working from home 101

Firstly, we’d like to congratulate you all for successfully making it through 2020. Although it was a difficult year to say the least, I’m sure we can all agree that this pandemic has made us aware of the importance of appreciating the simple things in life. Whether that may be sharing a warm hug with a loved one, or the ability to wine and dine at a restaurant, 2020 has taught many valuable life lessons.

Not only was 2020 the year of quarantine, social distancing and gaining new life perspectives, it was also the year of WFH. With many having to experience the sudden transition from full time office work to full time remote work, this ultimately led to productivity pitfall struggles. Thankfully, at Treetop Digital we have discovered 5 unique and effective ways to increase productivity while working remotely that have drastically helped our team, and are sure to help yours.

Whether you’re in an entry level position, the CEO of a multimillion dollar corporation, or an entrepreneur, try incorporating these tips to increase productivity flow, and to begin working smarter, not harder.

Now that majority of us are working from home, we’re no longer inviting our coworkers out to lunch or tagging along for a quick coffee break. While being at home 24/7, many often forget the importance of taking work breaks to prevent burnouts and to reduce stress levels. Studies show taking consistent breaks help improve mental health, increase creativity, and assist with concentration and refocusing. We recommend allocating at least 30 minutes to a lunch break at the same approximate time every day, and spending 15 minutes walking around your neighborhood for some much needed fresh air.

While we no longer have the opportunity to talk around the water cooler, for our health and well-being, we do have to stay hydrated. By staying properly hydrated, you will boost your metabolism, increase productivity, and also reduce the chances of headaches and irritability. Make H20 your go-to this year and set reminders throughout the day to fill up your water bottle.

Believe it or not, exercise and work productivity go hand in hand. Since exercise has the ability to raise your energy levels, battle fatigue, combat stress and improve your overall well-being, it ultimately allows you to remain efficient at all of your daily tasks. One of the downsides to WFH that people have reported is the constant fatigue from staying home all day. With consistent exercise, your sleep quality improves, which then allows you to wake up feeling refreshed, well rested and ready to take on the day ahead.

If you’ve been working from home for the past little while you’ve definitely become familiar with different distractions. Whether it’s your dog demanding all of your attention or even your kids dropping in to check on you every 30 minutes, it may get overwhelming. This is why creating a comfortable and distraction-free workspace in your home is crucial in increasing productivity. When choosing where to establish your home office, try selecting a quiet corner with at least one window to bring the outdoors in. You can even turn this into a creative DIY project for you and your family by painting the walls, bringing in plants and new decor, and building/assembling new furniture. We highly recommend investing in a good quality ergonomic office chair - your back and neck will thank you for it.

Not a morning person? Well then WFH definitely has its perks; you can pair a dress shirt with pajama pants or even wake up 10 minutes before your start time. Unfortunately, these are actually bad habits that we suggest steering away from. By giving yourself enough time to shower, get dressed, and make your morning coffee, you will set yourself up for ultimate success. This confidence will allow you to tackle the day ahead in the most productive way possible. 

We’re sorry to be the ones to tell you, but it’s time to finally put on some pants...seriously.