Flexibility in the office is the new norm across the globe and highlights the need to improve productivity. More people are either working from their home office fulltime due to COVID-19, while others are finding a balance between home and the office as we return to a level of normalcy (for those of us here in Australia).

While workplace flexibility has become a necessity in our day-to-day lives, it’s expected that companies will report a decline in productivity.

So, what can we do to improve productivity while we get used to the home office?

Here are a few tips!

Have a morning routine

We know, the temptation is there to get an extra hour of sleep while we WFH. But instead of hitting snooze, set yourself up for success with a morning routine. Wake up at your normal time but throw on the gym gear and go for a walk (you always said you never had time before), meditate, cook yourself a breakfast, get dressed or try writing a goals list for the day. Whatever the routine, make sure you get out of the pyjamas and be ready to sit down at your desk when the clock strikes nine.

Choose a dedicated workspace

While not everybody has an office or dedicated study space in their home, it is vital that a makeshift office space is set up. Find yourself good, natural lighting with a comfortable chair (that means not the bed or couch) and set up your laptop for the day. If your office is set up in the living room or on your dining room table, ensure you pack up at the end of each day, separating home and work-life . Too often we find ourselves working past the clock because we’re set up on the couch and it’s easier to keep going to get a step ahead—avoid that slipup.

Maintain regular work hours

The flexibility of working from home often means you can work when you are most productive but be clear about when you start work and when you finish your workday. This will ensure you don’t overwork yourself and will also allow for boundaries to be set between not only the workplace but your family and friends, too.

A tip: try walking out a door in the house, walking around the block and back through the door to signify ‘going to work’. Do the routine in reverse to end the day.

A tip: try walking out a door in the house, walking around the block and back through the door to signify ‘going to work’. Do the routine in reverse to end the day.

Remove distractions to improve productivity

It’s said it takes an average of around 25 minutes to get back on task after an interruption. Let’s limit the chances of this happening. Avoid the temptation of working with the television on; you won’t be able to focus so put the radio or a playlist on in the background instead. Avoid reading the news throughout the day so you don’t get pulled into negativity and opinions. Switch off your push notifications; schedule time in throughout the day to check your emails and notifications. Set time for breaks and make the most of them. The list could go on. Find what distracts you and eliminate it. 

Set daily goals

It’s easy to lose track of your day and the tasks at hand when you don’t have people around you to hold accountable. Set weekly goals and cross things off as you complete them. Write a fresh to-do-list each day and start with the biggest task in the morning (it’s called eating the frog). You’ll be amazed at how good you feel when your list is complete. This is one of our best tips to improve your productivity.

Cut yourself some slack

We are all working in extraordinary times. It’s OK that you aren’t as productive as you would be in the office. Set reasonable expectations of yourself and communicate with your workplace if you are in need of assistance.

But most importantly, find the tricks that work for you and stick with them!

 

Discover how our Learning Management System can help you improve productivity today. Click here to Find out more.