Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees turned their homes into their offices; this shift came with various challenges. Some of the most common problems working from home include increased distractions and feelings of isolation.
Distractions
Many have found themselves much more distracted at home for many reasons, since most of them didn’t work from home before the pandemic. Hearing your doorbell ring, kids playing, and the dog barking all pull your attention away from work. Try to cut down distractions in your home by:
- Putting your phone away
- Having a designated workspace
- Working consistent hours
Distractions pull you away from your work and may lead to poor time management or increased stress levels as you struggle to complete tasks on time.
Collaboration
Another common problem working from home many people encounter is feelings of social isolation. Collaborating or talking with coworkers is much easier when they’re a cubical away. Whether your question is work-related or you need a small break and want to chit-chat, doing this from home is challenging. Ensure you’re meeting your social needs by:
- Doing weekly video chats
- Making phone calls
- Using e-mail as needed
Communicating via texting isn’t the same and lessens the feeling of connection. Oftentimes, messages can be easily lost or misinterpreted, so only use it when necessary.
If calling on the phone is challenging because you have poor cellular reception in your home, purchase a cellphone booster so you can contact your coworkers to continue building comradery and get your work-related questions answered.
Organization
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have found themselves working at their kitchen tables, bedrooms, or other unsuitable places. This may result in poor organization. Keep your work documents together by:
- Putting documents in folders
- Utilizing a proper workspace
- Setting rules (and following them)
If you have a spare room or office in your house, use it for working and set rules around it. For example, if you have kids, tell them to stay out of the room until you say it’s okay to come in (when the workday ends, for example.)
Time Management
When you’re working in your home, scheduling your day becomes more challenging because you’re not in the professional environment you’re used to working in at the office. Managing your time poorly can lead to increased stress levels as you struggle to get work done on time. Improve your time management by:
- Getting and using a calendar
- Setting up personal reminders
- Writing out your tasks
However, time management also relates to when you take breaks throughout the day; while working from home, make sure you take care of your mental and physical health. Remember, if you wouldn’t go into the office because you feel unwell, you should follow the same rule when working from home.
