The workforce has changed dramatically in the last decade. With new opportunities sprouting locally and internationally, working from home has become a norm for many young professionals. But this often desirable setup has really come to play with the global pandemic.
COVID-19 forced companies worldwide to send their employees home to work remotely. This option may seem advantageous to some, but others, who prefer working in a traditional office environment, may find it difficult to stay focused and productive.
To keep you comfortable, confident, and productive while being in a new working space, we’ve listed a few tips and tricks.
1. Set up a home office space
Separating work and home life can be very challenging when both happen in the same space. By creating a dedicated workstation, you will feel motivated to work and complete your tasks for the day.
Quick Tip: When you live with a roommate or a family member, let them know the hours when you should not be disturbed. If it helps, put up a sign as a reminder whenever you’re working.
2. Search for the area with the best signal
There’s nothing more frustrating than experiencing connectivity issues. To lessen the chances of getting disconnected and missing important calls due to bad reception, build a workstation in a place with excellent signal. If the cell phone reception and/or wifi connection is generally bad, consider getting signal boosters.
Quick Tip: While you’re at it, always check your surroundings before attending an online meeting. To avoid having someone accidentally walk behind you during a video call, conduct meetings with a wall or curtains as a backdrop. Remember, even a virtual background can be messed up when there is a passerby behind. As much as possible, answer a video call in an area where there is no foot traffic.
3. Avoid clutter by making use of vertical space
If you’re living in a condominium, finding space for a home office in an already limited area may seem like an impossible task. However, there are various ways to create a workstation within a constricted living space. One way is to utilize the unit’s vertical space. Books, documents, and other materials can be placed on wall-mounted shelves. Add some pizazz with wall decorations or hanging plants.
Quick Tip: When it comes to choosing furniture, pick one that takes up minimal floor space. It would be better if it’s a multi-purpose piece of furniture. This way, you can save space and avoid having a cluttered workstation altogether.
4. Maintain a Routine
A basic rule of thumb for your mental health is to never allow work to consume most of your time. Taking breaks is essential to increasing one’s productivity and the key to avoiding burnout. So, set a fixed schedule of when we’re supposed to work and be committed to following it. Doing so will allow you to have more time for yourself and will make you .
Quick Tip: Dress for work even if you’re working from home. It may seem like an unnecessary detail, but it can actually affect one’s productivity. By changing into a work-appropriate outfit, you can improve your overall mood and get into ‘work-mode.’
5. Stay active when working from home
Exercise not only keeps one healthy, it can also be a driving force to being. It increases mental acuity, enabling you to concentrate more on your tasks. Make it a point to include exercise in your schedule, Having little to no fitness facilities at home should not prevent you from staying fit. There are several workout exercises that can be done without any equipment, such as yoga, burpees, planking, and squats.
Quick Tip: Look for quick workout videos to incorporate into your busy routine. 5-10 minutes of daily sweating out is much easier to follow than a couple of hours every few days.
Working from home can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you won’t have to deal with traffic. On the other hand, you will miss being out and about and you might feel boxed in. It’s essential to strike the right balance between being comfortable working in your space of rest and still being productive.