There’s no denying how the pandemic has changed the work setup forever. It has paved the way for remote working, particularly the work from home (WFH) setup.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak in March of last year, most businesses and companies have adopted the WFH policy. This setup comes with a handful of benefits, albeit some remote employees have encountered inevitable challenges.
When working from home, the key is to eliminate some obstacles and improve your overall performance. There are plenty of ways to do so, but it all boils down to what works for you.
Fret not, as we’ve rounded up some practical tips for you. Here’s how to boost your WFH productivity and efficiency amidst the pandemic:
- Have a dedicated workspace
For your WFH setup, the initial step to take is to find the perfect place for working. It can be the space next to your bed or a separate room exclusively for working. Once you have a dedicated workspace, turn it into a home office. Be sure that it’s an ideal place for working. This means having zero-to-minimal distractions and offering a high level of comfort.
- Set your personal devices and resources in place
The next thing to do is install your devices like your laptop or desktop and set up other resources in place. You most likely need a desktop complete with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You probably need to invest in a camera, headphones, or even a speaker. Other necessary things include a docking station, a surge protector, or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). You must not even miss out on office supplies like papers and pens.
- Invest in ergonomic furniture pieces
To complete your workspace at home, consider investing in ergonomic furniture pieces. You can have a flexible ergonomic chair, a versatile side table, an executive steel desk, and even a pedestal for your home office. Be sure to sort and arrange these furniture pieces properly. Sure, you may have to spend some money on these, but they will pay off in the long run. Ultimately, working properly can translate to getting paid appropriately.
- Come up with a regular work schedule
It’s no problem if your employer requires you to work at certain hours. Just comply with your schedule by logging in and out on time and taking breaks in between. However, come up with regular working hours if you have a flexible work schedule. Following a particular routine will make you more productive and efficient. Why? Your system has already adjusted to these working hours.
- Employ time management
When it comes to boosting efficiency and productivity, time management is key. It doesn’t only entail coming up with a work schedule. You must have a conscious effort to track your time and monitor your accomplishments. It’s also about knowing the peak of your working hours and the need to take breaks. Ultimately, take deliberate action toward managing your time regularly.
- Separate personal and professional life
It’s imperative to know how to separate your personal and professional life. During working hours, be sure to focus on accomplishing your tasks. Only attend to your household chores and kids once you’re on break or done with work. Mixing your professional and personal life won’t work as you may not focus and concentrate on your tasks. In fact, recent studies show that multitasking makes you less efficient and less productive.
- Take a break
It can be challenging to work in the comfort of your home. Because of this, you tend to prioritize your work over your personal life. As a result, you end up working more than having time for yourself and your family. It defeats the purpose and benefits of the WFH setup in the first place. That said, be sure to take a break from time to time. You’ll be surprised at how this will make you more efficient and productive.
- Live a healthy lifestyle
Your lifestyle isn’t directly proportional to your work productivity and efficiency. Keep in mind, however, that it has an indirect impact on your work. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends living a healthy lifestyle that includes the following:
- Eating healthily
- Drinking safe water
- Regulating food and beverage consumption
- Quitting smoking
- Getting enough sleep
- Being physically active
- Having regular checkups
Boosting your WFH productivity and efficiency can be straightforward. However, it’s easier said and done. That said, consider some practical tips recommended above — from having a dedicated workspace down to living a healthy lifestyle. With these in place, you’ll be amazed at how productive and efficient you can be while working from home.