Written by The holiday season brings everyone together, but it also means that there are new challenges to working efficiently at home so more distractions for people working from home due to the Global Covid-19 Pandemic.
How can remote workers keep their focus sharp and their productivity high during the holiday season?
“Working from home creates a different psychological vibe from the all-business environment of a brick-and-mortar office setting, and that feeling is magnified during the holidays”
Cynthia Spraggs – www.virtira.com
So here at Workflow we took the task to offer tips to employees and employers about working from home productively during the holidays. Here are our 7 Tips to Survive Working from Home During The Holidays:
1. Create a mental commute and brain warm-up.
A successful morning routine can help clear the mind and prepare a good working mindset. “The drive, train ride, walk or bus ride to the office used to create a mental separation between home life and work life and give the worker space and time to prepare for the day,” Spraggs says. “A similar separation time is vital at home, especially in a holiday atmosphere, in order to focus on the work tasks ahead. Develop a routine, such as reading or exercise, that warms up your brain.” Everyone is different so make sure you create a morning routine that works for you, it might not be the same as your boss’s or colleagues but as long as it helps you separate work time from home time you are on the right track!
2. Create to-do lists
Here at Workflow we are big fans of to-do lists! Nothing like a good list to keep you motivated and on track! However, the holidays are filled with pretty decorations, gift lists, Christmas shopping, parties, family obligations, baking plans, and other tasks that aren’t usually on the everyday agenda so might be extra hard to be productive while working from home.
When these distractions make it difficult to focus, “it helps to start the day with a list of work tasks that must be completed that day. Prioritizing them makes it more likely they’ll get done, even if your mind does veer off into visions of candy canes on your Christmas tree.
3. Keep your office space a quiet place and show everyone the door.
“Establishing a clear boundary is a must,”
Spraggs says. “I strongly advise you to put a door between you and the rest of the household, and keep it shut. Otherwise, the home holiday cheer will break your concentration as people and pets stream in.”
No more words we can say about this, know your boundaries and let people know them too as simple as that.
4. ‘Tis the season to turn on your Out of Office!
If you work remotely, Christmas planning can be a little different compared to some of your payroll friends so schedule some time off.
Whether it’s two weeks or two days, take some time for yourself.
It’s healthy to take breaks from work so try not to turn on your computer when you’re supposed to be relaxing. Decide ahead of time how many days you’re going to take off and stick to it. Self-discipline sometimes means being tough with yourself on rest, too.
5. Share Calendars
The holidays can be an erratic time when everyone is working different hours.
When working as part of a remote team, you need to know who’s working and when.
Set up a shared calendar with details of everyone’s time off so you’re all clued in on holiday time off and work shifts. This way you can relax on your time off from technology over the festive period.
Before you log off completely, ask people how they’re best contacted if you need them so you can be respectful of everyone’s time. Be sure everyone is clear on tasks, due dates and the status of current projects so tasks don’t get lost or forgotten in the festivities.
6. Exercise Daily
Try to exercise each day. The dreary days and lack of sunshine during December can take their toll on people’s energy levels. Get energized at home by getting more exercise.
Skip the shortest way home from the school run, use the stairs more, park further away from the house if you go out or the entrance of the supermarket for your meal deal, and bundle up and go for a walk outside each day before eating lunch, do a 15 min work out with Joe Wicks during your lunch or afternoon break
7. Get a full night sleep
Don’t skimp on your sleep. December can become a hectic and stressful month between work and personal/family responsibilities. Try not to cut down too much on your hours of sleep. To keep energy high and your immune system healthy, target seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Having trouble sleeping? Try one of these following apps to help you relax and doze off to sleep
Extra tip!
Express Gratitude! Being grateful increases happiness and motivation. Take a few minutes each day to write down things that make you thankful. Having a positive outlook on life will help you feel whole, happy and motivated to tackle the working day ahead!