With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to wreak havoc on businesses around the globe, many have been forced to work from home.
Statistics show that nearly a third of the working population in many countries are currently working from home; more than ever recorded in history. And, while it comes with obvious benefits like no commute time and a more relaxed dress code, after a while, it doesn’t seem like the best thing.
People have been increasingly reporting the struggle of working from home, and it seems like many working from home are adopting remote work permanently after they discover the amount of money they can save through reduced working space and less usage of utilities.
In this article, we are going to discuss why most productivity tips for people working from home suck. And, we will also discuss how you can deal with them before they start affecting your productivity. Here we go!
smarter faster better
by Charles Duhigg
⏱ 14 minutes reading time
🎧 Audio version available
The 24-hour workday
While you may be required to work for only 8 hours a day, you may feel compelled to make up for your absence in the office by being available to do things like answer emails or phone calls throughout the day. Even if you have a fixed schedule, it can be quite difficult to switch off and stop thinking about work, if your workplace is your living room or bedroom.
This is a particular problem for managers and entrepreneurs who can’t easily turn off their work responsibilities. That being said, it is essential that you completely disconnect from your job for a part of every day. Otherwise, your performance, your mental and physical health, and, ultimately, your company, will suffer.
If it is possible, separate your working space from your living space. Dedicate a room or an indoor office in which you do all your work. And once you are out of that room, don’t do anything about work or office until you are back in. If you don’t have a spare room, you can use a specific part of your living room. A particular table, chair, and position in which you work.
And, after you are done, make sure to remove anything related to your job and maybe even sign out of your email or shut down your laptop. Communicate with your customers, employees, and anyone else you work with to let them know that there are some times when you just won’t be available to respond to business demands.
Never leave the house
With infinite streaming services and everything we need readily available by delivery; it has become too easy to simply stay in our houses all the time. And although it may seem safer to stay indoors with a global pandemic on the loose, it is not necessarily healthy.
You need to be exposed to sunlight and fresh air, and the chances of contracting the virus are lower if you are physically healthy with a strong immune system. Also, you can only do so much exercise in such a confined space as the house. So, if possible, make sure to get out at least for a walk or a run, several times a week or, ideally, every day.
The fear of missing out
This is one of the main reasons why we tend to overwork at home. Even if everyone else at your company is also working from home, it’s hard to overcome the nagging feeling that there are things going on, and conversations being held, that you don’t know about.
That feeling can be even more intense if some people at your company are working in the office while you are working from home. The best antidote to the fear of missing out is increased communication. Pick up the phone frequently and call a colleague just to check in.
If you are wondering about events or meetings that might be happening without you, ask your co-workers what’s going on with important projects, and if there is any information you are missing. It will give you the comfort of knowing that nothing major is happening if they don’t mention anything.
Interruptions
It can be maddening when you are trying to finish up an important sales email or you are in the middle of an online business meeting and you keep getting interrupted by your spouse, partner, roommate, or children who don’t grasp that, even though you are home, you are still very much at work.
Working from home while caring for small children is a particularly difficult challenge that requires extra support from employers and family members. But when it comes to adults and older children, you need to set appropriate boundaries about when it is acceptable to talk to you or enter your workspace, and when it’s not.
Also, establish do not disturb hours that are interruption-free, so you can fully focus on your work.
Lack of tech support
Facing a technical issue can cause severe frustration. If your computer, software, or internet connection fails, you’ll either have to get remote support from whoever would have helped you back at the office or figure it out on your own. The best way to avoid this problem is thinking ahead.
Give it some thought before it happens. What would you do if your system fails? You must have a plan B. And have a hotspot ready to go on your phone, or with a separate router. This can save your precious working hours if anything goes wrong. And realistically, something inbound to.
Procrastination
While working from home saves a lot of time, finding self-motivation to start work can be much harder at home. It is just plain easier to get down to work when you are buzzing in the office, surrounded by busy colleagues, and a lurking boss, than when you are home alone with a TV screen or a gaming console within reach. There are many approaches to fighting procrastination.
Again, set up a dedicated working place. This will help you get in the office headspace. Even if you have the luxury of flexible working hours, try to set a fixed schedule and follow it. It will help you avoid “I will start in an hour” syndrome. Discuss progress with colleagues and give yourself small daily goals. It can give you the motivation you need. And remember, be kind to yourself.
Don’t stress too much and don’t overwork yourself, so you don’t feel exhausted the next day. Keep in mind that procrastination often comes from anxiety, which is something we all feel.
Conclusion:
So, these were all the reasons why most productivity tips for people working from home suck. If you found this article informative, make sure to share and comment. Until next time, stay safe and healthy.
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