Definition of Working from Home

Working from home (WFH) refers to an arrangement where employees perform their job functions from a non-office location, typically their home. With this, they are spared from commuting to the office and thus add several vital hours to the day for themselves. This mode offers numerous benefits but demands discipline, self-motivation, and the right strategies to be productive.

Science has shown that work-from-home employees have higher levels of satisfaction, report a better quality of life, and are more engaged in their work duties. However, there’s a downside to it. 

WFH workers also work longer hours and experience more intense job pressure that can blur the line between work and life. So, to help you minimize the downsides, and maximize benefits, here are 9 tips that will help you create a workspace destined for success.

Establish a Dedicated Workspace

Create an exclusive workspace and make it a foundation of your efficiency. And don’t look at it as just about having a good desk and a chair. It’s about creating an environment that stimulates your creativity and minimizes distractions from the outside. Ergonomic furniture, a calm color palette, and adequate lighting can amplify this effect. 

Also, don’t shy away from incorporating office tools you never had the opportunity to use when we worked in offices/ Things like standing desks, monitor arms, or even ergonomic mouse pads will go a long way as they enhance comfort and make a substantial impact on your overall productivity, health, and motivation.

Create a Schedule and Stick to It

Consistency is gold. Working from home does indeed offer flexibility workers haven’t had before, but without a consistent schedule, it’s easy to drift away. 

Outline your day. Mark when it starts, when you take a break, and when it ends. And stick to the plan.

We like to start our day with clarity. Many professionals find success by beginning with an introspective morning routine that may include meditation, exercise, or even journaling.

Take Regular Breaks

The science is clear: our brains aren’t wired to focus for prolonged periods. To function at our best, we need breaks. Short, consistent breaks that recharge your mind and refresh your motivation. 

And when you finally catch a break, move around. Do some minor physical activity that will refresh both your body and mind.

Another reason why you need breaks: extended screen time can strain your eyes. To combat this, follow the 20-20-20 rule every hour: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Minimize Distractions

Your home is full of potential distractions. From family members who never quite come to terms with what it means to work from home, all the way to a neverending list of household chores, everything in your home tends to compete for your attention. 

Establishing a ‘do not disturb‘ period can and will help you in the long run. And if you have a dedicated room that can function as your office, all the better.

With the plethora of digital notifications, apps like Focus@Will can help concentrate by playing background music designed to boost attention.

Communicate Clearly

Over-communication is a must. In a remote setup, there’s no room for ambiguity. Regular check-ins, clear emails, and scheduled meetings keep everyone aligned to the common goal and will eliminate the chance for misunderstanding

To make sure your communication is up to the standard, learn how to leverage platforms like Slack, ClickUp, or Airtable. These will help you communicate clearly, streamline task assignments, and track your progress.

Manage Your Time Wisely

Segmenting your day is another skill you’ll have to master. Split your day into focused time blocks dedicated to specific tasks. This promotes attention to detail and reduces multitasking, which can dilute productivity.

And again: leverage technology to your advantage! Apps like Harvest can track your daily activities and provide insights into potential time drains.

Prioritize Your Tasks

Here’s something that will change the game: the Quadrant Method. This will allow you to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance.  It’s basically a rendition of the Eisenhower Box technique that will help you discern between what’s urgent, important, both, or neither.

Another useful strategy is Task Batching. In essence, it’s a method that helps you group similar tasks. This reduces cognitive load and streamlines your work process to enable faster, less strenuous task completion.

Set Boundaries

Set up physical boundaries. If possible, use a separate room or a partition to separate your workspace from your living space.

Don’t forget about digital boundaries as well. Set specific ‘offline’ hours where you are completely disconnected from work. This will help you maintain a work-life balance and avoid burnout.

Embrace Continuous Learning

Long gone are the times when you could learn a skill and use it for the rest of your life. In the 21st century, everything is continuously evolving, and you need to invest a lot of effort to stay updated. 

Update your skills regularly, whether through online courses, webinars, or reading, do whatever you must to stay at the forefront.Stay in the feedback loops. Don’t be afraid to encourage colleagues to provide feedback on your work patterns. External perspectives can have invaluable insights and help you improve.

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