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Over the last couple of years, we’ve had to get used to working from home, and even post-pandemic, remote working could be here to stay. There are a few misconceptions when it comes to working from home, one of the main ones being that you can’t possibly do your work to a high standard – well, as most of us know, this is not true! And working from home can come with a list of benefits, including flexibility and productivity. Below, we’ll look at some of the benefits, as well as a few tips for remaining productive when working from home.
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Benefits of working from home
Whilst there are many opinions for and against working from home, more of us are realising how a hybrid or remote way of working can have a positive impact on our lives. Whether this new way of working was brought about by the pandemic, or it’s something that you’ve always done, many benefits come along with remote and hybrid working. You can save money on your commute, and you no longer need to waste time stuck in traffic or on public transport every morning, you can fit in a morning’s workout, and have time to eat breakfast.
One of the most valuable benefits that come with being able to work from home is that it allows for more flexibility and family time, whether you need to take your kids to school or look after your child when they’re sick, you can do this and complete your work without having to take a day off. Your days become shorter, meaning you can spend more time doing what you love with the people you love. Here are 5 tips for improved productivity when working from home.
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Create a space
When working from home, you may be tempted to take a seat on your sofa – but you shouldn’t! You should choose a dedicated working area, like a desk or table that you can work from productively that is away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. This will help you to stay in the mindset of work and keep you focused on your tasks. One of the benefits that come with working from home is that you can design a space that is perfect for you – you get to choose your furniture, the layout, and the design. If you want to add plants, inspirational posters or photos and ornaments, you can! Put your stamp on it.
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Set boundaries
Just because you’re working from home, that doesn’t mean you have to work all day, every day. This is one of the reasons that people dislike working from home – you can’t get away from it. However, sticking to a set start and finish time, turning off your computer and walking away, just as you would after a day in the office means you won’t be tempted to work more than is required. You should also let the members of your family know that you are working, and you should ask them not to interrupt you during meetings, or if you’re trying to complete something urgently, you are still technically at work after all.
- Create structure
Working from home automatically takes the commute out of your day, along with set lunch times and breaks. It is important when trying to maintain productivity that you give your day structure. Rolling out of bed and logging onto your computer is not going to result in efficient work! Make sure you get up at the same time as you would when working from the office, eat breakfast and use your commute time to be productive – you could exercise or create a to-do list. Sticking to a routine will help you to get into the correct headspace for working.
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Communicate
You can still work as a team, even when you’re not in the office. Make sure you’re scheduling time to talk to your co-workers, whether that’s with a video chat or through a collaboration platform. You can use modern collaboration apps to get work done as a team, even when you’re not together. These apps can also allow for fast feedback and improvement, so you can produce high-quality work, in the comfort of your own home.
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Take breaks
This may seem counterproductive but making sure that you take breaks is important for productivity. As mentioned previously, it can be tempting to complete work at all hours of the day, but you must resist this urge. Working when you should be resting can lead to burnout. Taking time out, away from the screen during the day is advantageous too – even if it’s just to look out of the window and gather your thoughts. You should also make time to stretch your legs and move around, to keep the blood pumping and your ideas flowing.
