#WFQ: Work From Quarantine
by Ty Hughes
Working from home seems to be the wave as many businesses are doing their best to halt the spread of COVID-19. For freelancers and start-ups, this practice is nothing new. But for those who are used to working in a traditional work environment and collaborating with their teams, how do you work from home and still remain productive, efficient, and creative?
We’ve collected our team’s best tips for productivity in almost any work environment:
- Get in the Zone — Focusing requires different efforts from different people. It’s like how some people need silence to sleep while others require a Spotify playlist of whale songs. Whatever you need to do, make sure you find what works for you and stick with it. You should also establish that it’s “work time” with your family, roommates, or needy pets and do not waiver. Boundaries are not only key for making you work better, but also important in making sure that when the apple watch strikes five, you can let go of work and still unwind in your space.
- #GOALS — Typically when you start your day, you begin with a to-do list. In order to accomplish everything, your to-do’s must be as granular as possible. Make sure every step is spelled out. If not, your list can easily get away from you and the day is lost. This organization practice can be carried out with pen and paper or through online organizers like Asana or Monday.com.
- Treat Yo Self! — With smaller, more detailed goals you can set up rewards to ensure completion. For example, if you need to write a news release, write undisrupted until your first draft is complete. Don’t go back and forth, just write it all out. Then listen to 10 minutes of music (feel free to dance it out too.) You’ll return to your makeshift desk with a refreshed mind and eyes to continue completing the day’s work.
Overall, when working remotely it’s important to know how to best set yourself up for success. So experiment a little, try rewards, timers, or collaborate with your team through Google Hangouts. By the time you return back to the office, you will have more ways to be productive and turn out some beautiful work!
