» Smart Tips – How to WFH Productively

COVID-19 has caused obvious changes to most aspects of everyday life including how we all work from home. While some offices have resumed with minimal staff and follow strict guidelines, a vast majority of organizations continue to work in the new normal.

The new normal has broken the constraints of an office cubicle and created a sense of freedom that previously did not exist. WFH opened up a door to an exciting new world that gives us a sense of comfort in the work we do.

DOs:

• Plan ahead: Plan a break time and do not deviate. This will enable you to finish your tasks efficiently and consistently while having time for personal tasks. You shouldn’t feel mentally or physically exhausted by the end of the day.
• Create a to-do list: Make a list of the work you need to complete for the day and try to accomplish it. This will help you stay focused.
• Have a dedicated workspace: Have a dedicated workspace where you can work efficiently and comfortably. Working from a common area will shift your focus to everything insignificant.
• Set timings: It is crucial to set regular work timings and stick to it in order to remain productive. Snoozing your morning alarm will throw your schedule out of the window.
• Communicate: Constant communication with your boss/supervisor and co-workers will help make the process a smooth one. So, don’t hesitate to connect whenever you get time.
• Stay organized: Use apps like Google docs to stay organized and on schedule. Maintain folders to avoid last-minute confusion. It is one skill that counts.
• Backup plan: Faulty internet connection or power outage can hamper your work. So make sure you have a perfect backup plan in place to prevent your work from getting hindered.

Here are some things you need to avoid:

DON’Ts:

• Don’t treat WFH as a vacation/holiday: Your boss is still monitoring your performance on the job while you are operating from home. Work with sincerity and adhere to the deadlines for deliverables. Do not consider it as a holiday or a time to relax.
• Avoid personal work: Set your personal work aside during your work hours. Or else, it may lead to delays and slips in your deliverables at work.
• Don’t let social media sidetrack you: It’s tempting to have tabs open from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram on your personal computer. However, social media can stretch your workday if you let it, ultimately affecting your work-life balance.
• Don’t allow your e-mail to become a distraction: While it’s important to check your e-mail throughout the day, be sure to dedicate a specific time for it. E-mails should not become a source of distraction when you are with your family.
• Don’t let your workday slip away: It s important to create an inflexible and strict routine which you can stick to. Make a schedule that allows you to be productive.
• Avoid personal calls while working: It’s okay for you to break away for a few minutes in order to take a personal call or make one. But it is important to set a time limit for the same.
• Don’t bother with dressing style: If your job doesn’t require you to conduct video calls or otherwise be seen by others, there is absolutely no point in changing from your pyjamas into work clothes every morning. Trust me, this can save you a lot of time.