Working from home

The year 2020 has brought immense changes to our lives. According to theGlobal Work from Home Survey, about 74% of respondents believe that WFH (Work From Home) is the new norm.

Currently, about 3.4% of the workforce in the US works from home either half the time or more.

However, this number has undoubtedly increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and we wouldn’t be wrong by anticipating that more workers will set up shop in their homes until the dust settles.

The desire to work at home is by no means new for employees. Studies show that most workers are even willing to accept a pay cut just to be able to work in the comfort of their own homes, even if it’s some of the time.

Working from home certainly has its pros and cons, and in this blog post, we will go through some of the challenges as well as the tools and resources to help you create a healthy working environment.

work from home happily

Challenges of setting up a healthy, productive home office

  • Location, location, location

For anyone who lives with children or relatives, you’ll know that finding a peaceful place to work can be a challenge. Whether it’s family members watching TV, or children running about or playing games in the house, these factors can make working at home difficult.

UGREEN Hub-stand

Thanks to products like the X-Kit Hub-stand – a new laptop docking station developed by UGREEN, setting up a home office can be quick and easy without taking up a lot of space in your home. Ultra-lightweight, compact and ergonomic, the X-Kit is designed for quick and easy setup, enabling you to work comfortably and efficiently from anywhere in your home. Not only is it an ergonomic laptop stand compatible with various models and sizes, it’s also a powerful 5-in-1 USB hub that connects your computer to multiple devices simultaneously.

  • You should keep focus

You may randomly check your phone for messages or emails and find yourself sucked into looking at social media posts longer than you should.

Put that cell phone down. Yes it’s not an easy habit to get rid of, seeing how addicted we are to our phones, but it’s going to be counterproductive if you spend too much time on your phone. Set a time to check emails and messages and just ignore it between those times.

a man concentrating on work
  • Keep noise at a minimum

The noise around the house from the people you live with could easily interrupt your thought process or make concentration almost impossible. Select a designated work space, in another room if possible. Keep all your work equipment there, away from the noise. Less noise will increase productivity.

  • A schedule

Other household duties could also make it a nightmare to continue with your work or meet deadlines. These include chores like washing dishes and laundry, which could frustrate you to the point where you abandon your work completely. Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it. This way you won’t deviate from it when you need to work and you’ll complete your chores at the designated time.

Maintaining the correct posture, socializing, and movement is key

Besides distractions, there are other problems associated with working from home that could keep you from being productive and performing at your ultimate best. We highlight a few below and some useful tips that you could use to work healthily in the comfort of your own home.

  • Sitting all day is no good at all

Not only does it cause back pains, diabetes, stroke, dementia, high blood pressure, and more — scientists say that it hurts your heart and can shorten your lifespan. It also causes weight gain and can undo all the progress you’ve made in the gym.

You need to move throughout the day. This is more effective in countering these types of illnesses than any exercise could possibly do.

  • Be Social interaction

Social interaction is important and can help you with productivity. Speaking about non-work related topics could help refresh your mind, leaving you revitalized and ready to get back to work.

  • Using some software to work more productive

This is related to the point above, because while you have access to people in a normal office environment, you do not have this luxury when working remotely.

There are however apps like Slack that allow you to connect with colleagues to brainstorm, discuss, and share ideas. You should also use meeting times to get the most out of your teammates.

Tips and resources to boost your work-from-home experience

We’ve already seen above how we can make working from home a better experience. Below are some tools that will aid you in your newly found home office.

  • Separate office space

Set up separate office space and keep it clean and tidy. A clean work space that is germ-free helps prevent you from catching any illnesses, keeping you healthy, productive, and on your A game at all times.

working area at home
  • Be prepared, dress sharp

Be prepared, dress sharp, and behave as though you would in a real office environment. Take yourself seriously. Dressing yourself up makes you more productive because it signals to your mind that you are in work mode.

  • Comfortable working posture

Choose a comfortable chair or use a standing desk and use a proper stand for your laptop, like the X-Kit Hub-stand. This ergonomic stand is a hub combined with an adjustable stand and makes it comfortable for you to work on your laptop. It allows for correct post posture, minimizing neck and back fatigue.

Hubstand1
Hubstand1
Be an evangelist
  • Schedule a time for regular workouts

Whether it’s in the morning to get the juices flowing or post-work, stick to a regular exercise plan to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Also, be sure to add extra movement while working, such as walking around the house during phone calls or frequent breaks to stretch and loosen up your body.

  • Try not to stay stuck on your chair for too long

As mentioned above, sitting for too long has several health implications, so it’s important to stay active. Try to work standing up and make as much movement as you can throughout your day.

Work different, work smarter

With the recent coronavirus outbreak, many people around the world have been self-isolating, and working from home has become the new norm. It’s important that we maintain our physical and mental well-being. Social stimulation and ergonomically sound equipment should be a priority as we adjust to the new world order.

Don’t forget to claim your evangelist privilege now if you find the X-Kit a helpful WFH tool.

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