How to stay productive while working from home

In order to help flatten the curve of COVID-19, many employers are encouraging employees to work from home – Team HMA included. If you’re not used to remote working, this social distancing can be difficult to adjust to – especially with a pantry full of isolation snacks and a comfy couch close by.
When working from home, it’s important to stick to a consistent routine to help keep you as productive out of the office as you are in it. But what are the best ways to stay motivated while working remote?

Here are five tips to keep you sane and adjust to (hopefully temporary) remote working.

Wake up early
If you usually have set work hours, try to keep them as regular as possible while working from home. Sleeping in will only make it harder to adjust!

Get ready for the day
While working in your pajamas all day is ideal in an alternate reality, it’s important to put on regular clothes and get into the right mindset to stay productive.

Dedicate a space to work
Don’t work where you sleep (although, again, it sounds amazing in theory). If you spend all day in bed, you’re going to find yourself succumbing to daydreaming and accidental naps.

Stick to a schedule
Prepping your day helps keep you on track and avoid any distractions. If you prep your schedule at the start of the day and stick to it, it will also help you make sure everything is getting done.

Give yourself boundaries
Working from home can blur on-the-clock hours with much-needed time to relax. When working from home, make sure to give yourself boundaries (if possible) and carve out break times to keep your mind sharp. Most importantly, make sure to take time for lunch!
The HMA team has scheduled daily catch-up conference calls and is being encouraged to check-in with each other often throughout the day.  Although we might not be in the office on the other side of the wall, we are still able to maintain communication.

What are other things you do to stay motivated while working from home?