With the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world, work from home is a norm today. Offices are closed and businesses have embraced remote working models. While you may be happy about saving time on long commutes, getting used to the idea of being stuck to your desk with family around can actually drive you crazy. And even if you live alone, you will probably miss those busy team meetings, water cooler conversations, snack breaks, and even office politics. Now that work from home is here to stay, you will have to figure out how to stay sane through this massive change.
Get dressed
The first thing you must do is to get dressed every morning before sitting at your desk, as would do before going to the office. Being in your pajamas will make you feel lazy and unfocused. Moreover, it may send across a bad impression if you have a surprise video call with a client or your team. You need not be too formal, but dressing well, staying groomed and looking good can go a long way in unlocking your productivity potential even as you operate from home.
Have a dedicated workspace
As a rule of thumb, do not work from the bed or the living room. Make sure that you have a dedicated workspace that is comfortable and private. Even if you don't have a separate room, pick a quiet corner instead. Pay attention to the background because seeing kids running around or dirty clothes hanging on the wall behind is not the idea of a professional video conference for anyone. Moreover, a dedicated place lets you focus on work despite the distractions.
Get the right set-up
Remote set-up requires you to have the right tech in place, from your laptop to tablet, Wi-Fi, and other electronics. While your employer may provide you with the essentials, upgrading your stuff is a good idea because you may continue working from home in the future as well. If you are considering an upgrade for your electronics, shopping at retail sales is a great idea. You may explore online to look for a Best Buy weekly ad, flyer or circular and pick stuff at great prices. While the stores may not be open right now, they are still taking orders online and facilitating curbside pickup as well as delivering products at home
Maintain work-life balance
The biggest challenge with work from home is that you may end up losing work-life balance in the long run. Losing track of time and missing meals and sleep are the worst things to do. Maintain a routine and have boundaries and make them clear to the colleagues and family as well. Take short breaks and invest in your wellness with meditation and indoor exercise routine. Once you are firm about creating and maintaining this work-life balance, everyone will probably understand, be it your employer, co-workers, or family.
Acing work from home is not that tough, provided that you take the right approach. And this is something you should make conscious efforts for because remote working is surely here to stay!
Author Bio: Becky Wilson knows how to curate any piece of information for the reader. She has been with Outreach Monks for over 2 years now and loves every bit of her job.
