Many workers and business owners alike have been working from home for years. Due to the recent pandemic COVID-19 outbreak, most companies and their workers are following suit, raising the subject: Is this working arrangement a productive one?
A 2019 survey by Airtasker says yes. Researchers surveyed 1,004 full-time workers throughout the U.S. about their productivity, their commutes and other aspects of their lives. Among that group were 505 people who worked remotely. The study found that working from home not only helps employees by eliminating their daily commutes, it also increases productivity and leads to a healthier lifestyle. It’s a win-win circumstance that workers relish for its versatility – but often at the cost of their work-life balance.
To help your team stay focused and efficient during this work-from-home phase while combating stress and maintaining work-life balance, here are some tips to help you out.
Take A Break
The most efficient way for remote employees to stay productive, according to the Airtasker survey, was to take breaks (37%). The study found that office workers took shorter breaks than remote workers, though longer breaks have been shown to increase productivity.
Follow A Schedule
The second most popular way employees stay productive at home is having set work hours (33%). Urge employees to sustain the same schedule they did when they went into the office. Following a system will help your workers feel more structured and efficient, and it will help keep their attention directed.
Keep A To-do List
The Airtasker study also exposed that 30% of remote employees reported that keeping a to-do list helped their productivity. Inspire employees to write down what they wish to accomplish each day, so they are not jumping from assignment to assignment. Now that you and your team are working remotely, communication is critical. Set daily or weekly meetings where you and your team discuss and prioritize projects, including deadlines, so you can stay on track.
Lastly, as a business, examine using video conferencing to get your employees together at least once a week, so they still feel like they’re part of the team. [Read the following recommendations of the best video conferencing services of 2020.]
#Facts
- According to one study, remote employees work 1.4 more days per month compared to their office-based counterparts, resulting in more than 120 additional hours per year.
- 29% of remote employees said they struggle with work-life balance, and 31% said they have needed to take a day off for their mental health.
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