Being stuck at home for who knows how long can get pretty annoying, especially if you have to work. Getting used to the change is not easy and takes time. Some people struggle despite their best efforts.
It is hard to tell when the pandemic is going to end, so you will need to make the most out of what you have and work from home. And in case you happen to be one of those people who are having a rough time, consider these tips. They ought to change the situation for the better and make work from home manageable.
Tip #1 – Find out How to Increase Productivity
Productivity will be one of the biggest obstacles. Since you are going to be working in an environment that you usually associate with time for relaxing, concentrating will be extra difficult.
An article by Oberlo, titled “How to work from home: 11 tips to stay productive and focused” is a good reference if you are finding that your productivity has suffered a lot if you compare it to how it usually is at a regular job space.
Think of ways to change the situation. You may not reach the usual productivity, but if you are stuck working at home, there is no other way but to make the most out of what you have.
Tip #2 – Sort Your Technology
You will need to rely on what you have at home. Some people have separate computers at work and at home. Laptops are quite common since you can carry them with you.
Sort your technology so that you are ready to do all the necessary work while at home. This includes necessary applications as well as a good internet connection. If you are not doing great in the technology department, working will become even harder.
Tip #3 – Get in Professional Mindset
Your mindset is also important. Imagine what would happen if you get in the loop of waking up later every day and having to work until late hours, barely finishing the tasks before your deadline.
Moreover, it is easier to get distracted while you are at home with no supervision. Social media, video games, TV shows, movies, and anything else that you would not have any chance of doing at work is right in front of you.
You need to prioritize work regardless and enjoy your time after you are finished for the day. Set your priorities straight immediately, so you do not have to suffer for it later.
Tip #4 – Set Grounds Rules With Your Family
Living alone is fine since you will not be bothered by other people. On the other hand, if there are others, you will need to make some adjustments.
You need to set a workspace so that when others see you there, they will not distract you (unless something of great importance is happening).
In other words, there should be time for working, and there should be time for family. You will want to work without any distractions so that the quality does not suffer.
Tip #5 – Discuss the Situation With Your Supervisors
Working at home will limit some things. What you can accomplish together with everyone in the office may not be possible when everyone is staying at home.
The work itself should continue regardless if you have the necessary tools and can do it. But be sure to have a thorough discussion with your supervisors about what they expect to happen while everyone is working from home.
It is mostly to avoid any misunderstandings because the situation is pretty stressful for everyone involved, and it is easy to miss something important. Getting the blame for something you were not told about is never a good feeling.
Tip #6 – Keep in Touch With Colleagues
While communicating via webcam is not the same as in real life, doing so is still better than completely forgetting about people you had a good relationship with before the pandemic hit.
Dedicate some of your free time every day and spend it talking to coworkers. Or, if there is an opportunity to socialize with them while working, go for it. Doing so will keep you in higher spirits because losing these people suddenly is not very good for one’s well-being.
Tip #7 – Take Regular Breaks
Do not forget about your break time. There will be moments when you are on a roll and do not want to lose your focus working, but prioritizing work over everything else is not good for one’s health.
You need regular breaks throughout the day. Take some time off and go read a book, watch TV, or listen to music. Resting is important when you are already trying to persevere working in these conditions.
AIOps For Azure Now Available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace
Great tips!
Great tips, Sony! Creating a workspace that contains everything that you need to work with is very important if you want to become more productive in what you do.