Leadership Tip

How to stay productive while working from home

The government is recommending that as many employees as possible work remotely until the virus can be slowed. But working remotely is a double-edge sword - sure, you get to stay home, but it can be harder to focus on actually working. So, first thing’s first: you should probably sit up straight, eat some breakfast, and put on some pants. How else can you stay focused on the job and mentally healthy while working remotely? Here are five tips from a work-from-home veteran:

  1. Have a dedicated workspace: Create a dedicated workspace within your home and keep it free from clutter and physical distractions. Clock in and out as you would in any other out-of-home job.
     
  2. Identify your high-value tasks: From your to-do list, find out which tasks yield the most value. Pick three, and prioritise them above anything else.
     
  3. Allocate time for deep work: Carve out a few distraction-free hours each day to pursue your most important and challenging tasks in a highly concentrated fashion. Let your colleagues know what these hours are by blocking off your schedule or marking your online status accordingly.
     
  4. Organise your communication: Thoroughly familiarise yourself with all the communication and collaboration tools you have available and know their intended purpose. Practice appropriate digital etiquette.
     
  5. Limit your working hours: Don’t let work seep into the rest of your life. Set a sensible schedule and stick to it. Make sure to carve out time for leisure, including socialising, exercising and pursuing your favourite hobbies.

HOW TO THRIVE IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES

As part of the government's business support package announced last week, we have been awarded funding to deliver our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme "live and online" to help those now working from home. This 10-week cyclical programme offers cutting-edge insights into change, resilience, wellbeing, motivation, teams, communication, strategy, influencing, effectiveness and self-awareness. READ MORE


The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary WEBINAR or CONTACT us.


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