During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are requesting that employees work from home. While working from the comfort of your home in your pajamas sounds like a dream come true, there are more challenges to working remotely than what meets the eye. For instance, now your personal and your professional space overlap. When working you may get distracted by the occupants of the home, the pile of laundry that needs to get done and the dirty dishes in the sink.
If you’re not accustomed to working from home, it can take some getting used too.
These 5 tips will help you stay focused and productive when working remotely.
1. Stick to a Regular Work Schedule
It may be tempting to sleep-in or take long lunches. Both should be avoided. Instead, choose and stick to a regular schedule as if you were going into the office. This will help you to stay focused and maximize productivity.
2. Have a Designated Work Area
If you have a home office, you are good to go. You can close the door and shut out any outside distractions. If you do not have a separate room to make into an office, that is okay. Choose the quietest place in your home with minimal foot traffic and distractions to designate as your workspace.
3. Limit Personal Interactions
Discourage friends, neighbors, and family members from coming over during work hours. Save social interactions for after work. This includes making personal phone calls as well.
4. Schedule Short Breaks
Most companies provide employees with a few short 10-15 minute breaks during the day. Do the same for yourself while working remotely. Use your breaks to take a walk outside, listen to music, or whatever activity will help you clear your head and come back to work focused and rejuvenated.
5. Take Sick Days
When working from home, it can be difficult to realize that you can take sick days. If you aren’t feeling well, take the time you need to take care of yourself. Taking a day off means you will come back to work at full strength versus powering through for 4-5 days at half strength and reduced productivity.
Finding Your Next Job
If you’re in the market for your next job, chances are that open positions will have a remote component to them. These tips will help you succeed at working from home. As the leading call center staffing firm, Salem Solutions has years of experience matching candidates with the perfect companies. Our specialists will help fine-tune your resume and prepare you for interviews! Contact us today to submit your resume and get started on finding your dream job!
