It seems that most of the workforce is at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While it may not be optimal to be working remotely, there are plenty of tips you can implement to successfully telecommute, engage with clients, and further your career. Below are our seven tips for working from home during COVID-19.
1. Have A Dedicated Workspace
It can be tough to find a spot of your own in your home if you don't have a home office, but making a place that is set aside for working will make a huge difference in your productivity levels. Having your own work spot can help to get you focused when you continually work in that spot. It also helps create a divide between work and home life.
2. Log Out Of Social Media
Unless using social media is required for a specific task, consider logging out of all social media accounts and remove them from your browser shortcuts. Without the distraction of social media, you're more likely to be productive, less distracted, and finish your work faster.
3. Structure Your Day In A Way That Makes Sense For You
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Now is your chance to tackle work projects that require more brain power during the times of day when you are most focused and productive. During the times when you're feeling a bit mentally sluggish, try tackling simple tasks that are logistical in nature.
4. Complete Tasks You've Put On The Backburner
Maybe you're a real estate agent who is suddenly unable to show houses. Instead of focusing on what you can't do, try coming up with a list of projects or tasks you've always meant to do, but put aside for issues that were more urgent. For example, you could take time to check in with past clients and see how they're doing or even send them a card. You could make a spreadsheet of potential leads, or take care of cluttered files on your computer.
5. Plan What You're Going To Work On
It's been said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This statement especially rings true for working from home, where it's easy to become distracted and waste time trying to figure out what you want to do that day. Instead, try spending a few minutes the day before to map out what you would like to accomplish the following day so you're set and know what you want to accomplish when you wake up in the morning.
6. Take An Online Class
Taking the time to further your education is beneficial for you now and in the future. Use your extra time at home to watch a webinar or two, take continuing education classes, or even host your own online class. Connecting with others in your field also has the benefit of helping you feel less alone in your career keep you up-to-date within your field of work.
7. Set Boundaries With Those In Your Home
You may suddenly find your self with new "co-workers, " AKA your children, spouse, and/or pets. Establish boundaries that make it clear that when you're working, your space needs to be respected and your work needs your full attention like it would if you were at the office or on the job.
