5 important tips for staying productive in the home office
For a long time, going to the office every day was the norm for most employees and gave a fixed structure to the working day. The Corona crisis changed this from one day to the next and made the home the new working environment for millions of workers. This situation will not change in the coming months due to current developments.
Even though many employees are happy about their new-found freedom, there are numerous distractions lurking in the home office that prevent concentrated work. With our 5 most important tips, we will help you stay productive in your home office.
#1 Set up the workplace correctly
A suitable workplace is the be-all and end-all for working productively in a home office. This starts with choosing the right place for your workspace. Having your own study is probably the ideal case, but in most cases this is not possible. If you do not have a room of your own, you should make sure that the work area can be separated from the living area, for example by plants or a shelf that serves as a room divider. Only use individual items of furniture during working hours. You only sit on your work chair when you are working. Switch on the work lamp only when you are sitting at your desk. In this way, the 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 thus has a direct influence on productivity.
Suitable office furniture is an essential part of setting up the right workstation. If you spend several hours a day sitting in front of a computer 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 damage to health and pain.
Tip: Talk to your employer about the equipment of your home office. According to the Workplace Ordinance, the employer must ensure that employees work at an ergonomic workplace in the home office.
Here you can find out what else is important when setting up a home office:
#2 Separate professional and private life
The greatest danger for an unproductive working day are the numerous distractions within one's own four walls. Just doing the laundry, leaving the TV on or preparing a long lunch, distractions "lurk" everywhere.
It is best to log out of your social media accounts during working hours. If it's not your company mobile phone, switch your smartphone to aeroplane mode or at least put it out of reach. Postpone chores until after work.
#3 A structured working day
While working in an office usually imposes a fixed daily routine of working hours and breaks, the home office offers more freedom. Create this structure for yourself when working at home. Define fixed times when you start work in the morning. The same applies to the end of the day. Especially in the home office, work and private life quickly become blurred. Also draw a clear line in the evening. This way you can start the next day well rested.
Regular breaks are important. They help to clear the mind and recharge the batteries. Time and again, scientists also deal with the question of the optimal rhythm between concentrated work and break times. According to one study, the optimal ratio is 52/17. 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 to focus on the important tasks, not only in the home office. Prioritise the tasks at the beginning of the week according to urgency and importance and set clear goals for which tasks should be completed by the end of the week or day.
#4 Get out of your sweatpants
Working in sweatpants or pyjamas may sound tempting to many, but it does not separate work and private life. Of course, this does not mean that you have to wear a suit at home. However, experience has shown that the right clothes help to prepare mentally for work and to be much more focused and concentrated. At the latest for the video conference with the boss or the client, one should pay attention to a proper appearance.
#5 Exercise and watch your diet
If you no longer have to leave home in the morning, you move much less. The trips in the office to colleagues or to the coffee machine are also eliminated in the home office. That's why you should try to find a balance in your home office. Regular exercise promotes health and prevents pain.
Even a short walk after lunch helps you stay more active, switch off and recharge your batteries. Alternatively, there are numerous sports exercises that can be easily integrated into your daily work routine. Sports equipment such as resistance bands or light weights create additional possibilities.
But it's not just exercise that makes you more energetic, the right diet also helps you perform better. 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 for them. Some meals can be cooked in advance.
Don't forget: Nutrition also includes drinking enough. At least 1.5 litres should be consumed daily.
Looking for the right equipment for your home office? At Lendis you will find a large selection of suitable products.
