Staying productive during work hours is always important, but now it’s more challenging than ever to stay productive due to COVID-19. Many of us are working from home which means adapting to a new work environment and having to deal with way more distractions. If you are struggling to maintain productivity during this time, below are some tips on how to stay productive during the pandemic and also during a normal work setting.
1. Manage Your Workspace and Storage Area
This is important for COVID-19 work conditions as well as normal working conditions. If you are working from home, be sure to designate a spot specifically to work that is away from other areas of your home that are meant for other things like eating and sleeping. This will help to reduce distractions and keep yourself focused.
Always be sure that your desk and work area are neat and organized. Everything should have a designated spot and be easy to find so that you don’t waste time looking for the items you need to complete a task. Also make sure that your desktop is not cluttered so that documents are easy to find and that you do not get overwhelmed.
2. Be Sure to Set Boundaries
Make sure you have a strict start and end to your workday. At the end of your workday, put the computer away and stop checking your email. This may be hard to do while working from home, but make sure you are setting these boundaries to prevent burnout. Also, make sure you are getting outside during this time. Some people find that taking a short walk before and after work can replace their work commute and give them the time they need to get in and out of work mode.
3. Use Digital Communication Technologies
During this time of social distancing, digital communication technologies like Zoom and Google Meets are among the limited ways to maintain a visible connection to others. Access to these technologies has promoted connectivity and productivity when working remotely. As we reenter the workplace, assessing to what extent such tools will continue to be of value to your business is a worthwhile endeavor.
Phone calls take away from the body language, eye contact, and connection needed to have a productive conversation. If you are having frequent phone calls with clients, try offering them video chats instead to enhance your meetings and conversations.
4. Keep the Team Motivated and Keep a Positive Attitude
Times are difficult for many of us right now and the uncertainty of the future could be weighing on your employees. Be sure to check in with them frequently during this time, but also during normal working conditions. Your employees want to feel valued so make sure you are showing them that you care about their physical and mental well-being. Also, try your best to maintain a positive attitude and encourage your employees to do the same. Our perspective is our greatest power and it can either empower you or drag you down.
5. Be Sure to Do Your Research
In addition to staying apprised of pandemic news in general, be sure to avail yourself of industry-specific updates and reporting. An unprecedented set of circumstances demands a reexamination of existing business practices and pivoting to adapt to a new reality. Identifying and implementing innovative solutions will assist your business in emerging from the pandemic as a viable entity.
Barrister Executive Suites allows you to have all the benefits of working remotely while also having a physical business address through our virtual office packages. To learn more about the virtual office packages offered at Barrister Executive Suites, contact us today.