So you got the directive to work from home… but it’s not as seamless of a transition as it sounds.
Initial elation may turn to anxiety when you come to the realization that getting work accomplished from home requires self-discipline in order to be productive. And if you’re in a consulting gig, you can’t afford to let your productivity decline.
Now more than ever, corporations will be watching costs as they navigate this current COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll need to be more productive than ever or risk being labeled expendable. No one wants that. Here are some tips on working remotely in this current environment.
DESIGNATE A SPECIFIC WORKSPACE
It’s important to separate your work life from your home life as much as possible. If possible, try and designate a specific room as your home office. Being able to close a door helps you identify that space for working. If needed, use a portion of your kitchen table as a workspace. Don’t just slump on the couch or work from bed, that’s not good for your productivity or your posture
STICK TO A ROUTINE
Set your alarm for the same time as you always get up for work so that you stick to the same morning routine. It’s important to still do your morning routine as you usually would if you were commuting into the office, since it signals to your brain that it’s time to work—not to lounge.
REMOVE DISTRACTIONS
It might be tempting to catch up on that Netflix series or your laundry, but again keeping to a routine will help you stay focused. Maybe even Invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. This can be a total game-changer to remove distractions. Have the discipline to keep these distractions away from you at home. Unplug the T.V.., etc. Also, resist unnecessary social media platforms.
CONVERT FACE-TO-FACE TO SCREEN-TO-SCREEN TIME
Download zoom, skype, facetime, whatever your video-conferencing app of choice. They will be your saving grace when you need a little facetime with your colleagues. As nice as it may sound to have a break from the office for a little while, it’s easy to get that cabin fever type of feeling when you’re isolated from the people you see every day. You might also want to use those noise-cancelling headphones for conversations. They will be more clear and more productive.
SPEND YOUR COMMUTE TIME DIFFERENTLY
Spend your commute time preparing for the day. Listen to a podcast, read, workout, go for a walk… whatever energizes you for the day.
PREPARE FOR YOUR DAY AS USUAL
Sure, maybe your dress code can relax a little, but there’s something to the act of getting up, taking a shower, and dressing in something other than sweatpants that shifts your brain into productivity mode.
EAT HEALTHY
Junk food will drag your energy level down. Eat well and keep your mind sharp.
GET OUTSIDE
If you’re not sick or under quarantine, nothing is stopping you from getting outside for some fresh air. Use your lunch hour, or that extra hour in the morning to go for a walk. Nature is indeed the best medicine, and we’re all going to need some fresh air to keep our minds fresh.
LET THIS CHANGE OF PACE REINVIGORATE YOU!
