DEVELOPING THE RIGHT WORK-FROM-HOME ATTITUDE

Although the COVID-19 pandemic may have brought the globe to a standstill, it has also increased the popularity and acceptance of remote working. Everyone is talking about working from home, and I bet you are no exception.

Working from home may seem like a dream to you. You don’t have to leave your house, and you can get more sleep, In addition to certain advantages like saving money on transportation and eating out.

However, because of the constant struggle for self-discipline, you may find that your productivity is at its lowest when working from home.

Working from home isn’t always as enjoyable as we make it out to be. It can be exhausting at times if you ask me. I’ve recently noticed that I’ve been yearning for a different work setting. However, what is most important is the work to be done. So how can you develop the right work-from-home attitude?

Have the Right Setup

The ideal setup for remote working is to create a home office. Of course, the office doesn’t have to be elaborate. It all depends on the available space. It should be organised, practical, and comfortable to an extent. Your home office should also have a desk with moderate leg space (for comfort), an ergonomic chair, your laptop/computer, an active and stable internet connection, and stationery. The most important thing for your workspace is that there’s no noise. Your office should be a quiet zone, and you should control how others access it. 

This set-up could be in the corner of your living room or bedroom. What is important is that you make it an office space for the day. Working from the comfort of your bed or couch might stifle productivity. Some people might be able to make it work, but we both know it’s almost impossible to work from your bed.

Be Punctual

Punctuality is an area in which I have struggled while attempting to develop the right work-from-home attitude. When it comes to resuming work, I find myself dragging my feet. However, I recently made several changes that improved the quality of my work, part of which is starting on time. Punctuality should not be overlooked because you are not required to show up at the office. You should resume work at the appointed time. Doing this would imply waking up on time and going about your day as if you were working on-site.

Have a Daily Schedule

One of the challenges of working from home is working without supervision. No one will do that except you! The best way to stay focused and get your tasks done would be to have a schedule or a to-do list. Break down your weekly/monthly goals into daily goals, and tackle them one at a time. This also helps you stay organised and keep track of your performance and productivity. 

Avoid Distractions

There are numerous distractions, ranging from your phone to the TV, to your family, to a host of others. If you are like me and spend two to three hours talking to your mom and sisters, then set boundaries on your time during work hours. Make it clear that no one should disturb your work; be firm. Keep your phone and other gadgets away from you, and use the ‘focus mode’ on your phone. Most smartphones have this feature, which reduces your screen/social media time, letting you focus on your job. Let’s not even get started on the frequent visits to the kitchen.

To have the right work-from -home-attitude, you would need to minimise all these distractions as much as possible.

Take Breaks and Be active

Staying indoors and sitting for long hours may cause you to feel bored, lazy, and uninspired to work. Exercise should be a part of your daily routine. Take short breaks at regular intervals to walk or stretch. Take a few minutes to read a few pages of a book. Being active also aids concentration.  

Work From A different Location At Least Once A Week

This one may not apply to everyone, but it is something to consider, especially if you enjoy being around people. We enjoy interacting with others and being around others. Working alone in the same place every day can become tedious and lonely. You can avoid this by working from a cafe or an office space once a week. You would be able to socialise and be around people. Occasionally leaving your usual location might increase productivity by keeping you renewed and prepared to return to your workspace.

There you have it!

Having the right work-from-home attitude is no walk in the park. However, as soon as you master it, you will enjoy the real work-from-home experience while maximising your productivity. 

I hope you find my tips beneficial. 

Do you struggle with working from home? How do you cope with it?

I would love to hear about your experience. Do leave a comment.