5 important tips to stay productive even when working from home
For a long time, going to the office every day was the norm for most employees and gave the working day a fixed structure. The coronavirus crisis changed this from one day to the next and turned the home office into the new working environment for millions of employees. This situation will not change in the coming months due to current developments.
Even if many employees are happy about their newfound freedom, there are numerous distractions lurking in the home office that prevent them from concentrating on their work. With our 5 most important tips, we can help you stay productive even when working from home.
#1 Set up your workstation correctly
A suitable workspace is the be-all and end-all when it comes to working productively from home. This starts with choosing the right place for your workspace. Having your own study is probably the best case scenario, but in most cases this is not possible. If you don't have your own room, you should make sure when choosing a workspace that it can be separated from the living area, for example with plants or a shelf that serves as a room divider. Only use individual items of furniture during working hours. Only sit on your work chair while you are working. Only switch on the work lamp when you are sitting at your desk. In this way, your brain can be specifically conditioned to be in work mode as soon as you use the objects.
The workplace should also have sufficient daylight. This increases well-being and therefore has a direct impact on productivity.
Suitable office furniture is essential for setting up the right workplace. If you spend several hours a day sitting in front of a screen, ergonomic furniture is a must. This includes the desk, which should offer sufficient space for all work equipment and materials. Even more important is a suitable office chair. A large seat and individually adjustable backrest effectively prevent health problems and pain.
Tip: Talk to your employer about the equipment for your home office. According to the Workplace Ordinance, your employer must ensure that employees also work at an ergonomic workstation when working from home.
Find out what else is important when setting up your home office workstation here:
#2 Separate professional and private life
The biggest danger of an unproductive working day is the numerous distractions within your own four walls. Just doing the laundry, leaving the TV on on the side or preparing an extensive lunch - distractions are "lurking" everywhere.
It is best to log out of your social media accounts during working hours. If it is not your company cell phone, switch your smartphone to airplane mode or at least put it out of reach. Postpone housework until after work.
#3 A structured working day
While working in the office usually involves a fixed daily routine of work and break times, working from home offers more freedom. Create this structure for yourself when working at home too. Define fixed starting times when you start work in the morning. The same applies to finishing work. Work and private life quickly become blurred, especially when working from home. Draw a clear line at the end of the day. That way, you can start the next working day feeling rested.
Regular breaks are important. They help to clear your head and recharge your batteries. Scientists are also constantly looking into the question of the optimal rhythm between concentrated work and break times. According to one study, the optimum ratio is 52/17, meaning that 52 minutes of focused work should be followed by a 17-minute break. This ensures maximum productivity during the work phase. But remember to actually switch off during the break.
To-do lists help you to focus on the important tasks, and not just when working from home. Prioritize the tasks at the beginning of the week according to urgency and importance and set yourself clear goals as to which tasks should be completed by the end of the week or day.
#4 Get out of your sweatpants
Working in jogging bottoms or pyjamas may sound tempting to many, but this does not separate private and work life. Of course, this does not mean that you have to wear a suit at home. However, experience has shown that the right clothing helps you to mentally prepare for work and be much more focused and concentrated. You should make sure you look neat and tidy, at the latest during the video conference with your boss or customer.
#5 Exercise and pay attention to your diet
If you don't have to leave home in the morning, you move around a lot less. The trips to the office to see colleagues or to the coffee machine are also eliminated when working from home. So find a balance when working from home. Regular exercise promotes health and prevents pain.
Even a short walk after lunch helps you to stay more active, switch off and recharge your batteries. Alternatively, there are numerous sports exercises that can be easily integrated into your working day. Sports equipment such as resistance bands or light weights provide additional options.
But it's not just exercise that makes you more energetic, the right diet also ensures better performance. Take proper breaks for breakfast and lunch instead of eating in front of the computer. Plan your meals at the beginning of the week and buy everything you need for them. Some dishes can be pre-cooked.
Don't forget: Nutrition also includes drinking plenty of fluids. You should drink at least 1.5 liters a day.
Looking for the right equipment for your home office workstation? At Lendis you will find a large selection of suitable products.
