After the pandemic, remote work became a growing trend, with more and more companies embracing it. However, there has been a long debate regarding employees’ productivity when working from their own homes. While some associate remote work with lost efficiency, this is not necessarily true.
The modern workforce consists mainly of millennials who have other expectations regarding their job. They no longer want to be tied to the office and seek flexibility in terms of work schedule and location. And that’s exactly what remote work provides. However, in order to complete your work-related tasks successfully, it is essential to set up a conducive workspace that allows you to focus. Let’s discover how you can create a thriving workspace at home.
Set a proper home office
Comfort is probably one of the biggest advantages of remote work. As long as you are doing your job, you can work from anywhere, whether in your living room or bathroom. But cooping up in your bed will inevitably affect your productivity, making it easy to give in to lethargy. Plus, it’s very easy to get distracted if you’re working from any random spot in your home. This is why it is wise to have a designated workspace to help you remain focused on your work. Your home office should be functional, so consider investing in high-quality ergonomic furniture from a reliable business such as Vepa. This is key to ensuring comfort when sitting without experiencing physical strain, so pay attention to this aspect.
Lighting is another important consideration for your home office, so make sure you opt for a solution that minimises eyestrain. Keeping windows uncovered is a good idea, providing positive feelings as you focus on your tasks. A desk with the right electronic equipment is another factor to keep in mind. You want to ensure that the desk provides enough storage space so you can store items away once completed, ensuring the work surface remains clean. On https://vepa.co.uk , you can look through multiple types of desks and choose the one that matches your needs and preference.
Make sure you have reliable technology
Working remotely has its advantages, but the cons can be significant. For example, a poor internet connection can make it difficult to work on your tasks. At the same time, your system could crash during an important meeting, reflecting a lack of professionalism. For remote workers, a working system and good internet connectivity are vital tools.
However, to obtain an effective system and a solid network, it is essential to research the technology’s speed, specifications and, of course, pricing. Consider looking them up on different e-commerce sites before making a decision. If necessary, ask your peers for recommendations, as they may be able to help you with it.
Maintain a healthy work-life balance
It’s easy to lose track of time when working from home, but being a workaholic won’t positively impact your life. Instead, you should strive for a healthy work-life balance. Work is indeed necessary, but it isn’t everything in life, and you should also make time for social activities and hobbies.
Hence, make sure to set flexible work hours to ensure you don’t deprive yourself of much-needed free time. Before you start focusing on your tasks for the day, set a timer to remind you that your work time has ended. Once the timer kicks in, call it a day, move away from your home office, and do something you enjoy.
Create a to-do list or a planner
You’ve likely heard of To-do lists before – they are an index of tasks that you must finish over the course of a day, organised depending on priority. Their purpose is to help you monitor your progress and ensure you will complete the more critical tasks during hours when you are the most productive. Creating a To-do list can help you remain focused and make daily tasks more doable.
A planner is also efficient and can be used to keep track of all your work deadlines and meetings. With this accountability tool, you no longer have to worry about remembering office chores. As a remote worker, holding yourself accountable is crucial, and prioritising your tasks can help you achieve great results.
Remember to take breaks
You should never underestimate the importance of regular breaks. Working for 8 hours straight decreases your productivity, meaning that you won’t succeed in providing quality work. You must give your mind and body a break; otherwise, you will easily get exhausted. So, set a time for breaks, and walk around or play some relaxing music.
While it may seem counterintuitive, allowing yourself downtime will, in fact, help you focus better and be creative. Once the break is over, it may seem challenging to get back to work, but you can make it easier by setting a goal you want to accomplish. Make sure to avoid social media when relaxing; otherwise, it won’t be easy to get back into work mode.
Move your body
Exercise plays a crucial role in your work performance, so you should get into the habit of moving your body as much as possible. Working out will enhance blood flow to the brain, sharpening your mind and keeping you alert.
Moreover, it boosts your endorphin levels, increasing your happiness and overall life satisfaction. So, try to engage in some physical activity for at least 15 minutes a day. It can be difficult to find the motivation to exercise regularly when working from your home, but you must push yourself to achieve physical – and mental- well-being.
The bottom line
Remote work is a reality of the modern world, eliminating commuting time and providing employees greater flexibility and autonomy. However, despite its advantages, working from home can be difficult with many distractions.
Hence, it is crucial to set up a space dedicated only to work and build habits that will help you maximise your productivity. Make this space as functional and comfortable as possible – consider adding some greenery or a subtle scent if you think that may help you focus better. And, of course, don’t forget to recharge during the day.
