You negotiated working from home. But your productivity can't take a hit—or your Remote or Hybrid status will go buh bye!

True, some of us have been doing this home office thing since the pandemic however as arrangement become more permanent creating a space and routine you love becomes even more important.

Get your day starter, per usual

Ever tried rolling out of bed and getting straight on your laptop; hair a mess and pj's on? Sure, no one on the other side of the Zoom screen could tell but there's something not so "seize the day" about it. Starting a remote work routine is beneficial because it helps us transition into a more productive mindset.

Rise & Shine

• Wake up on time, giving yourself enough time to get ready in the morning before the workday starts. Hello skincare routine!

• You don’t have to put on a blouse or tie, but do the basics to get ready for the day ahead, like showering, brushing your teeth, and getting dressed.

• Start the workday by deciding what you want to focus on that day. You can use a traditional to-do list or leverage your companies software such as Microsoft Teams.

• Organize your calendar so it includes all your meetings and appointments. You can block out time for focused work as well as breaktime activities like walking your dog or doing the laundry; even preparing dinner.

Set up shop-and like it

Where and how you set up shop can have a huge impact on your quality of work — and life. Which is why so many experts and remote pros stress the importance of 1) having a dedicated space — even without a home office, and 2) having the right setup, with the right tools that you need to be efficient. Many of our Weekday folks love natural lighting and love energizing scents.

• Designate a workspace for yourself, regardless of size, where only work takes place. It can be one side of the kitchen table, or a lap desk and the sofa. The important thing is to set clear boundaries for yourself and others: When you’re there, you’re working.

• Communicate with others in your home to let them know you need focus time. You could even set up a sign to indicate when you’re working and when you’re taking a break.

• Make sure your space is clean with minimal distractions. The last thing you need while trying to focus on work is a constant reminder of housework that needs to be done.

Know when to “log off”

“When do I call it a day!?” This is a struggle for many remote workers. People receive emails and notifications 24/7, especially when you have multiple ventures. You must develop the habit of “quitting time”, so put it in your calendar! We love productivity but not at the expense of mental health.

Conclusion

Remote work can be an awesome thing however it certainly comes with challenges. Establishing a schedule, having dedicated space and eliminating distractions can all help to ease the burden.