With the pandemic lingering far longer than expected, many workplaces have adjusted their operational strategies to accommodate both in-person and remote work. Some companies that did not see remote work as a viable option before have now made it central to their operations, including onboarding. With new employees joining these businesses, some in a remote capacity for the first time, we thought we would go over some strategies that can help them stay productive throughout the workday.
Peace and Quiet
It’s hard to focus when there is a ton of noise happening all around you. This is perhaps one of the first things a remote worker might notice, especially if they have never worked remotely before. They should invest in a desk in a nice, quiet part of the home, far away from the hustle and bustle of the house. For some, space is limited, but it’s still important to put together a workspace that has as few distractions as possible.
Clutter-Free
Another issue that many encounter while working remotely is that they use what is affectionately referred to as “the community desk,” or rather, the desk that everyone in the house uses to get work done. Clutter tends to accumulate when so many people use the desk. If you can keep your workspace clean, you’re more likely to remain focused on the task at hand.
Nature Is Surprisingly Effective
If you stay in the same space for too long, it can create unhealthy habits. One way you can keep these in check is to get some natural light, or at least set up your desk so that it receives some natural light, like near a window. You can also add some vegetation to your workspace, like fresh flowers or a plant. This can work wonders for a person’s mental health and can in general make the workspace more comfortable.
Breaks Take On a New Meaning
Anyone who has tried to work from home will know that it is distracting and overwhelming at times. It can be hard to know what is and should be a priority. To avoid this burnout and overwhelm, breaks are important so that you don’t grow too stressed or stretched too thin with multitasking. The breaks you take should also be more meaningful, and you should make a concerted effort to step away from your computer for 10 or 15 minutes at a time to take a breather.
Speaking Of To-Do Lists
One major challenge with working remotely is staying on task. If you have a daily task list, you will be more likely to stick to it. Start with the time-intensive tasks and work your way through towards the others that might not need as much prioritization. One can feel a lot of pressure, especially in regards to the pressure they place on themselves, so taking some of this off by assigning priority to certain tasks can go a long way toward removing some of the stress.
SRS Networks can help you implement technology solutions to aid your remote workers. To learn more, reach out to us at (831) 758-3636.