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Tips To Create A Productive Work Environment At Home
Stuck working from home because of the lockdowns? You’re not alone! If you’re finding it hard to focus on getting things done at home, try these tips!
Working from home isn’t exactly new, but with the health crisis affecting thousands of people all over the world, working in an office is no longer considered safe. And if you’re quarantining at home and working, you might be wondering how to stay motivated despite these unpredictable times.
For most of us office folks, WFH takes a while to get used to because there are so many distractions! You could be in the middle of something important at work, but you might end up napping on the couch or binge-watching on Netflix because lazing around is just too easy.
Now, remember, you have total control over your work environment. If your WFH situation is not working out, there are things you can change to stay motivated. Here are some tips that worked for us:
A Dedicated Work Space
Because no one saw COVID-19 coming, most of us don’t really have a space for work at home. Back then, we didn’t need it! And the problem is that it’s hard to get things done when you lack the space for it. Having a dedicated workspace is the best way to motivate yourself to work. When you have your own little nook for office work, you’re more focused on getting a lot of things done. You feel motivated and committed to completing all your tasks. Furthermore, keeping this area clean is very important when it comes to productivity. In fact, many people with a home office hire a maid, to ensure their workspace is spotless.
There’s no need for a fancy office setup at home unless you have the budget or time for it. Just find a comfortable spot in your home to start. Set up a small office table, fix the lighting, pop your laptop (or PC), and a comfortable chair, and you’re good to go. If the temptation to lie down all day is just too strong, set your workspace away from the bedroom.
Plan Ahead
It’s easier to stay on track if you have your whole day planned out way in advance. Regardless of your WFH situation is unpredictable or not, be sure that all the usual tasks you have for the day are scheduled. Create a to-do list and a schedule.
By creating a list of tasks that you should complete in a day, you will have an idea of what your day will look like. Give yourself enough time to complete each task, so you don't end up going rogue on your own to-do list! I suggest creating a schedule the night before so as soon as you wake up in the morning, you know exactly what to prioritize.
Also, set deadlines even if they’re not needed and hold yourself accountable if you missed one. By setting deadlines, you can keep your progress in check.
Set Worktimes
Whatever schedule you used to have back when you’re still working in the office, keep it. If you wake up early in the day, stick to the same routine. If you used to stop working at 5 in the afternoon, stop working at 5 and never go beyond this unless you’re in the middle of something important.
Treat each day as a regular workday, so you have the right mindset to get things done but spend the rest of the evening resting. When you know that all your tasks were done for the day, you’ll feel more accomplished.
Get Dressed
It's tempting to work in your PJs when you're at home, but if you want to have the right mindset during work hours, you need to dress up! What we wear affects our state of mind. If you don't change into work-appropriate clothes, you might feel like taking naps instead of meeting deadlines because you're associating the PJs with relaxing.
Looking the part will motivate you to get out of bed and get stuff done. There's no need to change into a suit unless you feel like it but be sure that you're wearing comfortable, clean, and work-appropriate clothes to create a stimulating work environment.
Get Some Quiet Time
The lockdowns have been very challenging for WFH parents with small kids. It’s hard to stay focused when there’s a lot of people in the house! Though it’s a juggling act to keep your work and home life balanced, no house is ever too rowdy for work. As you spend more time at home, you’ll learn when’s the best time to work. Perhaps you can get some work done while the kids are napping or when your partner takes over the kids. You can hang a “Do not Disturb” sign on the door to let the rest of the family know when you’re working.
Or, you can always round up the kids and let them know about your work schedule. If one of your kids is older, ask him or her to keep the rest of the brood in check while you do your thing!
Working from home has its challenges, but no roadblock is too big when you’re always a step ahead! With these tips, you can create a productive work environment at home without making drastic changes in your home life.
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