The pandemic brought too many unprecedented changes in our lives, and some of these changes are here to stay. Because of the worldwide lockdown and government control measures led to adoption of flexible work practices by many organizations like work-from-home model to safeguard their employees from the virus, and that's how work-from-home jobs became the new normal in several industries. It's been around 3 years now, and some people are still working from home seamlessly, and there are companies that are sticking to the post-covid office arrangement, if not completely then partially.
However, there are a group of people who enjoy working from home, whereas a group misses going to the office, chit chat with friends, having in-person team meetings, and so forth. Some workplaces are planning to come up with a hybrid model where employees would come to the office for a few days in the week and would work from home for the remaining days. So, here are a few tips and tricks to make working from home easier.
How to make work from home easy?
Working from home can be challenging sometimes. It requires dedication, discipline, and health consciousness. People often feel disconnected and their productivity may degrade. Keeping these factors in mind, below are a few tips to make work from home comfortable and effective:
1. Make your house WFH ready:
When you know that working from home is here to stay, investing in a few basics becomes necessary. Invest in good quality tools such as a suitable desk, an ergonomic chair, a mobile stand, adequate stationery items etc., making things simpler and easier.
2. Designate a peaceful place:
The foremost tip to make work from home easier and more productive is designating a dedicated space as your workstation.
Arrange a desk and a comfortable chair with good lighting. You may add some professional decor to give a proper feel to the ‘office’. Working from a bed or a sofa may make you feel lazy and distracted. It may also damages your body structure. A dedicated workspace helps you attain focus and work comfortably.
3. Make a regular schedule:
Sitting to work the minute you open your eyes isn’t the way to go. Maintaining a schedule regularly keeps you motivated and gives your day a proper structure. Consider getting up early, complete your morning routine, get dressed, and then start with your work. During your working hour, you may keep your phones away to avoid any distractions, if your work does not involve phone usage. Follow your schedule, complete all your tasks on time without procrastinating and log out on time. Don’t forget you have a life after office. That is how it can help you to make work from home easy.
4. Take well-defined breaks:
You may feel that working non-stop increases your productivity, but your physical and mental health may suffer in the long run. Hence, it is crucial to take small breaks in the middle of the work and stretch your body from time to time; it protects your eyes from continuously staring at the computer screen and saves your body from sitting in a similar position for the long term.
This way, you may feel more energetic and work effectively.
5. Set some basic rules:
When you work from home, it gets difficult to avoid distractions for the people who are staying with their families, and if they have children, it's even more difficult. That is why you need to discuss it with your family. Inform them about your working hours, and make them aware of the things not to do while you are on calls. Make some rules for yourself too:
- Do not take timelines for granted. Eat, work and sleep on time
- Keep distractions away
- Plan ahead
- Pretend that you are in your office.
6. Take leaves:
People often feel that taking a day off is unnecessary as they are already at home. Some even work when they are sick. Well, taking a leave while sick will help you get better, and rest or refreshment will recharge you, which may increase productivity.
7. Do not underestimate socialising:
Socialising is imperative for a good state of mind. Working from home can often leave you alone, isolated, and disconnected. Going out with colleagues or friends or meeting with them informally on an online platform helps you know each other better. You do not feel alone; you might feel comfortable working with your subordinates and superiors. You feel someone is there for you, which may uplift your mood and motivates you.
Conclusion
No matter if you are a newbie in the work-from-home environment or are well settled in this new normal now, you need to acknowledge that working from home and maintaining productivity may not also go hand in hand at times. While the challenges can be aplenty, the given tips will surely help you make your work from home easy, efficacious, and joyful.
Generic References:
1. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/earn/7-tips-to-make-work-from-home-easy/videoshow/74925884.cms
2. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/productivity-tips-working-from-home
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