5 Tips Stay Productive when Working from Home
You went from being a desk-bound professional to becoming a remote worker. But it’s more complicated than you expect to stay productive when working from home. Here are some tips.
Get the Best Equipment You Can Afford
You might become excited at the prospect of working from home. But something you never realize is that your home isn’t as fit for purpose as the nine to five workplace. For example, your employer has a legal responsibility to supply you with ergonomic equipment like adjustable executive office chairs and desks. And when you ecstatically offered to volunteer for remote work, you didn’t think that you would be working in the kitchen at the table. So get the best chair and desk you can afford, or you will finish your days hunched over like Mr. Burns.
Dress for Work as You Usually Would
When you begin working from home, you have a lot of freedom. However, you need to be responsible. One of the biggest is no more commuting, so you can get up a little later. You can also wear what you want. But it’s not a good idea to wear your slacks or PJs when working. Instead, you should dress for work as if you were leaving home. Your slacks are associated with, well, slacking. Therefore, you are more likely to relax at your desk, slouch, and become tired. Dressing for work creates a barrier that keeps you in the right frame of mind.
Take Breaks to Stay Productive when Working from Home
You might want to get your work out of the way so you can play your favorite video game. But rushing your work without breaks is a recipe for disaster. Yet one survey found that almost 80% of workers skip their legally entitled breaks. Of course, taking breaks extends your working day, but it does wonders for keeping you energized and on-point. Additionally, you must eat lunch rather than be tempted to skip it for an early clock-off. As you approach late afternoon, you need your energy from lunch to power you through the final stages of your working day.
Use a Spare Room as an Office or Make an Area
You can only use your kitchen table or living room sofa for so long when you work from home. It might be OK, to begin with. Still, eventually, you will develop neck and back pain that will hinder your ability to work effectively. Therefore, you must use a spare room in your home dedicated to your work. If you don’t have an extra room, dedicate an area for office work only. This could be in the corner of the living room if need be. Anywhere is good enough as long as you have enough space to work and office furniture that fulfills your practical and comfort needs.
Invest in Supplemental Gadgets for Comfort
If you have ever worked in an office before, then you know even the best furniture becomes a little uncomfortable. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in extra comfort to help you through the day. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend silly amounts of money. You will be surprised at the difference a padded seat cushion, and a footrest can make when working at a PC all day. And you can get both for less than a week’s worth of coffee and lunch at the office café. They can really help when properly sitting at your desk, and will alleviate most aches and pains.
Summary
Eventually, you will develop neck and back pain that will hinder your ability to stay productive at home. Adequate office furniture and dedicated space will help if you also look after yourself.