Working from home on internet brings a range of new distractions and challenges. Here's what science says are the most effective ways to handle them.
The 2020 pandemic pushed millions to work from home job, and this trend remains popular. According to a new Pew Research Center survey, about a third (35%) of workers with jobs that can be done remotely are working from home all the time.
Jobs working from home full-time or in a hybrid position can be quite challenging. Whether it's kids home from school or a dog overly excited to have you around all day, home often doesn't feel like the best place to get work done.
Productivity Statistics for Remote Work
Despite some beliefs that remote workers aren’t as productive, several work-from-home stats contradict this notion.
"Over the past 18 months, hybrid employees have reported the highest engagement rates, with 81 percent indicating high engagement. Similarly, 78 percent of remote employees say they are highly engaged, compared to only 72 percent of on-site employees," reported Quantum Workplace.
According to Apollo Technical, "77% of those who have jobs working from home operate at least a few times per month show increased productivity, with 30% accomplishing more work in less time and 24% doing more work in the same amount of time," based on a survey by ConnectSolutions.
Discover Your New Routine
It's hard to appreciate when you're stuck in traffic, but your morning commute actually plays a vital role in preparing you for the workday. Without that buffer between work and home, it's easy to feel unsettled.
1. Designate a Workspace
If possible, carve out a dedicated work area in your home for your work from home job. Even in a small space, designating a specific corner as your office can help. Stephen King noted in On Writing that having a space, even a simple one, where you can shut the door signals a commitment to your work.
This idea is supported by ecological psychology, which highlights the impact of our environment on productivity. You don't need an expensive setup, but be intentional about your workspace: use the same spot daily, minimize distractions, and reserve it exclusively for jobs working from home.
2. Establish your work hours
It's tempting to roll out of bed and start working immediately, but like your brain needs a space that primes it for work, it also benefits from regular operating hours.
Everyone has different peak productivity times; some are morning "larks" while others are night "owls." While your job might not allow for unconventional hours, paying attention to these cues can help you schedule work more effectively.
If you feel groggy after lunch, consider tackling less demanding tasks then. Save your most challenging projects for when you feel most alert, perhaps toward the end of the day.
Make Sure to Take Breaks for Lunch
Skipping lunch when Working from home on internet is common, but research indicates it's essential for optimal functioning. For instance, judges grant parole less often as the day progresses, but after lunch, the rate jumps back up. Taking a daily meal break away from your desk is beneficial.
Plan Regular Breaks
When working from home on internet, intentionally schedule breaks to optimize productivity. Research shows that short breaks every 60 to 90 minutes enhance performance, with the most productive people working for 52 minutes followed by a 17-minute break. Different industries have varied optimal work-break cycles.
1. Take a Walk Outdoors
Taking short walks during breaks can significantly benefit both mood and productivity to engage in your work from home job. Research from the University of Colorado shows that office workers who take frequent five-minute walks experience improved moods, increased energy, and reduced hunger.
For creative tasks, the impact is even more significant. Another study found that participants who took a six-minute walk outside increased their creative output by over 60% compared to those who remained seated. Even walking indoors led to a 40% increase in creative ideas compared to those who didn't walk at all.
Keep Your Phone in a Different Room
Even if you're not actively using your phone while working, it likely still distracts you. In a study published in the Journal of Social Psychology, college students performed worse on difficult tasks when their phones were within reach compared to those whose phones were not present.
Another study of 160 college students revealed that those who left their phones outside of class scored a full letter grade higher on tests compared to those who brought their phones with them.
Most Importantly, Have a Good Internet Connection
In today's digital age, having a reliable internet connection is essential for effective remote work. A stable internet speed for working from home facilitates seamless communication, enables access to online resources, and supports collaboration with colleagues and clients. From video conferencing and virtual meetings to cloud-based document sharing and real-time collaboration tools, almost every aspect of remote work relies on a strong internet connection.
Without it, productivity suffers, deadlines may be missed, and frustration ensues. Moreover, a dependable internet connection is crucial for maintaining professionalism and credibility in virtual interactions, as disruptions or technical glitches can disrupt meetings and hinder the flow of work. Therefore, investing in a high-quality internet service provider and ensuring a robust internet speed for working from home is paramount for success in the remote work environment.