Work-from-home (WFH) has grown at the speed of light since India and other countries took social distancing as a preventive measure to contain COVID-19. All organizations – big or small, have sprung into action and mandated their employees to work from home amid the spread of CoronaVirus. For numerous employees, it is jarring to adapt to it overnight as this abrupt change has taken their stress levels through the roof. Switching to a new setup with lots of distractions around is quite difficult, especially when you are doing it for the first time and have no personal office space at home. It makes you feel unmindful, unmotivated and anxious with all the uncertainties life has suddenly thrown at you.
However, companies and employees must stay on track and keep the business running while practising safe social distancing. Challenging times call for innovative solutions and so, we have prepared a work-from-home starter kit with our tips and essentials to ensure maximum productivity and better mental health. Whether you are a newbie or you have been working from home for the past few months, here’s what you need to do to stay motivated and focused;
Recreate your rhythm
When you worked in the on-site office, it had a set work rhythm to it. You used to take breaks, eat lunch with your colleagues and chat with your team as and when you needed help with a task. Now, you need to recreate a similar rhythm for yourself at home, a routine that will help you come to terms with the new work environment that enables you to get the tasks done in time. You have to think it through and streamline things just like you have always done in your office without adding to your misery. Be attentive and create a routine that will help you balance your work life and personal life. Plan the workflow to structure your entire day!
Separate your home office from the rest of the house
You have probably heard it already in the conversation with your office colleagues and managers, but having a separate work setup at home is essential. WFH does not mean you will sit on your couch or your bed just because you can. Sitting in the right setup takes you into an active work mode from the resting phase – it aids in putting you in a work mindset. To be free from distractions and to remain 100% invested in your work, you need to boss up your home office. You should own a dedicated space away from all the hustle and bustle of the home. Set up a small office space in your study area or any space that is less noisy.
Embrace the power of ergonomics
Using the couch and bed for an extended duration can lead to bad body posture and increase the risk of musculoskeletal issues – neck, back and shoulder pain. Treat your home like the mini-version of your organisation. Bring in the right ergonomic furniture to keep health issues at bay. Invest in chairs with multiple adjustable features for seat height, backrest, armrests and lumbar support. You can also get a height-adjustable desk to keep your laptop in the right position. This will allow your body to change positions throughout the day and facilitate body-positive posture. With that, you can also add pillows on your chair for extra comfort.
Keep your workspace clutter-free
Your organisation had several cleaners and floor management staff to keep your workstation and the workplace clean n’ tidy. But at home, it’s just you and your family – you need to maintain the cleanliness of your home. Clean space enhances productivity and makes your cognitive ability better. However, it is not restricted to just your home office, it is also about all the areas you walk through in your home. On average, you are going to spend 8- 10 hours in your home office, so the place should be clutter-free and should not weigh you down.
Use technology for communication
A reliable internet connection, uninterrupted power and PC/laptop – are the bare minimum items required for WFH. But, to practice it for a longer period, you need more essentials to work comfortably despite the distractions. One of them is technology! The key element of successful WFH is clear communication between the team and clients. It is all about knowing what they are expecting of you and delivering it. You need video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype to keep meaningful meetings with your clients/teams. Also, make good use of team messaging platforms like Slack and Microsoft teams. In a complete lockdown situation, these platforms act as a window to the world.
Get off social media
You should not drop everything and instantly respond to every notification you receive on your social media platforms. You should prioritize where you are investing your time and attention, especially when you are working from home. Most of you are already dealing with a lot of distractions – your kids want to play with you, family members keep calling you for help and co-workers constantly sending you messages on Slack. Practice social media distancing while you are at work by turning off the alerts and rationing your social media time.
Keep your spirits up with desk exercises and breaks
We are indeed in a stressful phase and if we do not keep our spirits high then it is going to hamper productivity and headspace. You need to take breaks after every 45 mins and get your body moving. Continuous breaks and desk exercises refresh your mind and make your thoughts clear.
Way forward
For workers and employers everywhere, decentralised offices are the new reality for now. If you are feeling that you are going through tough times, it’s completely fair. But, do not let this situation wreak havoc on your well-being and your work. Use our tips to set up a flexible and functional home office for maximum productivity. And, if you are looking for ergonomic seating solutions then you can head to shop.hofindia.com and check out our ergonomic office chair collection.
Stay home, stay safe!
