Currently, due to the coronavirus outbreak, many people are working from home. Where once, working from home was considered to be a luxury, now it has become a necessity for some. Working from home was always a desire, but now that our current situation has many at home, some are finding out that working from home is more onerous than they thought. People who are no stranger to telecommuting know that working from home requires you to create boundaries between your personal life and work, and this can be tough. Working remotely offers its own set of unique challenges, and in the beginning, working through these issues may become overwhelming. While working from home has many upsides, it can quickly become problematic if you don’t manage your time effectively. However, following some important work from home tips can help you balance your time, work, and life.
Many marketing jobs can be done from home. Working from a computer allows you this opportunity, but many find it more challenging than they initially anticipated. If you are telecommuting, check out these helpful work from home tips.
1. Have a Schedule– Working when you wish is something many dream of, but it’s easier to maintain work-life balance if you set a schedule and stick to it (for the most part). While working remotely may give you a lot more flexibility, having a schedule, even if it has to change day by day, can help you manage your time effectively and increase productivity.
2. Have a Designated Workspace– Having a designated workspace is essential, as you want to have easy access to everything that you need. If you happen to work in different locations, you may leave an important note or document behind. Working in one spot will allow you more control of your environment, such as lighting and seating arrangements. Knowing that your space is in a place that offers the right conditions to concentrate is vital if you want to be productive.
3. Limit Distractions– While it is impossible to eliminate all distractions, aim to limit as many distractions as you can. Knowing that your workspace is in a good, quiet location helps, but you need to go further than that. Limiting or turning off email and text notifications can go a long way in keeping you focused, but more importantly, stay off social media. While everyone is guilty of this from time to time, mindlessly using social media can be a giant time sucker, so stay off it.
4. Utilize Time Management Apps– Many may struggle with effectively managing their time and staying on task, and it’s okay. Planning and coordinating your day within your head or on a piece of paper does not cut it for many telecommuters. Working from home requires a different level of discipline and offers many new challenges, which may seem daunting at first. But, utilizing a time management application can go a long way in improving your productivity levels and can help you maintain a consistent workflow.
5. Create a Routine– When you physically go to a job to work, many people develop and follow a routine that helps them get ready. Even though telecommuting means you are not going into a physical office for work, it doesn’t mean you should stop having a routine. While many may dream of working in PJ’s, it is not the best option if you want to get into the right mindset for work. Plus, who knows, you might have to do a video chat with a client or coworker, so you still need to dress for success. Following a routine similar to what you would do if you were to go into work physically, is a great way to ensure you are mentally and physically prepared for the workday.
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