The pandemic changed the way some people work forever. Staying at home became the norm as businesses around the world were forced to close, instructing their employees to work from home where possible.
For some, a situation like this is ideal. More time with the kids, less commuting, and less money on childcare and travel costs. Other, however, really struggle with the concept as it can be difficult to stay focused and remain productive when there’s no formal structure to the day. Sound familiar?
If you fall into the latter group, the following are some tips and tricks on how you can manage your business from home.
Stay Organized
A messy desk leads to a jumbled mind; so, when you are trying to stay productive at your remote job make sure to keep your workspace neat and tidy. When your desk is messy, it’s difficult to focus on the task at hand and your mind will wander.
One of the best ways to stay organized is to use a planner. It can help you keep track of your deadlines and appointments and, before you know it, staying on top of your to-do list will be so much easier.
Another way to improve your workflow is to make sure to put everything away when you’re done with it. This includes your computer keyboard and mouse, as well as any other office supplies you may have.
Remember that a clean desk makes for a clear mind so don’t leave things lying around.
Use the Right Technology
Advancements in technology are making it possible for more and more people to work from home. Remote technology tools allow employees to stay connected and collaborate on projects in real time. Virtual meeting software bridges the gap for daily and weekly check-ins with all team members.
The use of specialized software allows businesses that once operated strictly in-house to offer their employees the choice to work from home. One of the best examples of this is Samsara’s fleet tracking software.
Giving details on Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, safety, and upcoming vehicle maintenance, it gives fleet managers the visibility into how efficiently their fleet is operating. This is revolutionizing the industry and, as technology continues to evolve, more and more positions will open up to employees who want to work remotely.
Technology can also be used to keep your business streamlined, which is particularly beneficial when operating a small business from home. Let’s say you run an ecommerce store: you’ll inevitably have to provide customer support from time to time, but you can enable customers to self-serve by implementing a knowledge base through a provider like crisp.chat — reducing the number of queries you’ll need to deal with.
Set Boundaries
It can be easy to get lost in work when you’re not at the office, but it’s important to set boundaries and make sure you take breaks. Some of the best ways to do this include setting a timer for work, scheduling regular breaks, and turning off notifications when you’re doing something.
It’s also important to be honest with yourself about when you’re working and when you’re taking a break. If you find that you’re working all the time, try setting stricter boundaries and stick to them.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to set the limitations that work best for you. Just make sure that you take some time for yourself every day so that you don’t get overwhelmed or burned out.
Get Dressed
Yes, it might be tempting to stay in your pajamas all day but doing so will affect your focus and motivation. You’ll feel sluggish and your productivity levels will suffer. Even if you don’t plan to leave the house for the day, it’s always a good idea to get dressed like you were going to the office.
If you are used to doing your hair a certain way or wearing makeup for work, continue with your habits of getting the hair brush and makeup out. It’s important to try and stick with the same routine as doing so will help your brain to connect your actions and associate them with getting products done.
Create a Routine
Our bodies and mind are programed to follow a routine. When we don’t have it, we crave it and it’s what keeps us on track when motivation levels are low. Start from the moment you wake up in the morning.
Is there a particular breakfast food that you like to eat? At what time do you normally have breakfast? Do you have chores to do in the morning? What about breaks – can you take them at the same time every day?
In the evenings, do you like to have a bath or sit and read for a while to de-stress? Your night time routine is also important so find out what relaxes you the most and make it part of your bed time schedule. Doing so will program your brain into switching off at a specific time so you can enjoy a proper night’s sleep.
