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Tips to Master Working from Home Efficiently in 2022
Over the past few years, remote working has become the new average worldwide. The Covid-19 pandemic has taken an impact on businesses and the workforce. It is influencing companies to implement a flexible approach to the work environment. An increasing number of people are working from home regularly regardless of government-mandated requirements. Whether you're searching for remote job opportunities or considering working from home a few days a week, it's essential to learn how to properly work from home to be efficient at your job. So we will be offering some great tips to help you maintain productivity when working remotely.
Individuals have had to adapt to a remote working style thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and the constant evolution of technology. Small businesses and multinational corporations worldwide are introducing work from home policies in response to the pandemic. While having the flexibility to work from home may be a dream job for some, switching from an office environment to your own home can reveal challenging surprises. But working from home isn’t all bad. There can be some benefits to doing so.
Even though working from home has great benefits, you will face many distractions, such as less
accountability and less communication, than working in an office
setting. Several major distractions that will compete with your productivity
are social media, replying to notifications & messages, housework, family
and pets at home. This doesn’t mean you can’t still be efficient. You
can do many things to boost your productivity when working from home.
Whether you’re new to remote working, work from home every
day, or are just looking to improve your efficiency, these tips can help you efficiently work from home.
1. Create a morning routine
Having a morning routine can be very powerful as it helps us set the tone for the day and allows us to take control of our schedules rather than our to-do lists controlling us. Morning routines aren’t focused on ticking as many things off our to-do lists. Instead, it is about giving yourself the time to begin your day mindfully with confidence, peace and a positive attitude.
There are several physical and emotional benefits to having a morning routine.
feeling good
reduced stress
reduced sadness and frustration
increased productivity
prioritising tasks efficiently
2. Create your Ideal Office Environment
Working and living in the same space can be tricky (especially
if you have little ones around), but this is something millions have had to
adapt to in the last few years. Here are our tips for creating a productive
working space in your home.
Try to recreate your office working space in your home. Whether you have a spare room, you’d like to designate it as a workspace, or if you are short on space, having a work zone in your living room, bedroom or kitchen will work.
It is important to set ground rules with the people in your
space and communicate your work hours so you aren’t disturbed.
Place your desk by a window if possible. Natural light
significantly impacts your well-being and can affect your productivity. A study
conducted by Harvard Business showed that 47% of employees admitted feeling
tired without natural light. If this option isn’t possible, mimic natural
lighting by adding table lamps and mirrors to bounce light off the walls.
Add your personal touch. This can boost your creativity and lighten the mood. Consider adding a pop of colour, perhaps a wall hanging or fresh flowers. Opt for air-purifying plants that require low maintenance, such as spider plants, snake plants, peace lily, aloe and Chinese evergreens. Plants have been found to reduce stress and increase productivity by 15%.
Set up your technology strategically by ensuring your internet is up to speed and your laptop is fully functioning.
Try and maintain your work from home space free of clutter. Piles of clutter around your desk have been shown to impact our memory. Keeping a clean and uncluttered work environment increases focus and productivity.
Stay Organised
One step to staying productive is to plan your working day before you start. It's a great exercise to do the night before. You will notice that you sleep better without the additional stress. You may be tempted to give yourself flexible start and end times, but creating a regular schedule that you can follow will aid in your productivity. Scheduling your day will keep you accountable for yourself and your employer.
Essential factors to consider when planning your work from home schedule
Time of day when you are most productive.
Do the most demanding tasks when you have the most energy.
Know what your priorities are for each day.
Do the highest priority tasks first.
How long will it take you to get a task done?
When does your employer need you to be available?
Breaks, breaks, breaks.
Consider minimising distractions by turning off the notifications on your phone or even removing your mobile from the site.
Consistent Breaks
If you're considering following our previous steps, you'll have already scheduled breaks throughout the day. Ensure you get up from your desk during your breaks go outside and get some fresh air or play with a pet. This will help you reset and get your blood flowing and stay focused for longer. A 2011 study found that workers who took two short breaks remained consistently productive when completing tasks. However, when a group of employees took no breaks, their performance declined significantly. Another study found that highly efficient employees worked for 50 minutes and then took a 15-20 minute break.
A helpful technique to improve focus and concentration is the Pomodoro technique. It's an excellent method as it sets regular work hours and breaks. Learn more about this method in the video below.
Connect with Colleagues
Figure out how much interaction you need to feel connected and included. Working from home can get pretty lonely and worse if you're isolating. Even if you're introverted, try and interact with your colleagues through different channels such as a team video chat through Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp.
The work from home tips we have provided can help you make the most of your routine. Try a few and you might find that you’re just as productive working from home as you are in the office. Figure out what works for you and make your routine unique.