Now that people all across the globe practice social distancing in light of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, many are working from home to keep businesses moving. Currently, about 48% of U.S. employees work from home at least one day a week while globally, this number is about 68%. At the same time, 18% of U.S. workers are telecommuting full-time. These numbers have been steadily increasing and are ramping up with increased interest and new work opportunities.
While working from home is a “norm” for some, we know it certainly isn’t easy for everyone. Our team at Accounting Seed has put together five tips to help you stay productive, focused, and in good spirits while working from home.
1. Get up at your normal time
Don’t allow yourself to get into the habit of sleeping later because working from home eliminates commute time. Wake up at your normal time to keep your body on a regular schedule. Our bodies LOVE when we go to sleep at the same time and wake up at the same time every day. This helps keep your body well-rested, rejuvenated, and consistently ready to start the work from home day!
2. Use the commute time to exercise
Does it usually take you 30 minutes to get into the office? Use that time to go for a walk, do yoga, get in a quick workout video… something in support of your physical health. Keep in mind that when working from home you walk less during the day than you would if you were in the office. Start your day off right by stimulating your body and mind with physical activity. You’ll find you are even more focused throughout the day.
3. Get dressed! Anything besides your pajamas
It’s very tempting to stay in those cozy flannel PJs for the entire day! But, the way we dress has an impact on how we feel. Staying in your pajamas all day signals to your brain that it is time to rest, limiting your ability to reach peak productivity. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to get in a full suit! Try putting on leggings or jeans with a nice shirt. This will tell your mind and body, “it’s time to start the day!”
4. Create a to-do list
It seems rudimentary, but writing a to-do list really helps you stay on track when you work from home. We recommend creating a list that breaks down projects by deadline and which tasks can be completed solo vs needing team interaction. This will help you prioritize your tasks to the highest capacity! Whether you’re a manager or seeking to improve your project management skills, be sure to check out project management books and other resources to help you boost efficiency
5. Don’t work from the couch all day
While it sounds great in theory, sitting on the couch all day is terrible for your posture and hard on your back. The best thing to do is to have an office space complete with a desk, natural lighting, and office chair. But, clearing the kitchen table also works! If you are set on using the couch, make sure you switch to a regular chair every few hours. You can also try working in a standing position too!
What other tips do you have? Share your knowledge on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages to help your neighbors during this adjustment period. Be smart and stay safe!
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Did you know Accounting Seed is a cloud-based solution? Access anytime, anywhere, from any device. Your financial management should never be put on pause, but accessible for staff when they need to work from home. Contact us to learn more about how you can access your accounting anytime with Accounting Seed.
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