Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began to make its way across the U.S., many people were looking into the possibility of remote work. Now, jobs that weren’t remote before are being handled from home, so the ability to find work from home jobs as increased. You may have always hoped for a remote work environment but if you’ve never worked from home, it can be an adjustment. Here are a few tips to help you stay productive.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
Working at a kitchen table will be fine for a few weeks, but any longer and you’ll need something better. A dedicated workspace is important for several reasons. First, you need to be comfortable when working. Your desk at your office is probably configured to be the ideal workplace, so consider what you need at home.
For most people, a desk and a good chair are enough. If you don’t have a separate office, try to place your desk in an out of the way area of the home so you can avoid distractions when necessary.
Establish Boundaries
People who have worked from home for a while will tell you, boundaries are essential. When you do work from home, there will be plenty of people in your life that think you have all the time in the world during the day. They may ask for your attention when you should be concentrating on your work.
Make sure you communicate your work schedule and set boundaries with your friends and family. It’s okay to say no when you have other things to work on.
Take Breaks
Another trap that people fall into while working from home not taking breaks. You figure you’re so close to your desk and you can access your work systems and emails all day, so you feel obligated to be in constant contact. But that isn’t sustainable from a mental well-being perspective.
You need to give yourself breaks throughout the day. It’s okay to take a lunch hour even if you’re only a few feet from your computer while you eat. It’s okay not to check your emails at night when you would typically be spending time with your family.
Set a Schedule
For this reason, it’s helpful to create a schedule for working from home just like you would. While you’ve eliminated your commute, you shouldn’t eliminate your start and end time for the job. Get up every day just like you would for work and get ready.
At the end of the day, make a list of the things you need to take care of the next day and turn off your computer. You don’t need to check in throughout the evening. Just like working in an office, it can wait until the next day.
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