During the COVID-19 pandemic, I am switching my monthly blog post to an infographic with some tips for staying productive while working from home. For some, it may be a welcome transition to work from home but for most it will be more difficult, especially if you don’t have a separate office, you share your living space, and you have kids home as well.
Lots of computer screens
The more computer screens the better. My setup is an ultrawide monitor with an open laptop on a stand. I love being able to review several documents at the same time. It reduces the need to print as well as enabling me to work much faster.
Noise-canceling headphones
Great for conference calls and listening to motivational music or podcasts. They also do a nice job of canceling out distracting sounds in your environment and therefore allow you to work distraction free.
A good chair
A good chair makes a big difference in how you will feel at the end of the day. A well-made office chair that fits you well will promote good posture. Combine that with a properly positioned keyboard and mouse and you will prevent carpal tunnel injuries.
Time tracking
I use Harvest to track projects and work time. You can actually set a timer to run while working or summarize your work at the end of the day. Time tracking enables you to see where your time goes each day and enables you to make changes as needed to improve productivity.
Get some plants
Why plants? If you don’t have a dedicated office space or need to share one, a few plants will help to separate the space and give you more a sense of your own office space.
Communication
When working from home communicating with colleagues and clients is more important than ever. Clear, frequent, and timely communication prevents misunderstandings. It can be quick acknowledgements or more thorough reports. Communication will likely take different forms over different platforms. I primarily use email and Slack.
Take a break
Break up your workday with a walk or two around the neighborhood. It is great for clearing your head as well as good exercise. It can also spark creative ideas and new solutions.
Thanks for reading! I hope these quick tips on staying productive while working from home help in your situation. Check out my blog for more writing and infographics.