Remote work has become quite common because of the pandemic. However, not every employee is having an easy time adjusting to changes because they have to work from home, a place we usually associate with relaxation.
If you are in a similar situation and cannot find your rhythm as a remote employee, do not expect things to solve on their own. No, you need to take action now because it is difficult to predict when things will go back to normal, i.e., returning to work at the usual office.
Use Communication Tools
It is necessary to keep in touch with your coworkers to make sure that everybody is on the same project. Since you cannot interact in person, the odds of miscommunication increase and you risk making mistakes.
You could get everyone on a google talk app for mac or software like Zoom to run video calls. For chatting, there are platforms like Discord and Slack, though they both also offer the option to call and video chat with others.
Another thing to note is that you can also take some time off the actual work and have a chat with your colleagues. Work-unrelated conversations are a nice change of pace and can help you clear your mind, which is also a must to maintain productivity.
Get Rid of Distractions
There might be more distractions at home than you expect. And you will not really notice them before you actually need to get some work done.
Let’s start with the devices you use. A computer may bombard you with notifications about how you need to install the latest system updates or your antivirus to protect the network. Make sure that such updates are installed when you are not working so that they do not bother you.
Shortcuts to video games may be tempting as well. It is recommended to remove them from the desktop, so you do not end up procrastinating the work and spending time playing video games instead.
Similar to your computer, a smartphone is also a source of entertainment. Browsing social media, playing mobile games, or just texting with friends will lead to poor productivity if you do not put the smartphone away.
Besides computers and smartphones, people you live with could also prove to be a problematic bunch. It is necessary to establish boundaries and let them know that they should not disturb you while you are working unless it is an emergency.
Lastly, if you have noisy neighbors, talk and let them know that you are working from home and that they should keep things down. Involving authorities is the last thing either of the parties would want, right?
It is already difficult to work at home and find motivation when you could be relaxing and procrastinating. All those distractions are not helping, and it is worth your while to eliminate as many of them as you can.
Stick to Schedule
When you have distractions at home, you end up working late to meet the deadlines. And working late also means going to bed and waking up later than you would like. First of all, such a lifestyle is not good for one’s health, and it messes with the schedule.
Sleeping an extra hour sounds nice, and you should do it if there is no need to wake up early so that you can get to work on time. However, do not get in the habit of waking up at the last second or going to bet at an unreasonable hour.
Even if it is difficult to stick to a schedule, you should still do your best to maintain proper work hours.
Also, avoid having light lunch. No, instead, have a proper meal despite the fact that you may need to cook it yourself. Making food will be another opportunity to take a few minutes off work and think about something else.
Having a breath of fresh air is also a good piece of advice. There may be some restrictions in your area because of the pandemic. However, if you have an opportunity to go outside for a bit, take it. Similar to how there is time for working, there should also be time for a short break.
Reward Yourself
Knowing that there is a reward waiting for you at the end of a long day could be the best motivation producer. Even something simple like a treat inside a fridge could help you push through the day and finish work on time so that you can enjoy it in the evening.
Or maybe your favorite TV show released a new episode, and you are eager to watch it? If so, it would feel more rewarding to watch it after you are done with work.