How to Stay on Top of Your Workload From Home

In these rapidly changing times, remote work is becoming more commonplace. If you can do your job from a computer, there's a good chance your workspace is now in your home — at least temporarily. If you're not used to working from home, the adjustment can be daunting — but it's completely possible to set up your new situation so that it's comfortable and conducive to productivity. Here are a few ways to make that happen.

Get Dressed

While it's not necessary to wear heels or a tie, it's a good idea to get dressed comfortably so that you're happy with your appearance — especially if you're at home long-term. Your self-esteem will benefit; you'll likely be more productive, too. Dress up a little more for online meetings, and don't be afraid to have fun (within the dress code).

Get Support

It's crucial that you reach out for support within any workplace, and it's doubly important when you're working from home. Coworkers and other sources can offer helpful tips for working remotely. Boosting your efficiency can take many forms; there are countless ways to streamline your workflow. Even if you're working alone much of the time, finding a mentor to reach out to occasionally can boost your morale and decrease feelings of isolation.

Protect Your Workspace

Interruptions will come — that's a given. Be as proactive as you can about protecting your time and space as you work. Let your family know your office hours, and set up some kind of protocol that'll minimize distractions and let you concentrate for reasonable stretches of time. Even making a small door sign helps.

Check Your Equipment

It's doubtful that you have an IT professional or tech whiz nearby as you do at your regular workplace, so make sure all of your equipment (including your internet connection) is optimized to the highest level. If you use a printer, check ink levels and notifications periodically. Do everything you can to maintain your equipment regularly (look at your manuals!) so that you'll spot issues as soon as they occur.

Get Organized

Make your work area clean, inviting, and organized so that you can get to everything easily. Each day, week, month, quarter, and year make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound) goals and objectives. Once you've broken down the tasks necessary to accomplish the goals, making lists is a time-honored way to facilitate progress. If you're managing a team, sending off prioritized lists at the beginning of the week is a great way to get things rolling in a positive direction.

Take Breaks

For your health, productivity, and creativity, it's imperative to take physical and mental breaks. While you're on the phone, stand up and walk. At least every hour (unless you're enjoying some deep extended work), stand up and stretch, move, or step outside. If you have a standing desk, even better — there are numerous ways to change position in relation to a standing desk. Allow yourself a mental break as well. The brain can only focus for so long before it literally gets fatigued; take some time to daydream without mental effort.

Limit Distractions

There are many opportunities for distraction in our tech-focused, media-saturated society. Attention fragments and efficiency decreases; it can also affect your ability to connect attentively with coworkers and customers. It's crucial to not be distracted by your cell phone while communicating with clients or working on tasks. In fact, continuous smartphone access during the workday divides attention and, according to research, significantly cuts down on productivity.

Keep Culture Going

When you're working remotely, those little things that you like about work relationships are still important. Think of ways you can infuse them into your work-from-home life — whether it's a quick text, a funny email, or hopping on video for a few minutes to get face-to-face time.

Working remotely comes with challenges and rewards. Consider these suggestions to embrace change constructively and make the most of your circumstances.