Remote-working sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Yet, as many of us learned during the pandemic, it takes a special system for everything to run smoothly. Working from home is a question of strategy: space, equipment, time management, and movement all impact productivity.
Who doesn’t want to achieve more? Bonus points if you can protect your wellbeing in the process. Here are the five ways to boost productivity when working from home.
Choose the Right Space
The NHS explains that having a proper workspace impacts your mental wellbeing. Unsurprisingly, it also shapes productivity; a consistent “work” zone really kicks your mind into gear.
Pick a well-lit area with a comfortable temperature (no sneaking back underneath the covers). Lighting becomes especially vital when the clocks change; dark winters can spell disaster for productivity. Choose a desk with built-in drawers or organisational features, too. Keeping your workspace tidy avoids visual clutter, which can quickly encroach on your headspace.
Improve Your Connection and Equipment for a Smoother Workflow
Nobody needs faltering Wi-Fi and a weak signal for Zoom calls. Search for broadband in my area and pick a provider that supports video calls and quick file uploads. Improved connection increases your capacity for a productive day at the desk.
Consider investing in extra equipment, too. For instance, a second monitor might streamline your workflow, avoiding window switching between reading and writing documents.
Structure Your Time With Purpose
It’s amazing what a routine can achieve. Start and finish cues are habits that enhance focus, signalling to your brain when it’s time to “clock in” and “clock out.” This could be as simple as a morning coffee and an evening herbal tea. Your choice.
Scheduling is another trick. Create a to-do list while sipping your morning cappuccino, allocating specific time for each task. Time blocking is an effective way to achieve daily balance. Proper planning also prevents unwanted overtime and protects your lunch break.
Move to Maintain Energy and Concentration
Body and mind go hand-in-hand. Exercise releases neurotransmitters, including dopamine, aka everyone’s favourite “happy hormone.” However, this also aids concentration and maintains your energy on dreary days.
Could your midday break include a 20-minute walk in a local park? Or could you invest in a desk treadmill to sneak in some steps? Build movement into your daily routine, and you’ll be surprised at the results.
With the right steps, working from home can absolutely live up to the hype. The trick is tackling productivity in a proactive manner.