WORK FROM HOME (WFH) SITUATION!
Homebound, pajamas, zoom meetings…. very relatable!!
Amidst the ongoing global pandemic, majority of firms have imposed work-from-home policies which means tackling with remote working challenges besides the world health crisis. For many, WFH is a new reality, one that takes some getting used to, and can throw up major challenges around productivity and motivation.
As the pandemic stretches on and the number of cases surging, the work-from-home situation maybe for an extended period of time rather than a day here and there. While some workplaces have given the flexibility to work, few are still following the work-from-home norms and have asked the employees to work remotely
FINDING YOUR MOTIVATION AND PRODUCTIVITY DWINDLING WHILE WFH?
COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost everything about our lives, including how we work. Staying inspired and systematic can be tough when it’s a ‘forced’ situation. Endless online work calls, cooking and cleaning, children needing guidance on their homeschooling assignments, and everything else in-between - all this can be mentally and physically exhausting.
Here's exactly how you can succeed as a remote worker in the days of social distancing and WFH –
SCHEDULE YOUR DAY
Following a set schedule is an important thing to do to stay motivated and constructive when working remotely. Having a definite schedule with fixed working hours and a list of tasks for the day helps prevent things from getting chaotic and better time management. Furthermore, you are more likely to stay focused and achieve your self-recommended targets for the day. Targets give you a sense of accountability and of attainment when you meet them without any delay.
GET READY, GET DRESSED
Staying in your pajamas all day may sound tempting but it can make you feel disoriented and less productive overall. Maintaining a daily routine of getting ready is the key when working from home as there is a lot of leverage in morning time regimen and how it boosts your productivity throughout the day. Hence, the best way to positively influence a healthy routine is by getting active and getting ready as energy, motivation and performance are essentially associated with how you feel mentally and physically. This might seem like a plain jane tip but most imperative.
DEDICATE A SEPARATE WORK SPACE
Working from the comfort of your bed, working in the entertainment room with kids running around or any such space that has distractions, is a recipe for disaster. Choosing where your workspace is located is possibly the biggest determining factor for productivity and inspiration. You need a space that promotes productivity and doesn’t interfere with the life of others at home. The right kind of work setup gets you into the right headspace, extremely focused, helps achieve better results and get more done in less time.
WORK DURING YOUR MOST PRODUCTIVE HOURS
Nobody can work non-stop from morning to evening -- your productivity and motivation to work will ebb and flow throughout the day. When you're working from home, it's extremely important to know about these hours and slots so that you can plan your work schedule around it.
To make the most during your productive hours, save all tough tasks for when you know you'll be in the right zone to take them. Use your low energy phases of the day to pick the easier & doable tasks that can be easily accomplished without much hassles.
STAY CONNECTED AND COMMUNICATE
We are all social and emotional creatures and while it is extremely imperative to focus on output and getting the work done, the major part of success relies on the ability of teams to collaborate, share ideas, and trust one another. Besides work, keeping in touch with them beyond work meetings helps you to stay motivated. The type of connectivity you will experience will feel different but it goes a long way to give you that in-person experience and can still be just as productive.
TAKE A BREAK, LOOK AROUND, FIND A HUMAN
Tiny breaks, like cooking, and eating lunch, playing with your child, watching a TV show or listening to some peppy music can recharge you to do better work. Don't behave like a superhuman which you are clearly not. You don't need work 100% of the time or 24x7 while you're home to be more productive. It is a good idea to see another face during the day. Use your breaks to get away from your desk or take a quick stroll.
During these times when so much is out of our control, focusing on what you can control and taking practical steps to stay motivated can make working from home a breeze.
