Due to today’s state of uncertainty, several businesses have had to adjust to new normals. One of these adjustments is shifting to a fully remote workforce. Business News Daily touches on reservations companies have had with remote work throughout the years. The main speculation with allowing employees to work from home is the worry of low productivity. Businesses questioned whether their employees could maintain their work drive without being under constant supervision.
Airtasker conducted a study which evaluated the productivity levels of remote and in-office employees. The study concluded that the productivity levels were slightly higher at home than in office. However, the study indicated that a higher level of stress and a lack of work-life balance was seen with remote work.
The American Psychological Association stated that remote work can increase employee satisfaction. However, it must be carried out effectively.
Here are 5 ways to help you stay Productive, Motivated, and On Track!
1. Organize your Workspace
“Having a clutter-free environment helps you think more clearly and produce better results,” said Kristoph Matthews, founder of on-demand storage company Boxbee. “By cleaning up and organizing your space, you can greatly increase your productivity and limit the time you spend searching for items” (Business News Daily).
2. Create a Daily To-Do List
“Regardless of how you create and track your to-do list, make sure it’s concise, realistic and flexible. Only list those tasks that can be done that day, and don’t overwhelm yourself with a long list – that only compounds feelings of anxiety and fatigue” (Business News Daily). One way of accomplishing this is starting with the top goal or task on your priority list. If you know it will be time-consuming, break it down into sub tasks.
3. Get Fresh Air and Exercise
“Studies show that being outdoors, surrounded by nature and fresh air, increases energy by 90 per cent” (University of Rochester). “Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature, said Richard Ryan, lead author and a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester.
4. Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
It is very important to eat wisely in order to gain energy to last your workday. Healthy foods allow you stay alert and focused throughout your day, whereas junk food can allow you to feel sluggish and unmotivated to complete any work. It can also lead to depression or anxiety. “Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day. One study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that dehydration could lead to poor planning skills” (healthline).
5. Refrain from Social Media
Social media posting and scrolling can be interesting and exciting, however it can consume valuable work time and distract you from getting your work done. When you are checking social media simultaneously while performing your work, you are trying to multitask. The American Psychological Association states that multi-tasking can decrease productivity by up to 40 percent. On that note, try to refrain from taking trips to any nonwork related social media platforms until all your to-do boxes are checked!
Sources:
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5658-easy-productivity-tips.html
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8156-future-of-remote-work.html
https://www.airtasker.com/blog/the-benefits-of-working-from-home/
http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=3639
https://www.healthline.com/health/nutrition-and-productivity#cognition