4 Work From Home Productivity Tips

expat network

4 Work From Home Productivity Tips

People all around the world have been given the opportunity to work from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Some companies are suggesting employees work remotely during the outbreak, while others are requiring them to.

Written exclusively for Expat Network by Pacific Prime UK

For many, working from home is an entirely new experience and, as with any new experience, it comes with its own set of problems. One of the main concerns is how to work productively, despite being in an environment that is usually associated with rest and relaxation.

If you’re concerned about keeping up your productivity while working from home, know that you’re not the only one. Fortunately, experts at Pacific Prime are here to offer you some tips for working remotely to ensure productivity.

1. Set up a work space

Regardless of the layout or size of your home, you’re going to need to dedicate one area for work. A common mistake that people make when working from home for the first time is sitting in bed or on the couch while working. Even though it may be comfortable, the desire to sink deeper into the bed, have a quick nap, or turn on the TV will be on the back of your mind. By choosing a spare room or an area to work in, you’ll know that being in that spot means it’s time to work.

Some things to keep in mind when setting up your workspace include:

Keeping it away from distractions, such as the bed or TV
Making it comfortable enough to sit at while you work
Sitting towards a neutral view that won’t break your attention, such as a wall

2. Create a daily work schedule

Just like with sleep, your brain thrives off of a regular work schedule. Therefore, you can work at home in a more productive way by sticking to a daily work schedule. One of the best things about working from home is that you choose a schedule that works for you. You can work in the early morning if you’re a morning person, or save the difficult tasks for later in the day if you’re more of a night owl.

Some steps to help you come up with a productive daily schedule include:

Making a list of your work goals for each day
Giving yourself enough time during the day to meet said goals
Setting a specific time to start working every day
Setting a general time to complete your work for the day
Taking short breaks to move your body and refresh your mind
Giving yourself some spare time in the day in case something unexpected comes up, such as a delay or emergency
Sticking to your schedule and continuing to plan ahead

3. Communicate with your team

The sudden change from working with colleagues around you to being on your own can make you feel lonely. If you’re not used to working from home, you might start to feel a sense of disconnect from your teammates. Even people who are used to working remotely feel hopeless or lonely from time to time, especially if they don’t have direct contact with their colleagues. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can stay in touch with colleagues while you’re working from home.

Work-based channels, such as Slack or Skype, or social media channels make it easy to stay connected. What’s more, you can use these channels to enhance your productivity, such as by asking for advice, reporting your progress, or having a quick catch-up so you can return to your task with a clear mind.

4. Take regular, short breaks

Another advantage of working from home is that you can take breaks whenever you feel like it. Taking lots of short breaks while you work can enhance your productivity in several ways. It combats feelings of fatigue that often come with long hours of work. It also gives you a boost of motivation so you can meet your goals, as well as increases creativity. Some ways you can take productive breaks include walking, having a power nap, meditating, snacking, stretching, and exercising.

Lastly, be grateful that you have the opportunity to work from home. Simply reminding yourself that you are lucky to be able to can motivate you to push yourself so you can keep working from home.

If you’re looking for expat health insurance, Pacific Prime can help you find the best plan for your needs and budget. Pacific Prime is a leading insurance broker and employee benefits specialist that specializes in global medical insurance, corporate insurance, and more. Contact Pacific Prime to receive expert advice or a free quote today.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.