. There is no shame in asking them to text/call you if they need you, even if they are sitting in the room next door. Minimize distractions.

Add hygiene to your routine.

That rhymed! Along with these pointers, also follow the guidelines that the WHO has provided for self-isolation. It might feel like there is no need, but do not avoid baths, wash your hands very frequently. Do not forget that this is all due to a global pandemic, not a vacation.

Gamify work.

Decide on targets, reward yourself with some break time to achieve targets, use tools that are digitally available, like 5217 (Google it). Gamification will keep boredom at bay and also help you be more productive, along with a sense of satisfaction for your achievements.

Leading? Trust.

If you are leading a team that is working remotely, trust becomes essential. Avoid trying to micromanage, but do not lose communication. Ask for updates, in a way that does not hinder their workflow. Devise a proper reporting structure. Mediate conversations, be available, be transparent and be the best boss.

Practice empathy.

A long-distance relationship, professional or personal, at its core, lives because of empathy. Put yourself in your colleague’s shoes before losing your cool.

Do not go to sleep angry, or with unresolved concerns.

Chop chop! Let’s get to work!

Written for Slangbusters Branding Studio where I write more insightful, in-depth pieces about branding and more.