We all know by now that remote work increases productivity, but working from home is still a relatively new concept. It sometimes takes a while to find a routine that will work for you. However, discipline and productivity are a series of habits that take patience to build.
Take Your Time to Settle Down
It’s crucial for employees and managers to take time to settle in their new workplace. You may have to experiment to find what works best for you. Maybe you need to adapt to the new workspace or find ways to balance your work and family life. It’s unrealistic to expect optimal productivity in the first days. So, for the first couple of weeks, it’s better to go with the flow.
Stay Motivated
Motivation is key, no matter if you are working from an office or your room. While the transition to working remotely may be difficult during the first days, staying motivated is crucial for adapting to the new environment.
Plan Your Work and Set Goals for the Day
Working without supervision can be hard, and you may often find it difficult to decide what task needs to be done first. To make sure that you know what to do, it is important that you plan your work in advance and set objectives for the day.
Try to make your personal to-do list and track your own progress. By developing the habit of writing these lists, you will be more focused not only while working from home but from anywhere in the world.
Maximize Efficiency and Productivity
Finishing your work is important, but staying mentally and physically healthy is just as essential. Since you are controlling your workspace, you need to set clear boundaries between your personal and professional life. Try to designate an area in your home that is distraction-free and quiet so you can stay focused. Ideally, this room should be used only for work.
When working from home, it can be easy to lose track of time, so it’s important to establish boundaries that are good for your well-being. You may also start working in the evenings and weekends, which can disturb the work-life balance. Try to have the same working hours as you did in the office, and remember to take breaks.
Embrace Technology and Online Meetings
A good command of available tools and technologies is essential when working remotely. You will also need a strong internet connection, along with cloud-based and file-sharing business applications, such as Sharepoint, Dropbox, and Microsoft Teams.
Also, you should accept virtual meetings as the new norm. Try to avoid multitasking, test the equipment, arrive and on-time, and be prepared.
Communicate Efficiently
Make sure you work with your supervisor to set some ground rules about response times, work schedules, and availability to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Emails should be used for single messages, such as sharing files or setting meeting times. You can use Instant messaging for brief project discussions or catch-ups with a coworker. However, for longer conversations that include a lot of back and forth, it’s best to set up a call.