The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many organizations to implement permanent and temporary work-from-home policies. According to Gartner research, 88% of global organizations offered remote work options to their employees during the pandemic. So, whether you’re new to the work-from-home arrangement or finding it difficult to achieve work-life balance while working from home, we’ve got some great tips for you right here.
7 Working From Home Tips and Tricks
Here are some basic tips and tricks to help you follow a balanced and organized work-from-home routine:
Get Ready Like You Are Going to Work
As it is rightly said, “If you look good, you feel good.” You should follow this line of thinking when you are working from home. What is your favorite outfit when working from home? Lounge shorts? While it’s a good option when you look at comfort, that’s not what you should be wearing during your remote working hours. Wearing lounge shorts or casual t-shirts may not help you stay productive throughout the day. (There’s a reason why they are called “comfort wear”!) Research shows that an effective way to snap out of a grumpy mood could be to dress up nicely. So, the next time you begin your work day, get up, freshen up, wear something nice, do your hair, and get busy!
Set Up a Proper Home Office
Even though the best aspect of working from home is often the comfort of working from the place of your choice, we recommend setting up a proper home office. When you’re working in your bed or dining room, it can become challenging to resist a quick nap. This can lead to lethargy and a lack of productivity. Having a dedicated home office can help you stay productive and alert throughout the day.
Here are some quick tips to set up a dedicated workspace:
Pick a well-lit corner of your home.
Buy a comfortable office chair or gaming chair with proper back support.
Buy a sturdy desk.
Ensure you always have a bottle of water on your desk to so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
Get a Reliable Internet Connection
A bad internet connection is every remote worker’s worst nightmare. A poor internet connection can be frustrating and hamper your productivity. Moreover, when you’re attending an important online meeting or training your team, and you suddenly lose your connection, it can be a poor reflection on you. It is vital to set up a reliable internet connection like gotW3.
gotW3 is not just a WiFi hotspot or modem; it’s a service offering a variety of internet products and packages for internet at home and on the go. With gotW3, you don’t need to worry about losing internet connectivity now and then. Plus, there are no contracts, no credit checks.
Maintain Consistent Work Timings
Maintaining consistent work timings is one of the most important aspects of achieving a work-life balance when you’re working from home. Most of us lose track of time when working remotely, almost every day. That’s not good! Your personal life is just as important as your work life.
There might be days when you have to stretch and finish your work, but don’t make it a habit. Follow these rules to ensure you’re striking the right balance between your personal life and work:
Inform your manager/team about your work hours/schedule; be clear and straight.
Switch off your laptop as soon as your work hours are over; don’t appear online unnecessarily.
Set the right expectation with stakeholders when it comes to attending and scheduling meetings.
Eat and Sleep Well
A healthy body and mind are critical to staying productive when working from home. Lack of sleep and unhealthy eating can impact your productivity. Don’t skip meals because you’re got “too much work to do.” Include berries and nuts in your diet to stay healthy. Carve out time to exercise to relieve stress.
Here are some quick tips to maintain a healthy routine:
Go to sleep at a certain time each night.
Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep.
Practice meditation and yoga.
Take Frequent Breaks
Taking breaks at regular intervals allows your brain to relax and refocus. According to an Airtasker survey, 37% of remote workers agree that taking frequent breaks is the best way to stay productive. You can go for a short walk or enjoy time with family. Research shows that the average break duration for a remote worker is approximately 22 minutes spread throughout the day.
Socialize With Your Team
When working remotely, you can feel lonely and disconnected, especially if you are an extrovert. Make it a point to connect each day with your peers for casual talk. Determine how often you want to connect. Fight boredom and loneliness by interacting with your team on video-calling platforms, such as Slack and Zoom.
Finally, don’t forget to reach out to your colleagues if you are wrestling with working from home. Some of them may be as well, and might have suggestions to help you enjoy it more.