A lot of us have become accustomed to working from home throughout the last two years. However, if you’re new to the working-from-home life, it can take some getting used to.
We’ve compiled some tips below to help you find your feet with your new working life.
Even if you’re well-versed in working from home, you may want to improve your structure and build new habits. We hope these tips encourage your productivity and help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
#1 – Create a workplan for yourself
Write your goals down and you’ll spend less time figuring out your next task and more time getting your work finished. You’re 42% more likely to achieve a goal if it’s written down.
#2 – Stop multi-tasking
Your brain takes 15 minutes to refocus whenever you switch tasks. So, when you multitask on more than one tasks, your brain will be shifting its focus constantly and diverting your attention, therefore negatively impacting your workflow. So, it’s best to focus on one thing at a time.
#3 – Listen to your working rhythm
Are you an early bird or a night owl? When does your mind feel most active?
You’ve probably noticed that you work more efficiently at a particular time of day or find yourself being most productive after getting a certain task out of the way. Notice these patterns! Adjust your day to whatever works for you.
#4 – Take regular breaks
We’re only human, we can only focus for so long. Our brains and bodies need recharge time. It’s recommended that we should be taking breaks every 70-90 minutes so ensure we keep focused, moving and alert.
In order to maintain your motivation and general happiness, taking a break from your desk/screen is vital. If you can, take some time to spend with your family, friends, or pets on your lunch break to combat isolation.
#5 – Make a to-do list
Accountability is one of the most challenging aspects that home-workers struggle with. It’s sometimes just too easy to chuck on that lot of laundry, isn’t it?
If you don’t have regular team check-ins, you might find yourself feeling distracted and unmotivated at home – don’t feel too guilty about this, it’s a natural response when you’re working in your own space. Instead, try to set realistic expectations by writing a daily to-do list. Even better, try adding a timeline of your day on how you’ll tackle these tasks.
#6 – Meal prep
Missing your local café or workplace vending machine? We feel for you.
Lunchtime comes around quickly while you’re working from home. Try to set a strict schedule of when your lunch break begins and make sure you’re not eating over your laptop – take this break as your opportunity to get away from your desk.
Meal prepping the evening before can be handy so that you aren’t using your lunch break as cooking/preparing time.
#7 – Stay connected
Working remotely doesn’t mean that your socialising time must come to an end. There are several ways to keep connected while working from home and to combat any feelings of isolation.
Working from home is a privilege that not all are awarded, and is dependent on your industry, role, and company’s flexibility. Alongside the benefits, there are many challenges that come with working-from-home.
By making yourself accountable, taking regular breaks away from your desk, and developing a work plan that works for you, we’re positive you’ll begin to see differences in your productivity, efficiency, and happiness.
Don’t feel too overwhelmed by all these tips, why not try to implement one per week for the next two months? We’d love to hear about how you get on.
If you’re looking for a new position that allows you to work remotely/hybrid, check out the hundreds of jobs available at s1jobs today.
