Did you ever think we would see a day when the abbreviation “WFH” was so easily identifiable? Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, many people abruptly found themselves working from home almost overnight. Dining room tables became workspaces, and kitchen cabinets became the backdrop for Zoom calls. While some have returned to a traditional office setting, many people are still working from home (WFH) in some capacity.
Sure, working remotely sounds excellent, but staying organized and distraction-free can be challenging for some. So if you find yourself looking for ways to stay motivated while continuing to work from the comfort of your home, here are some productivity tips to keep in mind!
Create a Routine: This is especially true in the morning. Creating a daily routine where you have a cup of coffee and breakfast each day before you open your email (yes, even on your phone) can help keep you focused throughout the day. Another component of an effective daily routine is getting up, taking a shower, and getting dressed and ready as if you were heading out the door to an office.
Schedule Your Time Wisely: You know there are times of day when you are more productive than others. Make sure to schedule your time wisely, keeping this idea in mind. If you often go into a mental slump after lunch, set aside that time to check your emails. Establish the best time of day for you to complete your most important tasks without any interruptions.
Embrace Batch Work: Batch work is the idea of grouping similar tasks together to improve your efficiency and productivity. It’s a great way to cut down on the stresses of your job, while also improving the quality of your work.
Identify a Dedicated Workspace: There’s nothing worse than needing to be productive but feeling scattered. Identifying a dedicated workspace in your home can help with this. Find somewhere that you can work and remain free of distractions—ideally, a room with a door that you can close when needed.
Give Yourself a Break: Yes, you still need breaks even when working from home to maximize your efficiency. Remember, you’re not driving to and from the office anymore, so carve that time out of your day and give yourself a break. Take a walk, make personal phone calls, go shopping, or grab lunch at a nearby restaurant. It will recharge your batteries!
Learn to Love “Do Not Disturb”: Electronic devices can quickly become a distraction with notifications popping up non-stop throughout the day. Learn to love the “do not disturb” feature on your phone(s), tablets, and work email. It’s okay not to respond to your messages right away. They can easily distract you and steal your focus, so carve out some dedicated time throughout the day to check in.
Find Time to Decompress: It is common for those who work from home to go, go, go, go, go until they can’t go anymore. But are you the best version of your work self when you do this? Certainly not. Find time to decompress. Go outside and take a walk. Get some fresh air. It can be a significant asset to your mood and energy level!
Take Sick Days: Working from home may tempt you into continuing to work when you’re not well. After all, it’s a lot easier to continue working with a cold in your pajamas from the comfort of your fluffy bed. But you should take sick days when you need them, just like you would if you were working in a traditional office setting. Your long-term wellness is essential!
Be Flexible, But Establish Boundaries: Working from home is not only an adjustment for you but also for your family members (four-legged ones included). Things are bound to come up, but establish boundaries with your family, so they know that your dedicated work time is just that. When it comes to pets, closing your workspace door and establishing a set routine for feeding and walk times can be a huge help.
Set Office Hours: Time is money, but working away incessantly will take its toll. So, establish set hours when working from home, including start and end times. Set a schedule and stick to it, which can help you achieve a more harmonious work-life balance.
Our team is here to support you and your escrow needs, regardless of if you’re working from home or the office. Please reach out if we can be of assistance.