With more people working remotely from home than ever before, we’re all finding ways to navigate this “new normal” and remain committed to our work. Here are a few tips we’ve picked up:
- Establish Your Space: If you don’t have a dedicated workspace, your entire house will end up becoming your office. Take time to create a clean and organized area for work, even if it’s at the dining room table. Setting a few boundaries with family can minimize distractions when you’re in your spot. If not, invest in some noise-cancelling headphones.
- Set Your Hours. By now you’re probably starting to see patterns in your productivity. While you should always be available for workday meetings, a flexible schedule may help you maintain your momentum. Create a (manager-approved) schedule that works for you, then stick with it!
- Keep Connecting. Talk to someone every day, but not just about work. Regular communication among team members is necessary to keep projects moving forward. However, ensuring that your coworkers feel engaged is just as important. To create an even better connection, share your video – and your smile!
- Prioritize… Then Unplug. Many managers fear their employees will slack off without oversight. In fact, remote workers tend to have a really hard time disconnecting. Challenge yourself with small goals each day to maintain productivity. Just be sure to take your time off seriously too, or you’ll risk burnout.
- Take Care of You. Most people aren’t productive in their pajamas. Take time to shower and put on clean “work clothes” (a slouchy tee is fine) before opening your laptop. Eat healthy meals, drink plenty of water, replace your commute with an afternoon walk, and get plenty of sleep. When you feel your best, it’s much easier to maintain a positive perspective.