The coronavirus pandemic has swept the United States, with over 176,000 deaths and more than 5.6 million cases. As a result, to try and stop the spread of the virus, many employers have asked their workers to stay at home.
However, for some, working from home can be a challenge. Below, we take a look at some of the pros and cons of working from home, some ways you can make your workspace more productive and self-care tips you should practice if you are finding everything a bit stressful.
Pros and Cons of Working from Home
Working from home can have many benefits, but it also has some cons. Let’s take a look:
Pros:
- No Commute: one of the most annoying parts of any job is the commute, especially if you live far away. Working from home means no commute, meaning that you can relax more in the morning.
- Independent: when you are working in an office, you may often feel like you are tied to a strict schedule, or have to follow your bosses orders constantly. When you work from home, as long as you stick to deadlines, you can work completely independently.
Cons:
- You May Start Overworking: when you are working from home, it may be tempting to work longer hours, or check emails when you are supposed to be on a break. If you do this, you may not be able to switch off from work.
- Communication May Become More Difficult: at the office, it is super easy to communicate with your coworkers, as they are usually right next to you. When you work from home, it can be more difficult to get in touch with your coworkers.
- Lots of Distractions: whether it be the TV, pets or even children, there are a lot of distractions at home that can make it hugely difficult to focus.
Tips to Make a Productive Work Area in Your Home
If you are struggling to stay productive at home, here are some easy ways to make it a more productive area:
- Create a Designated Work Area: if you have a spare room, turn it into an office. Otherwise, find another room where you can keep out of the way of everyone else and focus.
- Turn off Electronics: it can be tempting to check your phone or watch the TV when you have no one to make sure you’re working. However, this can completely ruin your productivity, so make sure you turn off any electronics you don’t need.
- Invest in a Good Computer/Monitor: these will allow you to make sure you can see your work in the best light, making it easier to stay productive. If you have the funds, consider buying a second monitor, as this is an expensive yet effective way to increase productivity.
- Use Natural Light: not only will this make your house brighter, easier to work in, and has been proven to have positive effects on mental health but it will also save money on your Illinois energy utility bill. Since the quarantine has kept most people indoors, having an extra dose of the sun is just what the doctor ordered
Self Care Tips While You’re Working from Home
When you work from home, you may find yourself not being able to take proper breaks. Coupled with the stress of the ongoing pandemic, it is important that you take time to care for yourself during these difficult times. Here are some easy self-care tips you should start to make sure that you don’t overwork yourself.
- Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule: you should aim to get at least seven hours of sleep a night.
- Make Sure You Take Regular Breaks
Stick to Your Regular Work Schedule and don’t work later than you usually do!