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It’s nearing the end of 2021…who knew we would still be living in a world of working from home? Have you adjusted yet? Is it working for you? It’s ok if the answer is, “No!”
With all the challenges of working from home, AF Consulting Team has come up with our top tips to help you increase productivity (and sanity) while navigating a new work/life balance.
Claim Your Space
Whether you live alone, with your cat, or with your three kids under four years old, it is imperative that you designate a workspace. Now that so many of us are working from home, it can be increasingly difficult to separate the work/home mentality.
Your workspace can have a direct impact on your focus, mood, and overall productivity. You need the separate space to allow you to really engage in your work and then disengage when the work is complete.
Ideally, we would all have a dedicated home office, but even if you claim a spare bedroom, a section of the bar countertop, or a desk in the closet, it’s important that you make it your own and remove all possible distractions.
You Down with OCD?
It’s no secret that I revel in the glory of an organized space. In my home office, this is even more important since nothing kills the workflow like having to leave the room in search of a stapler.
Just because “working from home” has an unknown timeline, doesn’t mean you should sacrifice organization. Stock up on essentials like a filing cabinet and desk organizer (see some of my favorites on Minimalist Office Must Haves HERE) to help you stay on track during the day.
When the workday is complete, clean up your desk, especially if it is in a common area, and close out your files to signal, if only to yourself, that the day is done. Enjoy your evening and leave work “at work.”
Are you looking to grow your business from your home base? Contact AF Consulting Team today for a clarity call!
Equip Yourself
The right equipment can change everything.
- Do you need a laptop or multiple screens?
- How is your at-home internet connection?
- Should you invest in a headset or noise-canceling headphones?
- Do you need to upgrade your printer?
Every job has different requirements, so it’s crucial to look at what your work needs are when you’re working from home.
Stay Safe
Working from home opens the door to a slew of cyber security holes. Don’t be the one who leaks client and company credit card information!
If needed, look into specialty software to safeguard your systems.
Know Thyself (and Thy Distractions)
One of the hardest parts of working from home is all the distractions! Refrigerator? Check. TV? Check. Pet needs a potty break? Check. Plumber comes to the door? The distractions are literally endless!
If you know you are prone to certain distractions (*cough* Facebook), then make it a point to cut those out of your workday. Turn off notifications. Separate yourself, if not physically, then mentally, from the things that suck your productivity the most.
If your distraction is due to the environment (“Mom, I can’t find my socks!), you will need a plan to handle these situations before they arise. Set up boundaries and expectations so you (and everyone else) can value and respect your time.
Communicate
If you are working remotely with a team, you must communicate with them in some way, shape, or form. If you are in the position of authority, it is even more important that you make the effort to connect with your team (see How to Manage Your Team Remotely).
It is also imperative that you use the correct type of communication:
- Need an answer right away? It may be time to pick up the phone.
- Does Amanda (*cough*) screen her phone calls? Maybe send a text before calling.
- Is it a sensitive or confidential topic? Try a face-to-face Zoom call.
- Can it wait until tomorrow? Shoot an email and even specify your timeline.
You’d be amazed how promptly and properly someone responds when you set up your expectations from the get-go.
Get Moving!
Are you used to commuting to work? Try replacing that with a home workout! You can dedicate the same amount of time and get so much more out of it, body and spirit.
Use physical fitness to break up your daily tasks, without the fear of someone looking at you funny as you stretch at your desk. Score!
Bonus: you can stock the refrigerator with healthy treats instead of hitting the vending machine.
Forgive Yourself
Working from home is hard, super hard, and it will require a lot of flexibility. Be sure you are flexible with yourself, too.
How does working from home work for you?
Are you looking for help navigating your work/home life? AF Consulting Team can give you valuable tools to help you manage and get ahead! Contact us TODAY.
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