Over the last few months, it seems as though working from home has become the norm. While there are certainly positives to being able to work at home, it can be challenging to maintain focus, especially when the whole family needs to be productive under the same roof. Here are some tips for staying on track during this uncertain time.
It can be tough to stay motivated when working from home. An excellent way to increase productivity is to designate a clear study space. A home office or spare bedroom could be perfect for this. However, if more than one person is working from home, this may not always be an option. The environment has a significant impact on motivation. For instance, many people have a difficult time working in their bedroom or on the couch, since these are places associated with rest and relaxation. If an office space is not available, establishing a new part of the house—such as the dinner table or a back porch—as a workspace is a great way to increase productivity. Additionally, it is also helpful to remove distractions from the workplace. Things like phones, television, and tablets can be massive timewasters.
One of the most important things to remember about working from home is to communicate, especially when there is more than one person in the house. It is unlikely that two people’s work/school schedules will line up daily. While some people do have more flexible work hours, others must stick to a more rigid daily agenda. Communicating with whoever is in the house is crucial in avoiding unnecessary conflict. For instance, one member of the family may need a couple of hours of quiet because of an online lecture or a company-wide conference call. Establishing open lines of communication with family members is essential for making sure that productivity stays up. Many people are not used to working from home, so it is important to be flexible and to listen to family members or roommates when they communicate.
Another critical thing to remember when working from home is to take breaks. Working from home is intrinsically tricky for most people since the home is where people naturally go after a long day of work. Be sure to stop working every hour or so and take a walk or get a snack. If there are other people in the house, perhaps see if they can take their lunch break at the same time as you. Taking breaks is actually a great way to be more productive, as stepping away from the computer for a few minutes or putting the book down can actually act as a mental reset and is an effective way to prevent exhaustion.
It can be challenging for some to make the adjustment to working from home. Designating a clear workspace, communicating, and taking breaks are helpful ways to make the transition easier. Adapting to a new way of working or being a student is difficult, so offering encouraging words to friends and family can be extremely motivating.
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