As the world gears up to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses galore are grappling to stay afloat and continue the momentum. Amidst the chaos, most of the employees have been given strict mandates of working from home. Many are still processing, adapting and to the new normative while stepping out only when absolutely essential.
Most of us are dealing with this situation with mixed feelings about working from home. Not being able to see your work buddies or even suddenly craving that instant coffee from the office cafeteria can let many of us down. Some of us, on the other hand relish these special moments of being able to just work in our jammies with a hot cup of freshly brewed tea at home.
For those struggling to concentrate or those reveling the peaceful quite of their home workstation, here are five tricks to ensure a productive WFH:
Set-up a specified workspace: While it’s fun and quite relaxing to work from your bed or working up a cool presentation as you laze about on that laid-back couch, studies have validated that working from a set area has a positive impact on an individuals’ productivity. A desk not only allows us to differentiate between work and family time in this period of self-isolation, but also encourages and adds to better efficiency, minimal distractions and reduced fatigue.
Skill building: While stepping out of the house is not be an option, doing an online course could help you build on your expertise and up-skill, or even allow for a fun change of pace. Courses ranging from digital marketing, art courses, disaster management (especially in these times), music, business management etc. could help you keep busy and entertained.
Family time: A lot of times working from home results in 12-14 hours of working. When you are in your comfortable space the work timings are bound to go beyond the normal 9-6. In a stressful time like this allow multiple 15 minute designated breaks to yourself, to move around and spend time with your family.
Wellness and happiness: Social isolation, while a demanding period, could be a period of healing and learning. Find something you have always wanted to do but couldn’t because you didn’t have the time, or something that you haven’t touched in a long time. This time can be utilized to focus on individual wellness, happiness and overall mental and spiritual growth.
Safe distance: Social distance is the go to phrase these days but screen-distance has been taught to several of us since our childhoods. The ideal distance of your screen from your face is about the length of your arm, so sit at a relaxed state and stretch out your arm. If your finger lightly touches your screen, it’s at the perfect distance and will help reduce the strain on your eyes. So distance it out and play safe. Enjoy while you work at home.
(This is an authored article by Chulamas Jitpatima, Director, MQDC India.)
