7 COMMON SENSE WAYS TO GET THE JOB DONE
Hello everyone and welcome to the start of another week. This month has been a rocky one filled with challenges of many kinds, so let’s talk a little MONDAY MOTIVATION today to jump-start your week in the right direction.
Because of the current situation around the world and the health threat of which we all must be aware, many of us will be working from home for the foreseeable future. And for those of us who work in the corporate business world, this may be the first time you’ve worked in such a manner.
As a businesswoman and a writer, I split my time between working in an office and working at home. Of course, these are completely different environments. The former typically has a schedule and formula that is followed throughout the day by everyone in the office and colleagues associated with the business. The latter has no formal schedule and the day’s routine is totally up to the individual. And this can be problematic for someone who is simply not used to this lack of structure.
I’m often asked how I manage to work properly and remain productive when I’m writing from the isolation of my home. My answers to this question are pretty simple and unchanging. It’s all about exercising a little common sense and being aware of the surrounding environment.
DESIGNATE A WORK SPACE
Determine where you want to set up your office. Perhaps you already have an office at home. Maybe you have an extra bedroom. Sometimes a storeroom or basement can work. A screened-in porch might be the answer. This space should be separate from your living space and isolated from family members or roommates. Make sure you have plenty of light and room for your work materials such as papers, pens, books, reports, a phone and your computer.
CREATE A WORK SCHEDULE
Plan each day in advance. Set a time for yourself to begin work every morning and a time to end work every afternoon. Structure your tasks throughout the day according to their importance and determine how much time each should take. Have designated times each morning and afternoon to check digital communications such as texts, voice mails and emails. Schedule an appropriate amount of time for any group/conference calls. An automatic response system is also a good way to organize incoming communications and alert colleagues as to when you will reply. Doing this will eliminate the need to constantly check your texts or emails and will help you focus on the task at hand.
START YOUR DAY AT A DECENT HOUR
While working from home does not require you to punch a time clock, it’s important to keep a regular work routine. Mimic the routine that you’re used to at the office. If your office requires you to begin your day by 9 AM, then demand that of yourself at home. This is the most productive time of day for most people and typically the best time to reach out and connect with colleagues as well.
DRESS FOR THE JOB
When working from home you don’t have to wear a dress, heels, suit or tie. But you need to get out of your pajamas, fuzzy slippers and sweatpants. Think of every day as “casual Friday.” Choose comfortable clothes that would still be appropriate for an office setting or for a meeting with clients or customers. “Work from home” clothes help set the tone and get you into the right frame of mind for a productive day.
GIVE YOURSELF REGULAR BREAKS
Always schedule time to take a breather. Breaks are essential for managing energy, maintaining a clear mind and a positive outlook. Always make sure to include a few 15 minute “time-outs” for yourself as well as a proper lunch break. Managing your energy level is a must when working from home and remember that nothing is more restorative or invigorating than a short walk and some fresh air. And don’t forget to set a time for the end of your work day.
REDUCE DISTRACTIONS
Working from home allows you to escape from workplace distractions over which you have no control. But don’t fall into the trap of creating your own distractions. Don’t watch television. Don’t play video games. Don’t scroll through Facebook posts or online newsfeeds. Don’t tweet. In fact, it’s been shown that such distractions or switching between tasks can result in as much as a 40 percent loss of productivity according to Dr. David Meyer, the author of an American Psychological Association article. Instead, try playing a little music, which is always good for setting the right mood.
MAINTAIN RESPECT FOR YOUR WORK SPACE
Your work space is for working. When you work in an office environment everyone is there for the same purpose – to work. When you work from home that might not be the case. Make sure you lay down ground rules with your family, significant other or roommate. Let them know you are unavailable during certain hours. Catch up with them, errands and household tasks during your breaks. Try closing the door or displaying a sign to signal that you cannot be interrupted. It’s important that everyone respect your work space.
There’s no doubt that working from home can be very satisfying and have some amazing perks. It also can be very difficult if not taken seriously and respected as your “real job.” Yet once you set the rules, you’ll find it can be just as organized, productive and successful as working in any other environment.
We may not have control over the location of our office right now, but we do have control over our own productivity and success as well as our ability to remain an important part of an ongoing business concern.
AND JUST A REMINDER:
Never think that you can’t be productive working from home. In 1666, the University of Cambridge temporarily closed due to the bubonic plague, a vastly more serious health threat than we face today. Isaac Newton had to work from home, and he used this time to develop calculus and the theory of gravity.
Thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time, take it one day at a time, be careful, exercise your own wonderful common sense, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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