The year 2020 ushered in a new workplace culture, where physical meetings for work became obsolete, and remote working from home was the new norm. According to a report by Nexford University, 42% of Africans already engage in remote work, with 73% expressing a desire to do so.
Working Remote has significantly increased individuals’ productivity, enabling Africans to collaborate with international companies and command better salaries. The advantages including flexibility, work-life balance, savings on transportation costs, and access to the global job market, among others make it a dream option for every young person on the planet.
Despite the benefits, individuals now grapple with adjusting their work attitudes, balancing work demands with family distractions, and attending to various needs. It is important to address how to become productive while working from home so you can sustain the benefits of remote work.
In this article, we highlighted 5 proven ways to optimize productivity while working from home:
1. Designate a workspace.
While working from any part of your home may seem convenient, setting up a designated workspace is essential for maintaining high productivity. This could involve making adjustments in your living or dining room or dedicating an entire room as your workspace. Equip your workspace with necessary tools such as a chair, an office table, computers, printers, papers, headphones, and a consistent power supply e.g. generators or inverters. e.t.c
Read our article – 3 EASY STEPS TO SETUP YOUR HOME WORKSPACE
2. Get Up Early.
Resist the temptation to sleep in just because you’re working from home. Maintain your routine of waking up early, similar to when you were going to a physical office. Organize your day and dive into your work promptly. By completing your tasks on time, you’ll have more time for leisure activities.
3. Define Your Work Hours.
Establish the number of hours you intend to work each day and when you’ll start and finish. This helps you maintain structure and prevents work from encroaching on your time. You can employ the use of productivity apps to help you stay on top of your activities for the day.
4. Set Boundaries.
If you’re a parent, your children may be thrilled to have you at home while you work. However, it’s essential to establish boundaries to ensure that your work isn’t constantly interrupted. Communicate your work hours clearly to family and friends to minimize external distractions.
5. Cut out digital distractions.
Eliminate digital distractions such as social media and unnecessary browsing to focus on your work. Consider using website blockers or creating a separate workspace on your computer dedicated solely to work-related tasks.
By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your productivity while working from home and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
