Recently, the practice of working from home has become increasingly popular owing to reasons that range from the COVID-19 pandemic to a shift towards a more flexible work culture. Monday blues are now a lot easier to handle from the comfort of one’s home, but certain challenges accompany this mode of work that can severely impact an individual’s productivity. 

Pros And Cons Of Working From Home

Pros:

• Increased flexibility
• Reduced commute time and related expenses
• Increased work-life balance
• Comfortable work environment

Cons:

• Blurred boundaries between work & personal life  
• Potential lack of social interaction & isolation
• Increased distractions & procrastination
• Scope for technical difficulties 
• Lack of professional development opportunities
• Challenges in establishing and maintaining work relationships
• Lack of access to organization resources and support systems.

How To Work Effectively From Home

• Practice Good Ergonomics

 An improper workstation setup and poor posture can contribute to physical discomfort and strain. Some ways to practice good ergonomics include-

• Ensuring that your furniture is set up in a manner that promotes better posture.
• Positioning apparatuses such as the mouse & keyboard in close range to avoid strain on the shoulders. 
• Using a headset or speakerphone to avoid cradling the phone between your neck and shoulder. 
• Investing in ergonomic accessories.

Did you know practicing good ergonomics decreases the risk of physical strain, increases productivity, and enhances overall well-being? 

• Maintain A Regular Schedule

Maintaining a regular schedule enables you to stay organized and helps you demarcate your working hours from your non-working hours, which could get merged when working from home. 

Did you know having an established routine can significantly increase productivity and decrease stress in individuals? 

• Structure Your Day

Structuring your day by identifying the tasks that have to be completed, prioritizing them, setting realistic and achievable goals, and planning their execution boosts your productivity significantly. Following the STAR model, i.e, specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals, may assist you in the same. 

Did you know, individuals who plan and structure their day are said to be more productive, less fatigued, and less stressed in comparison to those who don’t? 

• Choose A Dedicated Workspace At Home 

A proper demarcation between one’s workspace and the rest of the house is essential to minimize distractions and disturbances.

Did you know a separate workspace can drastically improve focus and help you mentally transition from work to leisure time? 

• Stay Connected With The Team

When working from home it is easy for one to remain disconnected from colleagues which could often lead to feelings of isolation, lack of sense of belonging, and decreased levels of teamwork, which could severely impact the organization and its functioning. 

Did you know staying connected with one’s team while working remotely results in higher levels of job satisfaction?

• Limit Screen Time

Exposure to screens over long periods can have long-lasting negative effects on one’s eyesight. Additionally, it also contributes to frequent headaches and disrupted sleep patterns.

Did you know using the 20-20-20 rule, where you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes is considered to be a beneficial practice?   

• Take Regular Breaks 

It is common for people to get carried away with work and not take regular breaks when working from home. This happens to owe to the lack of structure to one’s day, where there is no proper schedule for activities. It is essential to schedule regular breaks throughout the day to refresh the mind, decrease stress levels and boost productivity.

Did you know studies have shown that taking short breaks throughout the day can improve focus, reduce mental strain, and increase creativity?

• Use Productivity Tools Such As Slack/ Jira

Productivity tools are a remote employee’s best friend as they assist them in-

• Effective communication
• Task management
• Seamless collaboration
• Increased visibility

Did you know productivity tools like Slack have been shown to increase teamwork and communication efficiency?

In conclusion, working from home has great benefits but like everything else, it comes with its challenges. The key is to strike a balance between one’s personal and professional life. By implementing the aforementioned tips, one can easily embrace a fruitful work-from-home lifestyle, making the most out of it.