Published: December 14, 2020
More people have been working at home than ever before. In fact, 24% of employed workers are working from home every day compared to the 8% of workers who were telecommuting before the pandemic. But the truth of the matter is that most people haven’t had to work remotely until now — including us! Oh, and let me tell you: we’ve definitely had our fair share of challenges that come with working from home (Who hasn’t?). But throughout our stay-at-home journey, we’ve been uncovering new ways to stay productive and creative. Go ahead and jot down some of your favorites:
1. Stick to a normal routine.
Just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean you should stay in your pajamas and have your television blasting the latest season of Schitt’s Creek. You’re setting yourself up for failure. Instead, get ready like you’re going into the office — get up at a decent time, get dressed, make your cup of coffee and do anything else you would usually do. It’s the perfect way to get into the working mindset and boost your productivity.
“I try to keep a normal routine of showering and getting dressed as if I’m heading into the office as well as grabbing that cup of coffee. It helps shift my brain into work mode.” — Alex Blicharz, Software Engineer
2. Create a designated workspace.
Not everyone has a spare room they can easily transform into a work-from-home office space. But this is where you can put your creative skills to the test and find a clutter-free spot in your home that works best for you — whether it be the corner of your living room, a desk in your bedroom or your kid’s playroom (Okay, the last one was a joke!).
“An essential part of my productivity is a workspace that allows me to work from home. My personal ‘work sanctuary’ allows me to prioritize and focus on my daily tasks. If the home office door is shut, don’t bother knocking!” — Alec Fischer, Digital Storyteller
3. Get some fresh air and exercise.
Now that you’re spending more time at home, it’s important to take time out of your day to get some fresh air and exercise. Why? It helps clear your mind and reduce stress. In fact, just 29 minutes of fresh air improves productivity by 45%. So whether you decide to take a quick walk outside on your lunch or get a run in before work, make sure you make it a daily habit to enjoy the outdoors.
“I like doing yoga in the morning before getting started, and going for a 30-minute walk or run at lunch.” — Nick Meisner, Interactive Business Strategist
4. Plan ahead.
Take a few minutes before the start of each day to plan out how you want to spend your time. Have a big project due? Want some time to be creative? Utilize your calendar and to-do lists to stay on track and focused on achieving your tasks. Planning ahead will also help you prioritize and make you feel less overwhelmed with everything that’s on your plate.
“My calendar and lists are my saviors. I block time on my calendar for bigger, more important tasks. As for staying creative, I sign up for different webinars every few weeks on random topics to keep me thinking about different things.” — Diane Abig, Director of Operations
5. Prioritize YOU first.
Working remotely can feel like you always need to be available, but that’s not true. When it comes down to it, you need to make time for yourself. If your regular working hours are 9 a.m.—5 p.m., make it a priority to log off outside of those working hours and let your colleagues know your availability (Setting boundaries with your family is just as important!). You should also make it a habit to take your lunch, and one or two short breaks to feel fully refreshed throughout the day. Trust me; you don’t want to burn yourself out — it’s not good for you or your team.
“After work, I make sure to schedule and prioritize creativity too. I work on my Etsy shop, play the piano or draw. Whatever will be the most life-giving!” — Alexis Sauter, Interactive Support Specialist
Need help keeping your team productive and creative while at home? Fill out our contact form and let’s chat!