From dynamic entrepreneurs to jobbing freelancers to long term desk jockeys, we all have something in common at the moment. We’re all struggling to remain productive, upbeat and optimistic while under lockdown. The good news is that we know we’re not alone. All around the country, and indeed the world, people are lamenting their frustrations at themselves on social media as they try to gather the energy to squeeze out another 500 words.
The bad news is that knowing you’re not alone won’t make your business any more profitable, your clients any more satisfied or your financial situation any more solvent. It’s time to stop treating our productivity like a rare nectar doled out by some higher power and start getting proactive. Here are 5 things that could be impeding your productivity, even if you’re already accustomed to working from home, allowing you to get more done with less effort…
Distraction
We’re living through a moment of history, and everybody has something to say about it. As such, social media has become a deep and compelling rabbit hole, especially in our current socially starved state. Social platforms have seen usage increase by up to 70%. This, along with other distractions around the home (like kids and chores) can keep us from falling into productive rhythms.
Make sure you have a dedicated workspace and install distraction blocking software on your computer to keep yourself on task.
Worry
Another problem caused by our over reliance on social media is that it can turn us into chronic worry warts. And nothing’s more likely to disrupt productivity than worries and anxieties. Of course, we want to feel safe and protected, but it’s up to us to be proactive about it. Make sure your home is clean, tidy and thoroughly disinfected. Talk to your bank and arrange terms to ease your financial pressure. And you might even want to get an A-1 Locksmith to come and take a look at your locks to make sure they’re impervious to burglars. In this time of economic crisis, we’re seeing crime rates drop but burglaries and car theft increase in some areas. Peace of mind can be a wonderful aid to productivity.
Poor connection
With the whole family using your home network, you’re likely not enjoying the same high speed connection that you would in your workplace. A slow connection can cost up to 40 minutes’ worth of productivity a day. You may want to rethink your needs and talk to your provider about upgrading your account. Alternatively, if you’re able to use a wired connection instead of using your WiFi network, this can make your connection faster and more reliable .
Isolation
Finally, perhaps the most taxing thing about working remotely is that it makes you feel just that… remote. You’re unable to piggyback on the energy and dynamism of your team. It’s harder to recapture the sense of excitement and effervescence of true collaboration online. Harder… but not impossible. You owe it to yourself and your team to at least try. Which is why you should touch base via group chat or video chat at least once a week. This will help you to buoy one another’s enthusiasm and energy levels.
