Working from home is fantastic, until your cat pukes on your computer. And across the street, your neighbor, who you can only guess is creating a time machine, begins firing up all kinds of power equipment and deafening gear. For many professions, COVID-19 has made remote work a necessity rather than a luxury. But which setting, the home office or the business office, helps us to be more productive? Your coworkers are often the greatest threat to preventing you from getting some meaningful, heads-down work done in the office. They come to your desk, strike up a discussion with you, and invite you to lunch, or so I’ve heard. The social benefits are good to have, but if you’re easily distracted, they can become a challenge. While family members might be a distraction in the home office, I’ve found that it’s all too simple to become your own worst enemy. Because you’re not surrounded by employees, you’re free to let go of those bothersome inhibitions. No one is watching at the home office. You aren’t under the same peer pressure or sense of collective need to get things done. (You’re also not required to wear pants.) Also, make sure to use the right tools such as anydesk gratis.
Even if you’re working from home, you’ll have “company.” During working hours, make sure any coworkers, family and friends, and dogs (well, maybe not dogs) preserve your space. Homeschooling does not imply that you are at home. You may need to establish ground rules about meeting hours, shared desks and chairs, and quiet times if you share power with yet another work-from-home adult. If anyone else is going to be at home while you’re doing, they just have to make it obvious that while you’re in your ‘office,’ you’re working — even if it looks and feels like you’re at home.”
As a telecommuter, it’s all too easy to become distracted, so you avoid taking breaks completely. Allowing yourself to relax for five minutes should not be hampered by the guilt of working in the same building where you sleep. Instead of just accessing YouTube and viewing some comfort videos, take advantage of your breaks to walk away from your workstation. Take a step outside to get some fresh air, or spend time with others who may be in the house.
You’ll probably miss the informal social connections with colleagues you’re used to when your workplace starts working from home. You don’t really have the small conversation and other factors that make everyday day at the office different when you work from home. By communicating with other colleagues on a regular basis, you can avoid boredom and loneliness. Contact them via video chat, apps like Zoom and Slack, or any other means your firm uses to interact. You’re not working on the moon; you’re working from home. It is acceptable to interact with other individuals during the day, even if they are not your coworkers. When you spend the most of your working alone, it’s a good idea to see another face during the day. As a result, take advantage of your breaks to socialize with others.
