Working from home can present some unforeseen challenges.
Millions of worker bees are now finding themselves having to work from home amid the Coronavirus pandemic. For most, it is a new endeavour and it’s presenting its own unique challenges. For example your household may be driving you crazy throughout the day, the neighbourhood distractions may leave you unproductive or you may find that you are your own worst enemy because you cannot concentrate in the home environs.
Here are a few simple tips and practices for all you newly-working from home buddies to help you make the most out of your days.
1. Get started early
Usually your morning commute has you waking up super early (especially if you reside in traffic-riddled Nairobi) so that you can make it to work on time. Once you begin to work from home, you should continue this waking up early routine. It can be tricky transitioning from the bed to your work but once you do it a couple of time, you form the habit. Plus human beings have been proven to be most productive during morning hours.
2. Get dressed
You’re probably spending your days dressed in nothing but pajamas, but believe it or not, this affects your productivity. You need to take a bath as you would during your regular mornings and get dressed before you begin working. You don’t have to completely be in official office wear but a simple swap from PJs to a different outfit will help you feel like a functioning adult and help you draw the line between working and chilling at home.
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3. Create a designated workspace
Working while cooped up in your bedroom or slumped on the couch will leave you less than productive. Your workspace doesn’t have to be a whole other room, but can just be a different space or corner in your abode that is separate from everything else. Try to make it comfortable with a comfortable chair and desk and proper lighting.
4. Log out of social media
Social media will have you scrolling endlessly and wasting time. Close all your social media tabs while it’s time to work to keep away from the temptation. If you’re someone who gets distracted easily, turn off the notifications on your phone unless they’re work-related.
5. Define your working hours clearly
You will quickly realize that working from home is ten ties trickier than being at the office, especially when it come to working hours. You therefore have to designate your own personal working hours depending on your peak productivity hours. Some people are more productive in the wee hours of the morning and others in the afternoons. Remember to give yourself ample breaks. If you feel you’ve been going on and on without getting much accomplished, step away from the desk and take some time off to recharge.
6. Try some music
Music can improve your mood, efficiency and productivity. It can also make repetitive tasks easier to manage. Try lyric-free music such as classical music to help you concentrate.
7. Set boundaries
Chances are you do not live alone so your parents/siblings/roommates may be all over your case when you are trying to get work done. It is important taht you communicate with them that they need to respect your working hours and that they need to give you ample space.
8. Be kind to yourself
You are not just working from home but doing so in the middle of a global health crisis. You may be affected mentally by it all so simply do your best and take it one day at a time.
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