In recent months, the pandemic has made a significant impact on almost every area of our lives. A recent MIT survey found that more than one third of Americans surveyed currently work from home, along with an additional 15 percent who work remotely pre-COVID-19. Now that many of us are practicing social distancing and dealing with quarantine restrictions, it’s possible that remote work is the new future. To make the most of your relative freedom at home, we recommend a few activities to keep you entertained. All it takes are a few adjustments here and there to make your work from home routine a total breeze. Here are some essentials to help you cope while working from home:
Apps to Boost Your Productivity
Getting used to working outside of an office can take an initial adjustment period. To streamline the transition, apps like Slack can help your team stay connected on a virtual level. You can keep your messages organized by hashtag and eliminate endless e-mail threads that clog up your inbox. If you need to share large files, Box boosts team collaboration when it comes to sharing presentations, documents, and all sorts of files. You can even change the permissions and privacy settings on each file if you’re transferring sensitive information. These days, almost everything takes place on the cloud, and being able to access your conversations and files on both mobile and desktop is definitely a major perk.
Comfy Yet Polished Outfit
While you can technically work from home in your pajamas, getting dressed into something more practical will help you start the day on a positive note. If you have a conference call planned, wearing something comfortable yet sleek is guaranteed to get you a bunch of compliments from your coworkers. Blogger Minnie Seibt’s gorgeous maxi dress is a relaxed style to wear all day, especially if you’re stuck sitting in a chair. Experimenting with bold prints can help you discover a new look, along with LeSet’s comfortable pants that look sophisticated yet work-ready. Finding the perfect balance between loungewear and workwear is a great way to get started.
Organized Workspace
For some people, it can be difficult to focus on your tasks if you’re working on your bed or a sofa. If the temptation is too strong, designating a special spot or room in your house for work can get you in the right mood. Surrounding yourself with the things you need for a distraction-free workday is also a path to success. This includes having a glass of water at the ready, a laptop or desktop computer, a pair of headphones, and some healthy snacks for when you need a mental boost. If you’re forever leaving your work area to grab something you need, getting back into work mode can be a bit of a challenge. So set yourself up from success at the very beginning.
Coffee or Tea Station
If you’re perpetually tired and stressed because of all the recent events going on, treat yourself to a cute yet functional coffee cart that can make your home feel more like a coworking space. Whether it’s a simple French press or a sophisticated espresso machine, making sure you have that delicious caffeine boost can help you power through the day. Alternatively, mood-boosting teas like mint or jasmine can provide similar benefits. Instead of having to make your way to the kitchen, having what you need on hand can have a big impact on your workday.
Ring Light for Conference Calls
Sometimes, not everyone has the time to put on a full face of makeup if you’re running late to that conference call. If you’ve overslept, you can fake a flattering glow by adding a selfie ring light over your webcam. Even if you’ve had a rough night, this is the secret to looking well-rested and totally glamorous. Especially if you’re the host of the meeting, a ring light can go a long way in boosting your confidence and leading the team.
