11 Ways to Become a Work from Home Wizard
In recent years, working from home has steadily increased worldwide. But today, the global spread of COVID-19 has forced people into remote work for an indefinite period. The Government of Nepal has urged citizens to stay home unless absolutely necessary, encouraging working from home wherever possible.
While working from home comes with many perks, it can also be challenging, especially for those new to the setup. To help you make the most of your remote working arrangement, I researched and gathered some practical tips and advice—many inspired by Nepali social media users and online resources. Here’s a rundown of eleven essential tips to make working from home a success.
1. Create a Dedicated At-Home Office
Though tempting, working from your sofa or bed with a cup of chiya won’t boost productivity. Setting up an active, dedicated workspace encourages organization and helps you get into the right mindset for work.
“One of the top things for me to be productive and a good team player is to have a dedicated workspace,” says Tridev Gurung, a remote software engineer at The Bank of New York Mellon.
Keeping your workspace clean also helps maintain focus.
2. Get Dressed
Getting dressed not only prepares you mentally for the day but also ensures you’re ready for any unexpected virtual meetings. Changing out of pajamas is a small but important ritual. Likewise, changing out of work clothes at the end of the day signals to your brain that the workday is over.
3. Set Your Work Hours
Some people thrive by sticking to traditional office hours, while others prefer a more flexible schedule. Identify when you’re most productive and plan your work hours around those peak times. The key is to focus on getting things done effectively and efficiently, not just clocking hours.
4. Establish Boundaries
Set clear boundaries with family, roommates, friends, and even pets during your work hours to minimize interruptions. With everyone confined to home, distractions are common. If you have young children, plan work around their naps or quiet times to maximize focus. Also, remember to spend quality time with your loved ones after work to maintain a healthy balance.
5. Structure Your Day
Develop a daily routine by setting specific work hours and updating a to-do list every morning. Organizing priorities, tasks, and deadlines can help maintain your focus and productivity throughout the day. Use planners, calendars, or digital tools to keep track.
6. Avoid Over-Committing
It’s easy to overestimate what you can accomplish when working from home, which can lead to burnout and reduced output. Commit only to tasks you realistically can complete in a day without undue pressure.
7. Take Short Breaks at Regular Intervals
Although it might seem counterintuitive, taking short, frequent breaks improves productivity more than fewer, longer breaks. Use breaks to move around and give your eyes a rest from screens.
Beware of social media distractions—consider using it as a reward after completing high-priority tasks to maintain focus.
8. Communicate Regularly with Team Members
Beyond emails and instant messaging, schedule regular check-ins through phone or video calls using tools like Skype, Viber, or WhatsApp.
As Supriya Karki noted on Twitter, “I am usually more active when I do work from home. First thing is we need to make communication with colleagues we are working with and be available.”
Don’t forget to socialize informally, like you would in an office, and keep your team updated on your schedule and task progress.
9. Stay Physically Active and Healthy
Lockdowns and curfews mean many of us are homebound, which can reduce physical activity. Staying active is crucial for both physical and mental health. Harvard researchers confirm that the immune system functions better with good nutrition, sleep, and exercise.
Exercise includes not just yoga or workouts but also daily chores like cooking, cleaning, and gardening—all moderate physical activities that boost health, reduce stress, and increase energy, leading to better focus and productivity.
10. Protect Your Mental Health
The pandemic affects mental well-being, especially for those with pre-existing conditions like anxiety or OCD. The sudden shift to remote work can be mentally distressing. If you feel overwhelmed, seek support from professionals or helplines.
Make mental health a priority alongside physical health during this difficult time.
11. Celebrate Your Wins
At the end of each workday, review what you have accomplished. Tracking your achievements helps maintain motivation and builds confidence for future work-from-home days. Celebrating even small wins creates a positive cycle of productivity.