For the last ten years or so, working from home has been my reality. Before making the switch to freelancing, and thus working from home, I used to work in a corporate setting. So I know how things look from both sides of the divide. I know the challenges of switching from a corporate setting to an informal one.
However, thankfully, I've had some experience dealing with these challenges. If you're just making the sudden switch to working from home because of the coronavirus pandemic, then I have to say, don't be scared. It may look impossible now, but there is a way to work from home and reach maximum productivity.
Of course, the fact that this switch is sudden and many firms haven't yet developed the needed structures and command chains to make it work may slow progress. Organizations and schools are trying to create a work from home system at a speed that is unhealthy, and the uncertainty of the quarantine makes it even worse.
The good news is that, even though the business structure may not be streamlined or optimized for working from home, you can optimize your working habits. That way, regardless of the way things turn out further up the command chain, you'll be ready and we'll be equipped to face the challenges ahead.
Act As If Nothing Has Changed
Working from home requires a conscious change in mentality. As you probably know, your work mood and home mood are two different things. To be successful in this journey, you have to make a conscious effort to not have your home mood at home. This can be very difficult because it requires you forgetting what your surrounding actually look like. However, with a few tricks, you can trick your mind into getting into that work mood.
One of the best ways to do this is by waking up at the time you usually do when preparing for work. Dress up (yes, in work clothes) and go somewhere, maybe a secluded part of the house, where you have your home office environment.
And yes, that part is pretty important too. You must have a work environment. Sitting up on your bed to work just won't cut it. I've discovered that one of the best things you can get when setting up a work environment is a standing desk, and I would recommend the Flexispot AlcoveRiser Standing Desk Converter. It has an extra spacious workspace that can accommodate a desktop and laptop. It has flexible height movement and will help you work while standing up. Of course, this will fix your posture and reduce your likelihood of developing backaches.
Have A List Of Things To Accomplish
When you're working from home you must understand that you're responsible for your own schedule. Since you have to be your own manager and have to manage your own productivity, it's important that you have a list of things you must accomplish for the day.
Before each day, write down the things you want to accomplish. Make sure your to-do list is healthy and does not impose unrealistic expectations on you. When you're done, mark out the ones you've accomplished. That will serve as a source of motivation and will help you increase your level of productivity.
At the end of the day, write down the list of things you want to accomplish on the next day.
Stay In Touch
Working from home, especially when you're part of a larger team, has a lot to do with communication. If you used to have a weekly meeting, try to make it daily. And if you never used to have a team conference, you should probably start having one. It's also important that you don't miss meetings. This will also keep the team spirit up.
Distractions Are Okay
One of the biggest myths of working from home is that you have to avoid distractions at all costs. But to work better, you must accept that some of these distractions cannot be avoided. Of course, some can be prevented, but some cannot, especially in this period where schools are closed.
The most reasonable way to deal with these distractions, especially unavoidable ones, is to get them out of the way early. For example, if you're dealing with children, explain to them that they can only disturb you once in two hours. That way, they will only come to you when absolutely necessary.
Try To Work Out
If you cannot get the AlcoveRiser Standing Desk Converter, then you should consider getting a desk bike like the Deskbike V9. That way, even when you're working, you'll be able to work out. This is important because working from home may encourage a sedentary lifestyle, and you absolutely do not need that. A more active work station will generally improve your quality of life, and by extension, your quality of work.
