It’s 2022, and the world is still dealing with a pandemic. The Coronavirus-19 outbreak of late 2019 has proven to be one of the most significant events of the last century. It has affected us in ways that we never imagined; one of these is the rapid increase in remote working practices. Previously, the idea of working from home was viewed less favorably and the lack of physical presence was seen to be a hindrance to proper collaboration and bonding between working teams. However, in 2020, people all over the world were forced to find ways to be productive while holed up in their homes during quarantine. The unintended consequence of this is that working from home has become part of the norm in today’s work environment.
So how can one ensure peak productivity while working from their home? It’s all about creating a space that allows you to do your best work. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Avoid working from your bed or couch
As tempting and “comfortable” as this may seem, it can cause harmful long-term effects such as insomnia, bad posture, heart disease, and weight gain.
Set it up
Get a desk and chair of the right type, light, and other things you need for work. Sit upright while working for maximum productivity.
Create a study room
If you are fortunate to have a room in your home that isn’t being put to good use, consider converting it (or a part of it) to your office away from the office.
Set a routine
Create specific periods for work. If people around you understand that you are busy within certain periods, they will be less likely to interrupt.
In the absence of a study room, create a workspace
Find a corner in your living room or bedroom where you are less likely to be disturbed. Make sure that it is clean, devoid of clutter, and properly ventilated with plenty of light.
Use ambient sounds
Research shows that ambient sounds improve productivity, creativity, concentration, and mood. However, if you work better in a completely quiet environment, feel free to do what works best for you.
Working from home provides a sense of flexibility that could in the end prove beneficial. It eliminates time and resources spent in commuting, provides the opportunity to spend valuable time with loved ones, and also separates one from potentially toxic working environments. However, there is a possibility of being out of touch with the outside world. People who work remotely for extended periods tend to find it difficult to return to physical office due to bad work habits formed during remote work. It is important to maintain healthy work ethics while navigating the new work-from-home culture, thrust onto us by the pandemic. Communication is key. Consciously ensure that you are reachable. Have a functional internet connection. Use tools like Zoom and Skype to keep face-to-face communication with your colleagues or customers going. And finally, step out once in a while and interact with the world in real-time. It will do you a world of good.