Since before the pandemic, companies have been wary of an anticipated drop in productivity when switching to remote work. However, the data gathered by multiple organizations has shown that remote work has the potential to either boost or hinder productivity based on employees’ specific habits. Due to its newfound popularity in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many first-time remote workers are learning the ins and outs of working at home, such as habits to cultivate and avoid.
Lucy Lyle, who founded the company Perch, commented, “Employees with traits such as self-motivation, discipline, cleanliness, and focus usually do best in remote work scenarios. These traits help them create the ideal work environment for productivity at home.” Lucy Lyle continued, “The opposite is also true. Those with bad habits such as procrastination, being easily distracted, and disorganization will find that their work at home suffers.”
Bad habits such as these can ruin the otherwise rewarding experience of working from home. Since time is money, you’ll want to eliminate these habits from your life by setting a schedule with clear boundaries. When you’ve set a time for work, make sure your environment is clean and free of clutter and distractions. Set up a quiet space where you can focus intently on your work for a set amount of time.
Lucy Lyle explained, “You have to be intentional to get the most out of working from home. Remote work is not a paid vacation. Taking pride in your work will enable you to set yourself up for success, and eliminate everything that keeps you from achieving your goals. Don’t forget to take breaks while you’re at it.”