The ongoing pandemic brought along a lot of changes. The most significant change is the need to self-isolate and socially distance ourselves from others. This is necessary to mitigate the spread of the virus. Many people were laid off from their jobs due to the pandemic. Office-based businesses and industries were forced to wade in unfamiliar waters: having employees work from home. Frankly, employees themselves were as unready as their employers for this kind of change.
As of June 2020, a survey from Stanford determined that 42% of working Americans were working from home. The differences in home setups were a hurdle to overcome for companies as they transitioned to this setting while supporting their employees.
Statistics and studies also reported that employees were more productive when working from home than when they were working at offices. More than a year since the pandemic started, the work-from-home setting might become a more prominent and permanent fixture later on.
If you are still coping with the work-from-home setting or are entering the workforce, here are 4 sure ways to better your work-from-home experience and make the most out of it.
Overcome your technology fear.
The computer and the internet are your best friends. They have to be, or else you will struggle a lot.
The work-from-home setting requires employees to become skilled in telecommunications to a certain extent. With conferences and meetings are done online, one must learn how to navigate different applications. Collaborative workspaces are also found online, using computers and mobile devices for ease.
Depending on the job’s nature, you shouldn’t be afraid of asking for assistance in navigating the required technologies in your scope. Many online tutorials are also available if you want to figure out how to work with different technologies by yourself.
Another skill that helps, in the long run, is know how to troubleshoot. Whether it be fixing your fluctuating internet connection, laptops that shut down by themselves, or scanners that won’t work, knowledge saves you from experiencing trouble and frustrations.
Spend and invest in your devices and technology.
You work best when you have the right tools, especially when it comes to technology. It will allow you to work better and more efficiently, especially when working from home. You immediately need four things when working from home: a computer, headset, microphone, and camera. If you can find it all in one or two devices, that’s fine too, as long as they function well. Everything else is an accessory that makes work more convenient.
Although you can make the most out of the devices currently at your disposal, some jobs have certain required specifications on devices. If you see yourself being in your current job’s field in the future, it might be high time to invest in the best technology you can afford.
If your job requires higher RAM storage, custom PC builds are a good way to go. This is also the sign to get the PC set that you were already planning to have. Tailoring your devices to your needs is both cost-efficient and essential. Later on, you can upgrade them when you can and want to.
Find an area to serve as your workspace at home.
Designate an area at your home that is solely for work. If you have companions at home, you can share these spaces with them as long as you can occupy them alone whenever you have to.
A quiet, well-lit area that can receive a good internet connection is best for working and enhanced focus. Placing the computer near a blank wall also helps when changing backgrounds for video conferences or meetings.
A tidy and organized working station or desk allows a train of thought whenever you seek to remember tasks or important information. Maintain and take care of your devices to ensure that you don’t have to purchase new ones while already on a budget.
Plan out and follow a work routine.
Schedules are often observed at work. Working from home offers flexible working hours, possibly placing the burden of personal scheduling on the employee.
Make sure to have the working day planned out. Allot times for meals, chores, breaks, and working productivity pace. According to an Airtasker survey, 37% of its respondents said that taking regular breaks increases their productivity. However, you can also stretch out your working pace for continuous hours. Just choose whatever personally works for you.
As much as possible, incorporate self-care into your schedule as well. Isolation already has numerous effects on the human psyche, so remember to prioritize your well-being at the end of the day. Insert some time for hobbies you can do every week and not overload yourself with work.