The COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses to work remotely, including Capsule, which became remote first last year. Although our main workspace is at home, we ensure we meet at least once a week, with occasional days at a shared co-working space or cafe. This change has also enabled us to navigate the best way to be productive whilst working from home. However, while working from home has advantages, staying focused and productive can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you be more productive while working from home.
Have a dedicated workspace
Create a designated workspace that is comfortable, tidy and free from distractions. This could be a separate room, a corner of a room, or a desk. Ensure your workspace is organised and has everything you need to work efficiently, such as a comfortable chair, a desk lamp, and a good internet connection.
Find your working style
Try and find the best working style. Taking breaks is essential to help you stay refreshed and focused. You may be more productive working in 15-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks or hour intervals with 15-minute breaks. To find the best one for you, it is a good idea to try a few different styles and see which one has the best results. Whatever working style you choose, it is also important to remember that when taking breaks, it is a good idea to stretch, walk and do something you enjoy to help avoid burnout, stay productive and keep healthy!
Remember to go outside
When you work from home, you can easily spend days without taking a step outside. Try to make it a habit to go outside, whether just in the garden or taking a short walk at lunchtime; this can help with your productivity and overall help your mental wellness and physical wellness.
Keep up physical activity
Working from home can sometimes look like sitting on a chair all day. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise your physical health by taking time out of the day to do some physical activity, whether it be yoga, a quick walk or the gym. Keep in mind your posture while working by finding the best way to be comfortable to avoid aches and pains. Remember working from home doesn’t mean sacrificing your physical health.
Limit distractions
Working from home can come with many distractions, such as household chores, social media, and television. Set boundaries with family members and roommates to avoid interruptions, and use productivity tools to stay focused. For example, using noise-cancelling headphones to help you concentrate and putting your phone on Do Not Disturb.
Have a schedule
Working from home can make it tempting to work irregular hours, but it’s a good idea to stick to a schedule. Create a routine with specific work hours, breaks, and lunchtime. Stick to this schedule to help you stay focused and productive and avoid overworking, which may eventually lead to burnout.
Keep up communication and face-to-face contact with your team
Working from home can create a communication barrier with your team, so finding the best tools and implementing them in your daily routine is vital to maintain regular contact. It can also feel isolating or lonely at home all day. A good idea is to use video conferencing tools like Skype to stay connected and hold virtual meetings; this can aid communication, as facial expressions are significant when conversing and understanding each other. Something we have implemented at Capsule is weekly face-to-face meetings at a co-working space, this has helped us to keep communication with each other and help with mental wellness, and it’s great to see each other! Regular contact can help you stay motivated and on track.
Get dressed
While staying in your pyjamas all day may be tempting, dressing for work can help you get into the right mindset. Dressing professionally can also help you feel more confident and productive. Having that morning routine of getting dressed and ready for work can make you feel prepared for the day ahead.
In conclusion, working from home can be challenging, but staying focused, organised, and productive is essential. Using the tips above, you can succeed while working from home.
