5 Things to Remember When Working From Home
The pandemic has redefined work life and culture, causing work from home to emerge as the new normal. Consequently, almost every aspect of work — from Monday meetings to Friday funtime and formal calls to casual banters — has been compressed into laptops and computers. However, work from home has its pros and cons. If you are currently working from home or all set to take up a remote opportunity, here are some things you should remember.
Maintain fixed work hours
An integral part of working from the office is that employees must commute to and from work to their respective homes — an activity that ceases to exist in the work-from-home schedule. While working from home removes the stress involved in commuting, it often obliterates fixed work hours, causing employees to receive calls and update files late into the night. Ensure to complete as much work as you can within your stipulated work hours. Moreover, you are entitled to decline work calls and messages after you have completed your tasks for the day; your family deserves your evenings and weekends!
Have a dedicated workspace
Having a fixed workspace minimizes distractions and helps you concentrate on work. It is ideal to set up a work desk even if you are a laptop user. You can decorate your desk with some subtle artifacts, showpieces, or other items like calendars, sticky notes, and desk clocks to set the mood.
Invest in good technology
For employees working from home, their day’s work, interactions with colleagues, and important work notifications rely entirely on the strengths of their internet connection and gadget speed. Having a strong WiFi connection is the first step to avoiding unnecessary roadblocks in your work schedule. Ensure to have a backup WiFi connection or hotspots that you can instantly connect to in case of disruptions to your primary WiFi network. It is also essential to proactively troubleshoot any technical issues with your office’s IT team.
Say no to a sedentary lifestyle
One of the most common adverse effects of working from home is the lack of movement and exercise. Several employees fall prey to their chairs, forgetting to rise even during mealtimes. The most effective way to counter this issue is to set hourly reminders to leave your desk and engage in some physical activity, from practicing simple stretches to even pacing about your home or engaging in a simple household chore. You can also enroll in online yoga or zumba classes to stay fit and active while working from home.
Maintain a healthy meal and sleep routine
Eating and sleeping well is the cornerstone of a healthy work-from-home schedule. It is easy to compromise on your eight-hour sleep and wholesome meals while you are engaged at your desk, brainstorming on the next best business move for your company. Moreover, binging on fast food and ordering in is highly common for individuals working from home. It helps to chalk out a systematic meal plan at the start of the week, incorporating nutritious foods and ensuring that you don’t miss out on essential nutrients to derive your dose of energy. With regards to sleep, investing in a smartwatch can help you track sleep quality and hours, motivating you to cultivate healthy sleep habits.
Today, even as the world embraces the work-from-home lifestyle and bids adieu to hectic commutes, in-person interactions have reduced considerably. It is essential for employees to meet one another at least once every quarter to facilitate personal touch and a better team rapport. Above all, working from home can be a fruitful and rewarding experience if work boundaries are maintained and employees can also prioritize their health.