Using a home office? suggestions for retaining focus

Plus a bonus tip also included

COVID-19 has led many companies to recommend that employees work from home. For many, remote work is a new reality and one that takes some getting used to. Below are a few tips for working remotely from Google's Primer team. The Primer tutorial originally appeared in the free Primer app.

Whether you're working from home or in the office, it's up to you to motivate yourself and get the most out of your time. Here are four tips to help you stay motivated and on top of your game as a working-from-home-er.

“A dedicated workstation may assist signal to your brain that you have arrived at the location where you perform your best work.”

Tip 1: Tell your brain what "work" means.

When you go to an office every day, getting ready and driving to work help your brain get ready for the day. When you work from home, you can set up "start the day" triggers, like working out, reading the news, or making coffee, that get your mind ready for work in the same way.

A place to work may also be crucial. If you can sit anywhere and get things done, that's great. If you need more structure, setting up a designated workspace — whether it's a separate room, a fully stocked desk, or just a clean part of your kitchen table — can help tell your brain that you're in the place where you work without getting distracted.

Tip 2 : To motivate yourself, compile a list.

Working from home may make it easier to be organised, motivated, and productive. Include both long-term objectives, such as finishing a project, and short-term goals, such as taking activities that will assist you achieve your primary goal, while developing your list. You are stimulated throughout the day as you complete tasks. Labor is more acceptable when the duties are less.

Make a note of it instead of worrying about it. Crossing off tasks may help you stay motivated since you won't have to spend mental energy trying to recall everything you need to complete.

Tip 3 : Plan everything.

Remote employment involves a schedule, but you're solely responsible to yourself. It's necessary to take pauses to recharge oneself intellectually, physically, and emotionally, thus nonwork activities should also be organised.

When designing your timetable, consider your other obligations and develop a routine that accommodates them. If you have kids, arrange care. Schedule work before or after sports or volunteering.

Share your schedule with colleagues after it's established. They'll know when you're available to meet and when you have business and personal obligations. Friends and relatives should also respect your timetable. Tell them working remotely doesn't imply you're always free.

Tip 4 : Establish a collaboration process.

While it may seem that working from home is a lonely endeavour, most components of the job still need interpersonal communication, whether it's attending team meetings, accepting assignments, making decisions, or giving and getting feedback. Setting up communication strategies is essential while working remotely.

“Consider videoconferencing for these occasions as face-to-face communication may aid in teamwork.”

Email can be effective for making an official decision or passing on information. Videoconferencing is a great way of having regular check-ins with your team. This can help you stay abreast of rapport. What others are doing, and also help everyone keep up a rapport.

BONUS TIP

Preventing eye strain using the 20-20-20 rule is simple.

The 20-20-20 Rule asks you to look away from something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It takes about 20 seconds for your eyes to completely relax. Drinking green tea during your break may help keep your eyes hydrated, lubricated and less prone to weariness. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that looking at digital devices can cause eye strain. Having sore, tired, burning, or itching eyes are the main symptoms of eye strain from screens.

Taking frequent breaks to look at faraway objects during screen time significantly lessened symptoms. The 20-20-20 rule may help you avoid eye strain when looking at screens. If you wear contact lenses, try giving your eyes a break from time to time by wearing glasses.