Work from home- How to be organized
Many employees dream of working from home. Those who don’t work in the IT world consider working from home a once in a while luxury, but due to the global spread of COVID-19, the majority of employees, regardless of the type of work, are faced with working from home.
Since much of the world is on lockdown, people worldwide are forced to stay and work from home. That could be pretty refreshing for employees because they can sleep longer, work in their pajamas, pet their dog while they work, play music loud, use a laptop in bed, and so on. The majority of employers in the United States are becoming more lenient with the alternative work environment.
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Furthermore, 77% of Millennials say flexible work hours would make them more productive, so it is not surprising that many companies offer remote positions. If you used to work from home, you are probably experienced with organizing routine. But what about employees facing work from home for the first time? How will they manage to organize themselves when no one is pressuring them to get out of bed and be productive?
Setting and organizing a routine is key to being a successful remote worker. Establishing your own routine while working remotely is a way to create a better work-life balance and be more productive. And if you’re worried about setting a routine that helps you organize yourself successfully while working from home, follow our easy steps and enjoy the benefits of working from home!
1. Create your morning routine
To start your day the best possible way and get ready for work in time, you’ll need to develop your morning routine. First, decide your working hours. Think about how much time you need each morning to get ready for work? If you were getting up half an hour early to get on the subway, you can now take that time to sleep longer. Do you like to make a cup of coffee or prepare a meal in the morning? Do you take a shower or walk the dog? Think about everything you do in the morning and calculate how much time you need to do it. Set up your morning routine schedule and stick to it every day.
Read also: Morning habits to start the day right
2. Wake up at the same time every day
Oh, we don't count weekends. We're talking about working days. Once you set up your morning routine, try to stick to it and wake up at the same time every day. When you’re working remotely, you have the advantage to sleep longer and wake up naturally. Going to bed around the same time each night and waking up around the same time each morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Waking up at the same time will keep you rested and get you fresh for a new working day. It will positively influence every aspect of your personal and work life.
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3. Set your working hours
Flexible working hours are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, this option is great because you can organize your routine and set up different working hours every day. But on the other side, different working hours every day can slowly turn you into a lazy and unfocused person. Instead of working from 8 AM to 4 PM, you can work on it from 10 AM to 10 PM just because you think you have enough time. Imagine how much time you would waste because you’re not organized well? Setting up working hours keeps you focused and give you a deadline by which to complete your work each day.
4. Prepare meals the night before
When you’re working remotely, you don’t have the luxury to buy much carryout drinks and food. You have to prepare your own. This means you should probably get up earlier to prepare some food. Instead of preparing lunch in the morning, try to prepare meals the night before. That will save you time and you’ll have enough time to prepare everything you want. Preparing food ahead of time ensures you can actually use your break to eat food, not to prepare food.
5. Use the Bed Scrunchie to take a break from everyday bed-making
Making the bed every morning can be really exhausting and boring, especially if you have to wake up early and go to work. Having in mind how frustrating that is, we’ve decided to offer you an amazing solution. The Bed Scrunchie is a unique product that slides effortlessly under your mattress, keeping your sheets firmly in place. It fits all bed and mattress sizes!
Even if you turn all night, you will wake up with your sheets securely in place. Just fasten each clip onto the bedsheet. Once fastened, loop in another side onto the elastic (aka Bed Scrunchiee). Pull bed sheet, tuck, and pull the paracord. Make sure that the elastic (aka Bed Scrunchie) is tucked neatly and seamlessly under the mattress. The Bed Scrunchie will save your time and delight you. If you’re excited to try it, grab it in a BREO subscription box!
The BREO BOX Summer 2020 Edition is coming soon. Pre-orders now live.
6. Set up your workspace
Of course, you can reward yourself with some working-from-bed days, but doing it permanently won’t give you the feeling of working for real. You’ll probably be less focused and productive. Get creative and design your home office! And no, setting up your laptop on the kitchen table does not qualify as a home office! Dedicate a specific room or surface in your home to work. If you’re working from your living room, for example, you’ll be tempted to watch TV instead of working.
If you don’t have a free room to use, choose some isolated corner in your home. This is especially important for people who have Skype meetings from home. If you’re one of them, make sure your workspace looks professional and pleasant.
7. Keep things you use often within reach
Well, this one is easy. Take a piece of paper or just your cellphone, and write down all supplies, things, and gadgets you are using during working hours. Once you’re done, start gathering these things on your desk. Don’t waste your time every day to search the house for something you need. This can also get you distracted and nervous while working.
8. Avoid home distractions
Working remotely can be really hard if you have pets and kids at home. They require your attention all the time, which can distract you from working and finishing tasks. Take care of your kids before you start working and make sure someone is there to play with them until you finish. Make sure to walk your dog before you “go” to work. But, kids and pets are not the only home distractions! The fridge and your bed are the most powerful home distractions you should avoid! Eat before work, make a cup of coffee, and stay focused.
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9. Don’t forget to take breaks
Only hard work gives the best results. Still, working hard every day leaves you exhausted and takes away your energy. The best way to refresh yourself and gain more power is to take a break. Rather than just opening YouTube or chatting on Instagram, use your breaks to get away from your desk. Go to your kitchen and make juice. Take a 10 minutes nap. Go for a walk outside or pet your cat. Taking a break will clear your mind and give you a refreshed perspective.
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10. Don’t handle personal tasks during work hours
Working hours are working hours. They are not meant to be your house cleaning hours too. Try to take your mind off laundry or dusting while working. Let your neighbor that calls you to drink coffee together know you are working. Don't think about buying new clothes for the kids, the cable guy coming, ironing the T-shirts, and so on. Don’t handle personal tasks during work hours. Learn to say no to your thoughts and all the people who call you, stick to your schedule. Leave everyday tasks for after work.
Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash
11. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Sitting while working, and then sitting after work can affect your body badly. Not to mention the proximity of the kitchen and refrigerator while working from home! Even if you don’t want to, force yourself to do some exercise every day and eat healthy snacks/fruit during breaks.
Remember to drink a lot of water while working. Moreover, exercise increases your productivity. Working out in the morning will kick your metabolism into high gear. You’ll burn more calories throughout the day and you’ll get more productive at work. There are many YouTube videos and online training courses you can take at home and stay fit. Check out fitness subscription boxes.