In the phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, more organisations are adopting remote working. Before now, working from home was not a consideration. Employees have had to report to the workplace every day and work for the required time before returning home. It was the routine. However, times have changed. As part of safety measures to flatten the curve, organisations are embracing remote working.
Before now, remote working was reserved for virtual assistants, freelancers and other job positions that didn’t require a physical meeting. Other job roles are seeing ways they can function optimally while working from home.
Working from home is different from the office. At home, you are open to several distractions since no one is physically supervising you. You need to know how to manage to work from home or at the end of the day you will get nothing done. The following tips serve as a guide:
1. Keep regular hours
Just like how you would work in the office, you should have a schedule of how to go about your work at home. You should understand your most productive time. Know when to check your emails, take a break, do tasks and call it a day.
2. Don’t mix work time with personal time
When it is time for work, use it productively. Don’t overwork at the expense of your personal time you can spend with family and friends. Have time for both priority and never let them interfere.
3. Dress for success
Even though you are working from home, you may be tempted to stay in pyjamas. You should dress like you are going to work. This includes showering and brushing your teeth and paying attention to your appearance.
4. Create an At-home office
Don’t work from the couch or bed. It sends a message to your brain that it is time for relaxation. Create an office at home. Have a space for this so that you know that it is dedicated for work.
5. Be your own janitor
Since you are at home, you are responsible for the cleanliness of your work environment. Don’t forget to keep your workplace organised and neat.
6. Use some inspiration
Tap into whatever makes you feel motivated and energised. It could be music, natural view , silence etc. Focus on what makes you fired up to do your tasks.
7. Connect
Try to connect with your co-workers from time to time. It could be through emails, calls, video calls or social media. Don’t cut yourself from them because you are working from home.