Today, many businesses are exploring the use of a virtual office for their operations. One of the bigger advantages is the lower cost incurred as compared to having a physical headquarters. The setup also gives employees the chance to work from where they are comfortable. It also helps employees living in unconventional situations like single mothers and people with disability. This gives them a chance to work efficiently beyond their limitations.
However, there are also negative aspects to working from home. For one, some people are not able to manage their time properly because they get caught up with other activities. This can affect the work performance negatively because some work may take longer to accomplish or may not be accomplished at all. Some people also find it hard to be productive with all the distractions at home. If you are having the same problems, you may want to try the following tips to help you work efficiently from home.
Set Up a Workplace
The environment is a very important factor when it comes to one’s productivity. Hence, it is important for you to set up your workspace at home. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to set up a home office. A small nook is enough for your computer and work stuff. The important thing is that all the things you need for work are gathered in one place. Also, the space should set you in the mood for work. In time, your body and mind will be able to adjust to “work mode” as soon as you get to your work place.
Create and Follow a Schedule
Since you are working from home, you most probably work under a flexible schedule. This should not be reason enough for you not to have a personal schedule though. If, for example, you are tasked to work for five hours per day, decide on whether you want to work straight or take breaks for every hour. Also, list down all the things you need to accomplish for work and home for a day. If you need to go to the grocery at nine in the morning, consider working from eight to nine. Once you’ve shopped and prepared lunch, work again at one in the afternoon until the kids arrive from school at five. This way, you follow a routine that will help you be in the mood for work at specific times of the day.
Focus on Your Work During “Work Time”
Once you’ve started working, focus on what you’re doing for the duration that you have planned. For instance, if you plan to work from three to five in the afternoon, wash the dishes before or after. Doing other activities in between work will make you lose focus and limit your productivity. Unless it’s an emergency or something urgent, set it aside for the moment and focus on your work.
Working from home has its ups and down. Therefore, it is important to come up with a plan. Though your supervisor is not watching you physically, know that the same quality of work is expected even though you’re working from home. Remember that you are luckier than a lot of people who live away from their family to work. This is why you should never lose focus and still give your best — even if you’re allowed to wear your pajamas to work.
