The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has made remote work in Nigeria and globally the order of the day.
Organizations and businesses have forced their employees and workers to work from home. For some people, maximizing productivity with the many distractions has been a challenge.
For those living in Nigeria who are new to remote work, here are tips to help you cope and enhance productivity.
1. Create a schedule that works
One of the many perks of remote work is the fact that it is flexible. Create a daily schedule and plan to start and end your day because a lack of structure can leave you overwhelmed. Know when to log in and log out.
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2. Have a workspace
Investing in a ‘workspace’ at home helps you stay mentally focused and get work done.
This could be a home office, spare bedroom, or some other dedicated area that offers privacy. If you can find a spot that provides a lot of natural light, even better. Also, if you will be making video calls while working remotely, make sure you have a background that you won’t mind others seeing.
3. Dress appropriately
As tempting as it seems to work in your nightwear, it may not be a great idea. Starting your day like you’re going to the office enhances productivity.
It helps signal your brain that it’s time to work, not rest and relax. Now, that doesn’t mean you need to get up and put on an outfit you’d wear to the office. The point is to just have something you wear that is presentable and isn’t the same thing you wear to bed.
4. Create boundaries
It is important to set boundaries now more than ever. Let your spouse or children know about your working periods so that they don’t disturb you.
Lay down rules that they should follow, e.g., if the door is closed, that means you are busy, and you need no distraction.
5. Take frequent breaks
Remote work can be mentally draining, given that you tend to lose track of time, and you can be in the same spot throughout the day.
Take regular breaks where you get up from your desk and move around. Grabbing some snacks, taking a short walk, or moving from one work location to another are ways to help you relax when you feel stressed.
Breaking up the day and moving your body enables you to refresh and can increase your productivity when you return to your work. It also helps you rest your eyes away from the computer screen.
6. Overcommunicate
Because you are not in proximity to your boss and colleagues, communication is vital. Communicate frequently with your boss and know what’s expected of you.
Online tools like Slack not only help with workflow but can also serve as social outlets.
Experts say video conferencing while working from home helps fight isolation while enhancing team unity and productivity.
7. Know when to log out for the day
Even when we work from home, we find ourselves distracted by the outside world. Don’t be afraid to disconnect when you need to focus and produce.
Also, know when to log out for the day. It’s harder to have a closing time when working remotely, but this is actually important. Research shows that people tend to work more when at home because there is no actual closing time.
To enhance productivity, set “in office” hours and communicate these with both colleagues and family.
8. Focus on the big picture
Remote work is typically a highly productive way to work, and that’s why it may feel even worse to have a day where your productivity isn’t at its maximum. Some days, we’re going to make mistakes, feel unfocused, and be off our game. The occasional off day isn’t uncommon, so long as it doesn’t become a trend.