Since the pandemic there has been an increase in the number of people working from home, with many people adopting a hybrid working pattern and others becoming fully remote. There are advantages to working from home (e.g., no commute, a relaxed environment and greater flexibility), but it can be hard to remain focused in your own environment. These three top tips will ensure you get the most out of your workday.
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Comfort is Key
If you’re not comfortable, you will struggle to focus on work so, as tempting as it is to save money on budget furniture, if you are spending a significant part of your day at a desk, it is worth spending more on furniture that meets your needs. Choose a desk that is not just the right size but also the right height, and invest in a well-padded, adjustable office chair. Accessories such as wrist supports can also make a difference to your productivity by reducing the risk of developing repetitive strain injuries.
Appeal to Your Senses
Awareness of your surroundings is important for staying grounded which is especially important if you work in a stressful role. Mindfulness techniques often incorporate the senses so adding elements that help you relax can help you remain on task when things get tough. Harsh lighting can lead to headaches and migraines, so consider a dimmer switch. Adding an Anglepoise lamp can be beneficial too, as the light can be directed to specific areas.
Scents can also affect your mood and increase your productivity. The invigorating aroma of eco-friendly coconut wax candles and wax melts such as those created by the Positively Glowing range can inspire new ideas as well as making your home office a welcoming place where you want to spend time.
Set Your Work Hours
A large wall calendar is a staple in every office around the globe – and for good reason. The most productive people are those who make a plan and stick to it, so find a way to keep track of appointments that works for you, whether that’s Google calendars, a Filofax, or a wall planner. When you work from home, it can also be easy to get distracted by chores and tasks that need to be done, which is why it can be prudent to stick to set working hours even if you are employed on a flexible basis.
Plan your day around a schedule, blanking out time for breaks and lunch and be sure to clock off when you have worked the number of hours you are paid for. Having regular work hours is also beneficial for employers and colleagues who will know when you are available for meetings and when you are out of office.
Stay Connected
There is nothing more frustrating than a poor internet connection so make sure your Wi-Fi is up to speed. Although conferencing packages like Zoom and Teams will work at lower speeds, 200mbps or above is recommended for transferring files and group calls. You will find you work more efficiently with a high-speed connection.
Watch your productivity increase and make your home office the place where the magic happens!
