[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”7033″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text]With all the changes and adjustments that’s been happening due to the pandemic, working from home has been the work setup trend for most businesses. Although some employees may have already been working remotely prior for some time now, others may still be coping up with this new arrangement. 

While working from home may sound convenient, it poses some challenges to employees as well. For some, remote work means more distractions, social isolation, and less productivity. Also, work-from-home eliminates the collaboration and connection of employees with one another. [/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”7034″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text]So, here are some tips on making work-from-home successful for employees.

1. Have a routine 

When working on-site, we follow a routine like waking up at a particular time, taking a shower, wearing working clothes, and others. But just because you are working from home does not mean you have to change everything. You can still stick to your routine like you’re about to work in the office.    

While working from home, it will still help if you follow a fixed schedule like what you do in the office. If you’re used to working from 9 AM to 5 PM, continue that routine at home. Ensure that all tasks needed for the day are done within working hours. However, knowing when to work and when to call it a day should help you maintain a work-life balance.     

Create a routine that you can follow every workday. This way, it will be easier for you to adjust to your new setup. 

2. Find a dedicated workspace

One of the best things that remote working gives is the level of comfort. However, it can come at the cost of lost productivity and Focus.  

In the office, you have your own workstation where you do your tasks. Try to recreate that with a designated physical workspace at home. It doesn’t have to be your own room. It can be a table on the corner of your dining room or a table a few steps away from your bed. 

Also, try to make your workspace comfortable enough to work for eight hours a day. Choose a cozy chair and an area with good natural lighting if possible. 

Having a dedicated workspace will let you focus and stay on the task. In addition, it will allow you to separate work from home. It reminds you that you are working and sets your mind and body into “work mode.” 

3. Choose the proper tools and equipment

Having the right tools and equipment can help you stay productive and efficient with working from home.  

Good internet connectivity is the most important tool for remote employees. Most tasks need thorough research and collaboration, and having a stable connection is a must. The same applies to a good personal computer or laptop. If your equipment breaks off every now and then, it can delay your work.  

Aside from the equipment, you also need to have the proper tools to help you stay connected and productive. This includes tools for communication, collaboration, and productivity. There is no replacement for face-to-face office experience, but communication tools can provide an alternative solution to in-person collaboration.   

And since working remotely might make you feel isolated from your co-workers, video conferencing tools can help you stay connected with your colleagues. These tools can help ensure that you are on the same page with your team. 

4. Take care of yourself

When doing remote work, you must practice self-care. One of the perks of working from home is the free access to the kitchen. Most likely, you would grab some snacks every break time (or during working hours). But keep in mind that having a healthy diet is essential for someone who is working. Try to eat more vegetables and fruits, plus choose energizing meals. 

Also, find time for regular exercise. Sitting all day isn’t healthy, so try to do some occasional stretching during breaks. Bring out a yoga mat or ride your stationary bike.  

You may take some naps during your break to help you stay productive and keep your energy level up. It can help improve your focus and keep your spirits high. Get out of the house during your free time. Vitamin D and fresh air will be crucial to your health as they can help clear your head and keep you motivated. 

5. Dress for success 

It can be tempting to work in your pajamas or sweatpants when working at home. Although it is one of the perks of working remotely, dressing up in your work clothes is highly recommended.  

You don’t literally have to be in full-on office attire, but wearing something casual or a bit presentable can help condition your mind that it’s time to work. Getting dressed also means taking care of the other appearance-related chores like taking a bath, brushing your teeth, or combing your hair as you used to when going to the office. 

6. Manage distractions

It can be difficult to stay productive when working from home as there can be many distractions. There might be kids bugging you all the time, unnecessary noise from the television, or even the sound of construction outside your home. But there are some things you can do to become successful with working from home.  

This is where having a dedicated workspace comes in. It will free you from all the distractions and help you focus on your work only. You may also use headphones to eliminate auditory distractions. Listen to music that will help you focus while working. 

In addition, for employees with children, you could take turns with your partner or spouse in watching the kids and working. This will help with your productivity, and it will be easier for you to focus on work. 

7. Separate work time from personal time

When stuck on a task or assignment, you may overlook the time and realize that you had been working beyond the regular hours. There is a popular cliche that goes, “work smart, not hard.” You don’t have to burn yourself out to make people see that you are working hard.    

If you have set hours for work, met your deadlines, and completed tasks for the day, clock out at the end of your shift. Shut down your laptop or PC and restrain yourself from checking or responding to work-related e-mails unless they’re important or urgent.     

After office hours should be dedicated to your family or yourself. It is a time to recharge and refresh for the next day’s work.  

8. Break up your day 

Working continuously throughout the day can be draining. It is hard to stay focused and motivated without pause. Plus, seeing a lot of tasks on your to-do list can demotivate you for the day. If you are working on a big project, you can make it more manageable by breaking it down into smaller tasks.  

Breaking a huge task into smaller ones offers an effective way to reset your focus, get the juice flowing, and prepare yourself for tackling the next chunk of tasks. Studies reveal that taking 15 – 20 minute breaks can help boost your productivity. It’s enough for the brain to disengage and make you feel refreshed. Taking longer than that may cause you to lose focus and derail momentum on what you are doing.  

Conclusion 

The work-from-home arrangement isn’t something new as it has been practiced for years already. It may be challenging at first, but you can make the most out of it.  

The best thing to do is to figure out what works for you. Find ways on how you will be more productive and focused on doing tasks. Take care of yourself, make necessary adjustments, and be kind to yourself if you struggle to adjust.   

Working from home can be exciting and empowering. But keep in mind that there are added responsibilities when it comes to this new work setup. Self-discipline and focus are always necessary. 

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Working from home may be convenient for some but it can also cause some challenges and difficulties. To make the most out of it, it is important to know what works for you. Figure out how you can be more productive while taking care of yourself. 

In Support Services Group, we support a better work-life balance for our employees. We build a culture of trust and care by encouraging them to take breaks and vacations when needed, offering flexible working schedules, and recognizing their hard work.  

Visit our Careers Page and be a part of our SSG family! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]