Working from home, for many, has become the new norm in this post-pandemic world we all inhabit, with millions of Aussies now calling their abode their workplace. This practice offers a range of benefits to the worker, such as independence, being your own boss and the lack of commuting. However, it does come with one or two challenges - such as staying focused.
Why Is Working From Home Less Productive?
Actually, when done right, it's not. Surveys show that 83% of homeworkers say their productivity levels are the same or higher at home than in the workplace. However, it requires a certain amount of discipline - especially if you're sharing your home workspace with friends, colleagues or family. Noise, parental responsibilities and the general chaos of a family home can really test your powers of concentration - if you let it.
How Do You Keep Focused When Working From Home?
So, what can you do to make things easier for yourself when in a work-from-home job? Well, it's simpler than you might think and doesn't necessarily have to cost you anything. Come with us now as we examine how to help your concentration and focus.
Tip 1 Work From Home: Get Ready Like You Normally Would
When you work from home, there's certainly a temptation to just rock up at your desk in your pyjamas and get started. The problem is this might not get you in the right mindset for a productive day. As counter-intuitive as it might feel, get changed into professional clothes and maintain your usual grooming routine as if you had to attend the workplace.
It might sound silly, but you might be surprised at just how much more motivated you are when you're clean, groomed and well-dressed.
Tip 2 Work From Home: Set Aside A Dedicated Workspace
Where's the first place many think of putting themselves when they first begin working from home ? That's right, they tend to go for the comfiest location - the living room sofa! When you pick a place like this, you're making it harder for yourself as it's a place you normally relax. If you can, choose a separate space - or a separate room- if possible.
If you're lucky enough to have a spare room, great! If it has a source of natural light - even better! This will go some way to set mental boundaries for a good work/life balance.
Tip 3 Work From Home: Working From Home Minimise Distractions
One of the primary reasons why some people suffer from productivity problems when working from home is the issue of distraction. There's a lot to distract you at home, from your TV to your smartphone to family or friends wandering by and talking to you. The kitchen can also be a major distraction when you get those mid-morning hunger pangs.
As such, don't have your TV on and let people know that you're working - as they're much less likely to bother you. If you need background noise, try some music instead, as it can provide a mood boost leading to better productivity.
Tip 4 Work From Home: Set Your Desk Up Ergonomically
Studies have long shown that good posture boost productivity, and this is something you can use to your advantage. To set your workstation ergonomically, you must ensure that your hips are pushed to the back of the chair, with your feet flat on the floor. Your armrests should allow your arms and shoulders to be relaxed and comfortable.
Spending time setting things up this way can help you avoid back pain and repetitive stress injuries like carpel tunnel syndrome. Check out this link for more information about ergonomic setups.
Online Training - Helping You Thrive In Your Work From Home Job
Working from home has its own challenges, but they're much easier to deal with when engaging with video-based, CPD-Endorsed online training from OCA. Modular courses, like those in our top-value Work From Home Business Bundle, provide an immersive experience that makes it much easy to gain the knowledge and expertise you need than traditional text-based learning.
We're proud to say that our students view ours as the best online courses Australia has to offer, and you can see why simply by watching our Student Study Demo. Every student gets 1-to-1 mentoring and 24/7 tutorial support, so you'll never be stuck for help - something you can find out more about by visiting us today at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au.
There you'll also discover our flexible payment plans and our entire course library that spans more than 20 separate industries. To get in touch with our friendly team for advice and guidance before enrolment, give us a call at 1300 611 404 or emails us at [email protected]. As soon as we hear from you, we'll get back to you without delay.
