Surveys conducted by international agencies have shown strong evidence that about 95% of the workforce which is working remotely would like to continue doing so. However, there are many challenges, both for the individual worker as well as the organization, to remain in continuous #wfh mode. Boundaries between work & non-work activities are blurring in unusual ways. Collaborating with team members and getting your ideas heard have been tough. Communication, Productivity, and Loneliness continue to be top challenges for sustained Work from Home employees.
So what are 5 simple steps you can take to remove both physical & mental blockers to your productivity?
GET UP AND MOVE AROUND.
Sitting in the same position for eight hours a day takes a physical and psychological toll. For many employees, even weekends are spent working in WFH mode. Taking frequent breaks to get and walking around for 5 minutes not only gives your body a chance to refresh itself but it actually makes you more productive and creative when you are at the desk.
FREQUENT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BREAKS ARE VITAL.
Having an adjustable sit/stand desk, you can adjust your position throughout the day – allowing you to change your centre of gravity in ways that are truly beneficial. Slouching in front of your computer is not a healthy option, neither is standing at your desk the whole day. Hence, vary your position by adapting it to your activity: stand for video calls for example. Also taking time out to do basic stretching exercises several times a day will increase blood flow to all parts of your body and will keep those niggling aches away.
USE THE POMODORO TECHNIQUE FOR DEEPER FOCUS.
It’s difficult to focus on the task at hand when you are getting constant calls and emails are piling up in your inbox. Social Media has also been a proven distractor & killer of productivity. Time blocking techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique can greatly improve your productivity and sense of satisfaction. Set aside short blocks of time for specific tasks i.e. writing a report – and turn off your phone and close the email window until the time’s up. There a lot of apps available nowadays that help you to tune out the distractions of daily life till you complete your work.
USE THE RIGHT TOOLS
The way you sit in your chair, look at your screen, and position your mice and keyboard can all be adjusted to make your setup more ergonomic. This will not only help contribute to a healthier workspace, but also preserve your productivity. Using an external 4K webcam is essential to show your best self during video meetings, hence improving your personal impact. Noise cancelling headphones can block out unnecessary background noise and help improve your focus during important calls. Logitech is a pioneer in WFH tools such as webcams, mice, keyboards & headsets that are simple to use and ergonomic in nature.
DO WORK DURING WORK TIMINGS
In today’s connected world, it’s easy to lose oneself in continuous work, especially during WFH. Being constantly connected to work at night and on the weekends can have harsh effects on psychological health and even lead to burnout. So make sure you segregate your timings into “Work Time” & “Personal Time”. Your family and friends will thank you for it.