Tips to Relieve Work-From-Home Stress

According to Global Workplace Analytics, 56% of the workforce believe they can work from home effectively, and 62% feel they could telecommute part of their workweek. In this time of crisis, working from home becomes necessary to employers as well.

You need to consider a few things to be productive when working from home. There are lots of different ideas on how to be productive when working from home. Here are the top ten tips for working from home.

 

Top 10 WFH Tips

1. Set your working schedule. 

First things first, separate "work" hours from "home" time. You'll need to set start times, break times, and stop times. This way, you won't overwork yourself. 

Let your family know that even though you're home, you're still on-the-job during working hours. 

You can still arrange for childcare during working hours to eliminate distractions. 

 

2. Check your tech 

A good internet connection is a must if you need to communicate via the internet at home. 

If your company needs you to be on virtual meetings, consider using audio/microphone headsets and webcam needs. 

Ensure that your laptop/computer and the internet connection can handle your work. The last thing you need is disruption because your internet connection is slow or your laptop cannot manage your task.

If you use software or applications for your work, make sure you download and install them on your computer first.

 

3. Dress for Work. 

If you don't feel like working when you're at home, you can try to get dressed as if you're going to the office. It will help you focus on work and be more productive. 

It's all about getting in the right mindset. Also, let's say if your boss calls for an emergency video conference, you won't be panicking trying to find the right clothes for it.

 

4. Create a Workspace. 

It would also help to set up your work area, just like your office space or cubicle. The best place to work is a room with a door. Why? Because open areas like the kitchen or the living room can be distracting, especially if there are family members around.

You will need a laptop or computer, paper and pen to write notes, your phone, and job-specific supplies to work from home. 

A specialised workspace in your home lets your family know when you're working, and therefore you should be left alone.

 

5. Tackle priority tasks.  

Every day, write a "to do" list. Then, create a plan to finish the highest priority tasks first. 

If you wish to be a key employee, you must show your worth by completing essential projects which require good time management and planning.

Sure, you can work on low-level tasks first, but these tasks will not get you recognised.

The last thing you need when working from home is a missed deadline.

6. Multi-tasking is a no-no. 

Don't try to finish too many tasks at once. It will result in sloppy work, and you could miss your deadlines. Complete each work task before starting another. 

When working, don't get distracted by household chores. You can try to do these chores first before starting your workday, or do it while you're on your break or after working hours.

 

7. Be available to your colleagues. 

You are working from home, but you still need to be available to your colleagues, clients, and suppliers. Though it is a good time management technique to limit your phone and email use, this technique is no longer an option when you're working outside the office.

You will need to keep your inbox or chat windows open and minimised. It will keep you notified when something comes in. You can then quickly decide if you need to respond to it right away or it can wait for a while. 

Get ready to delete. Don't keep items (or tabs) that do not require any action on your part. This also applies to calls and texts. 

 

8. Get ready for virtual meetings. 

You're no longer at the office, but you still need to attend staff meetings. This time around you will use video chat instead. Prepare for virtual meetings, just like how you would prepare for the real thing. The only difference is the added technology components. 

If you're listening to music while working, you should remember to turn it off and be in a quiet place before the meeting begins. 

 

9. Take creative breaks. 

If you've been working from home for a while, you might find that staying in one place for too long can be very dull. As a result, you will end up being less productive. If you need a change of scenery, find another room or go out for lunch to break the monotony. Don't worry; you can still eat in your car during MCO.

While on a break, set a timer so you won't take your breaks longer than you need to. If you need to do a lot of research or write creative text, you can take your laptop to the back yard to stay productive.

 

10. Attend virtual meetings. 

One good thing about weekly or monthly meetings is that you stay updated with your colleagues and superiors. It allows you to develop a bond for working together and keeps you more up-to-date with what is going on.

 

11. Keep away from social media!  

Unless you're a social media manager, you should probably stay away from social media as it can be distracting. Don't let what others are saying or doing distract you from your job. If you do, you might be forced to make up those wasted working hours during home time, which will make both your family and boss unhappy.

 

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