When your house becomes your office, you need a whole new mindset to get things done.
There are so many distractions at home that pull your attention away from work, especially for people who live with their families. How does one make the best out of this reality?
SadaPay employees had the option of working from home well before the onset of COVID-19 so we were more prepared than most companies. Because of this, we’ve learned a great deal from our collective experiences on how to thrive in a remote-first setting.
So, without further ado, let’s shed light on some tips that have worked well for us during the past year:
Plan your day
The nature of each job is different and some may require flexible schedules but as much as possible, it is important to at least chalk out your goals for the day. To stay on schedule, segment what you’ll do and when you’ll do it during the day. It’s a good idea to prepare your lunch in advance so you don’t spend energy during the much-needed breather. It is also important to disconnect and take breaks that refresh you. Lastly, just as you should start your day with a routine, it also helps to reflect on what you were able to accomplish during the day and what should take your attention the next day.
Make dedicated workspace
Finding the perfect spot to work is one of the most important prerequisites of working from home productively. It is easier to get into ‘work’ mode when you have a designated space to focus on office tasks. Keep your workspace as tidy and comfortable as possible. A proper office desk and chair are highly recommended because these help you work better and maintain good posture.
Sit and stand, sit and stand
Sitting all day is not good for your health. It can lead to mental fatigue, back pain and weight gain. Work more movement into your day: stand up and stretch at least once an hour. Take a quick walk outside. Try standing at your desk for part of the day. Try to move around as much as you can. Getting some exercise, listening to music and staying hydrated can have a big impact on your productivity as it boosts your mood and reduces stress.
Master effective communication
Communication is the backbone of remote teams, so don’t neglect it. Over-communication does not mean you inform your team about every single thing you do. It is about knowing what your team is working on, when to discuss key decisions and keeping in sync with regards to deadlines, roadblocks and bottlenecks. Doing this well through channels like slack, email or WhatsApp can lead to better collaboration than even sitting together in the same vicinity.
Discover procrastination ‘hacks’ that work for you
Our brains are inherently programmed to put off tasks and the absence of a proper office environment/colleagues can make it more difficult to stay productive. Everyone has their own way of getting distracted and it is hence important to figure out what techniques work best for you. Some people find hourglasses or timers really useful to keep track of time, some like breaking down big tasks into micro-steps and some of us simply block out all distractions so nothing takes the focus away from the task at hand. The first step is to acknowledge you need better discipline and then try out different methods that bring out the most productive version of you.
The Bottomline
Above all else, figure out what works best for you. Having greater autonomy and a flexible schedule can be a wonderful opportunity to stand out as a professional. Keep faith in your ability to adapt and find the sweet spot in your work-life balance. Have compassion, understanding, and empathy for every colleague involved. No one knows when workplaces will return to normal but reflecting on your routine and work habits can help you thrive now and well into the future.
