We have collectively accepted the fact that work from home is what the near future holds for us. Whether we're all in the same city as our employers or far away on the map — technology has made seamless communication possible in times where man himself has faltered. The home-office set-up may seem like a boon to some, but if you end up doing it wrong, you're doing more harm than good to your career.
Have you ever found yourself feeling less productive after you've ditched going to the office? Is it becoming monotonous staying in your room with the laptop on in front of you? You're not the only one who feels that way. But that said, it's never too late to straighten up and make the most of your work hours at home. There are several ways you're treating work from home wrong, and we're here to give you clarity on some of these points. Read on to find out how to improve and make the best of your current situation. We have three practical tips to help you get through this long period of despair:
Have a designated corner
If your study and bed are in the same place, there's a massive problem in that arrangement that you should take cognizance of immediately. Your levels of productivity are directly proportional to the mood your surrounding environment sets for you. Make sure your workspace is comfortable — but not too much — so that you can maintain some seriousness for yourself. And as difficult as it seems, avoid laying in the bed in your pyjamas. No one expects you to be all dressed up in formals, but it is a good idea to get out of those jammies and look presentable for yourself.
Draw a line
Work from home is a concept that treads on a remarkably slim line between home and office. In fact, whether it is your employer who doesn't know how to respect boundaries or you who can't follow deadlines — drawing a line is a crucial aspect of working from home. When working from a designated office, you find yourself taking micro-breaks that are healthy for you. Whether it to step out for a stroll after lunch or a washroom gossip session with your work best friend, there are unaccounted breaks you end up taking, and they're good for you. However, parallelly, when you're home, you end up sitting for hours at a stretch because you don't have colleagues around you for conversations. Draw a line as soon as you've worked your scheduled time — and make sure to get plenty of rest away from the screen rest of your day.
Stay in the loop
Working from home is great — you tend to work at your own pace with zero disturbance around you. But don't let that stop you from having your life! It is easy to be out of the loop and away from social gatherings. Keep in touch with your former colleagues and friends to know what they're up to in their lives. Keep communicating with your family and relatives instead of being knee-deep in your deadlines and commitments. Make meaningful communication with your remote co-workers and teammates — and keep in touch with your boss. Being away from home will mean you're more prone to miscommunication. So, if you're hoping to create an impression at work, you might have to step up and be more communicative with the rest of your team. Taking initiatives and making them count is especially difficult when you're sitting in a secluded location.
So, whether we're stuck in isolation for another couple of months or not, practising a few tips can turn your work from home experience for the better.
