July 24, 2020
Business as usual
We miss being in the office as a team. None of us expected to suddenly shift to a work-from-home model but thankfully, technology has been fantastic to us during this time. Technology has allowed us to stay in close communication with both our team and our clients. We are using video call technology more than ever and it has been working well. Many of us are attending more meetings than ever before, but this has been crucial to ensure alignment across our teams. Although working-from-home has worked well for our team, we know that it has been challenging for many.
Some people who have begun working-from-home have shared some of their pain points:
- Distractions from children at home
- Limited technology access that is slowing them down
- Lessened engagement and loss of motivation
- Loneliness
On the contrary, we have also heard some positive feedback about working remotely:
- More quality time with family by avoiding long commutes
- Healthier eating habits by cooking at home
- Accomplishing more chores around the house after hours
- Meeting their clients face-to-face for the first-time using video call software
We have identified 5 tips to help you and your team stay focused, productive, and connected while working-from-home.
1. Create an Office Space
Many of us have roommates or children which can make it difficult to carve out a quiet and comfortable space to work. We do not recommend working in your bedroom if you can avoid it; it’s important for your mental health to have a space that is only intended for relaxation. Similarly, it is equally as important to have a space that is for work/productivity only. It can be difficult to train your brain that this new area is intended for focused work only, but it gets easier over time.
2. Take Regular Breaks
Regardless if you are neck-deep into an Excel spreadsheet, force yourself to take regular breaks during your work day. Moving around gets blood flowing and can naturally energize you. Staying inside all day isn’t good for anyone; if the weather is nice take a stroll – you will come back to your office space feeling refreshed.
3. Create To-Do Lists Each Day
Maintaining a physical notebook or online task list that is re-prioritized each day helps maintain productivity. It feels great ticking off items on a to-do list; psychologically it affirms accomplishment. An actively prioritized to-do list will help keep you stay focused on your tasks, even when distractions arise.
4. Check-In with Your Team
We schedule morning check-in meetings every day, even before we began working remotely – these are crucial. Don’t rely on email, hop on a call; this can save so much time out of your day. If possible, schedule some time as a team to talk about things outside of work or schedule a virtual team lunch. If you’re like our team, we like each other and want to know how everyone is doing, what new video games they are playing, and what new shows they are into.
5. Make Sure to Log-Off Everyday
It’s easy to physically log-off the clock, but it can be more difficult to mentally log-off. Once your day is complete, leave your office space and step away from the job. This is a great time to go for a walk, play with your children, or sit down and relax with a book.
Working remotely can unintentionally make you feel like you can’t escape your work, mentally and physically. When you are able to employ these five tips you should notice an increase in productivity and team connection. What tips have you used to maintain team culture and productivity?
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