Although we are now seeing the end of COVID-19 restrictions and our freedom is being restored, many companies have made working from a home a permanent fixture. Not only does working from home save money for the company in terms of resources, but employees are also saving money when it comes to commuting and buying their lunch. Although there are countless benefits for employees when it comes to working from home, the flexibility that it offers can sometimes be a detriment to productivity. With all the distractions in our home, procrastination can become a problem meaning that the amount of work you complete can take a hit.
For some, maintaining the motivation to work is a struggle when working from home. From house extensions to time management techniques, here are just a few ways you can improve productivity when working remotely.
Make a Timetable or To-Do List
Having a timetable or to-do list allows you to have some structure to your day. Creating these schedules will allow you to keep track of your progress and help you understand what periods you are more productive in. If your timetable suggests that you complete less work within a certain period, then it might be a good idea to take a quick break beforehand to ensure that you are productive in that period. It might also be a good idea to jot down any long term or short term goals, as this will allow you to keep your focus intact.
Sleep is Vital
It might seem obvious, but the amount of sleep you have plays a significant role in your productivity. Although coffee might be one way of waking up your brain, sleep deprivation can lead to a loss of concentration. It is therefore important to fall into a sleeping schedule to ensure that concentration is maximised throughout the day. Ensure that you are sleeping at roughly the same time and getting your recommended eight hours of sleep every day. Doing so can go a long way when it comes to productivity and working from home.
Create a Designated Working Environment
Whether it be family, pets or electronic devices, working from home presents a lot of distractions. It can sometimes be difficult to separate work from personal life if you consistently work from home, therefore it is important to have a space that is exclusively used for work. This will not only keep you away from any of the distractions in your home, but family members as well know that the room is off-limits whilst you are working. If you instead opt to work in your bedroom then the temptation to watch television or use an electronic device is present. Your workspace should ideally have a door so you can shut out any distractions or noise.
One possible way of creating the perfect working environment is by having a house extension. Adding more space to your house for a home office is perfect for those who are working remotely because it will be a permanent feature rather than just working from your bed or sofa. Not only will it provide more comfort when working, but it also allows you to have room to store all of your stationery and equipment.
At James Dunn Roofing, we specialise in creating more space in your home and know exactly what it takes to meet your requirements and exceed your expectations. We know that you’ll want your extension to match the rest of your home and that’s why we manage the entire project of our house extension services from start to finish, ensuring that you receive the best customer service along the way. Whether you’re working on the computer or partaking in web calls, we have got the tools to create the perfect workspace for you in your home.
Time-out
Working from home all day can be intense if you don’t take breaks. Spending several hours in one room is no good for your physical and mental health and therefore it is important to take breaks throughout the day. Be sure to have a few rests each day to enable yourself to refresh and switch off from work. If you continue working and prevent yourself from having a break, then this increases the chance of burning yourself out. It might be a good idea to spend your breaks outside, allowing you to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy nature. It has also been reported that having a time-out is effective when it comes to reducing stress too. Although it might seem counter-productive considering you want to increase productivity, working too much will cause this burnout and will drastically impact your productivity.
Lunch Time
Similar to ensuring you sleep at the same time, it is also important that you eat lunch at the same time too. It might seem insignificant and trivial, but ensuring you have lunch at the same time helps your body to adjust to a scheduled eating plan. Having your lunch at the same time also allows you to plan a workout or relaxing activity to ensure you are productive in the afternoon. Going for a walk is a really easy and effective way of switching off from work. It can be overwhelming staying in the same room all day, so going for a walk can give you a fresh mind to increase your productivity.
Hide Away Electronic Devices
Electronic devices such as phones, televisions and video game consoles can be an unwanted distraction when it comes to increasing your productivity. Whilst social media does have its benefits, the chances of falling down a rabbit hole are high. Removing these digital distractions allows you to focus your attention on work. To prevent any temptation, it might be a good idea to either leave your phone in a separate room or ask your partner to keep hold of your phone. Other options include changing your settings on your phone to restrict the amount of time you spend on these apps. For instance, if you use Twitter too much then your phone will give you the opportunity to restrict how long you spend on it.
On the flip side, some electronic devices can provide you with productivity apps. These productivity apps allow you to organise tasks, set timers and track performances. However if you do use these apps, it is important to maintain a happy medium to ensure you’re not overusing the non-work-related applications.
Stay Connected with Colleagues
Working from home can sometimes be lonely as you have no physical contact with any of your team members. At work, you inevitably start to develop friendships and relationships with colleagues. A constraint of working from home, however, is that this physical communication is completely stripped away. If communication is restricted then this can sometimes cause confusion and uncertainty. As a result of this, you might feel sceptical about starting a piece of work as you don’t fully understand the assignment. Therefore ensuring that communication is maintained with colleagues not only helps you to maintain these relationships but also helps you understand how to complete the work to the best of your ability.
It is also important to contact colleagues if you ever feel frustrated or confused. If you feel overwhelmed with the workload or environment then it is best to contact your supervisor so you can talk through it. Becoming too stressed can impact your workload so it is vital that you’re in the right frame of mind to produce high-quality work.
Create the Perfect Working Environment with James Dunn Roofing
At James Dunn Roofing, we know how important your working environment can be and that’s why we pride ourselves in creating the perfect house extensions. With over thirty-five years of experience dealing with house extensions, we can help you to create a working environment that maximises your productivity. Every detail from the electrical wiring, insulation and water is covered by us so you can be assured you’re in safe hands. As well as extensions we also have the ability to create more space with loft conversions or a kitchen extension. If you are looking for the cost of an extension or simply want to discuss your options, then get in touch with our team today!