February 15, 2023
Working from home as a creative has become an increasingly popular option, offering flexibility and the ability to work in a familiar environment. At Stratifi, we’ve learned a thing or two about working remotely; in fact, we have been fully remote since 2019! As much as we love working in our pajamas next to our furry friends, this lifestyle can also present challenges. Distractions and a lack of separation between work and personal life can begin to have negative effects.
Fortunately, we’re here to help with more than just your marketing and branding. Here’s our very own guide on how to survive – and thrive – while working from home.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
Having a specific area in your home that is reserved for work can help you stay focused and productive. At a ‘normal’ job, you would be driving to work, miles away from your home. This change of scenery and pace is necessary to reset your mind and prepare you for the day. But, who says the same reset can’t exist at home? Take care in creating separation from your office or workspace from the rest of your home. If possible, move your desk out of your bedroom. Ensure access to any and all supplies you need and surround yourself with inspiring decor. Find posters with inspirational quotes, books to spark creativity, and a get vision board going – if that suits you. Do whatever you can to make your space inviting and encouraging.
Keep Your Workspace Organized
A cluttered workspace can be distracting and make it harder to focus. Take some time each day to tidy up and organize your workspace. When you’re surrounded by clutter and disorganization, it can be difficult to stay focused on your work. An organized office allows you to focus on the task at hand, making it easier to find what you need. This can look like straightening up your space as you end your day or purchasing storage solutions for your supplies. A clean office can create a sense of calm and make you feel more in control of your environment. Additionally, organization is not just about your physical space. Consider using tools like Trello or Asana to help you stay coordinated online as well!
Establish a Routine
Setting a regular schedule can help you stay organized and on track. Aim to wake up and start work at the same time every day. Take regular breaks throughout the day for snacks and meals. Those who work from home would attest that remote work can also lead to an “always on” culture. This culture exists when employees feel compelled to respond to work-related messages and emails outside of regular work hours. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interaction can create a sense of isolation and pressure. The desire to prove one’s productivity to the team can lead to overworking. Make sure to set boundaries in order to reduce the risk of burnout or feelings of resentment.
Communicate With Your Team
Regular communication with your coworkers is crucial for staying connected and on the same page. Video conferencing software, instant messaging apps, and project management tools are all great options for staying connected with your team. This can include daily check-ins, weekly meetings, and using collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams. If you begin noticing a number of communication issues within your team, try suggesting one of these platforms. They help to promote growth and accuracy across the board. Make sure everyone on your team is familiar with the tools you choose and knows how to use them. Working remotely can lead to an overwhelming amount of messages, emails, and notifications. To stay on top of it, prioritize your communication and respond promptly.
Stay Connected
Working from home can lead to feelings of isolation, so it’s important to stay connected to your coworkers and friends. This can include virtual social events, such as happy hours or game nights, or regular video calls with colleagues. If this is something that’s new to your team, don’t be afraid to speak up and suggest these ideas! Your coworkers will likely be delighted by the idea, and want to explore ways to grow closer as a team. When team members feel connected to one another, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in the company. This can lead to a more positive, productive work environment. This can, in turn, lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and growth.
Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking can actually decrease your productivity, as switching between tasks takes time and can lead to mistakes. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. Switching between tasks too often can lead to increased stress and burnout. When you’re constantly juggling multiple tasks, it can be difficult to relax and unwind, which leads to feeling overwhelmed and dissatisfied over time. Juggling multiple projects at once can also lead to decreased creativity and problem-solving skills. When you’re constantly shifting your attention between tasks, it is difficult to engage in deep thinking and problem-solving, which is detrimental to your work. Lastly, multitasking may lead to a lack of work-life balance, if you feel compelled to be constantly working on something.
While it may seem like a dream come true for some, it can also be challenging to stay focused and productive when working in a less structured environment. However, by creating a routine, setting a schedule, creating a dedicated workspace, prioritizing self-care, planning your day in advance, communicating with your team, taking breaks, disconnecting from work when your workday is over, and avoiding multitasking, you can make the most out of your work-from-home experience. Overall, working from home can provide flexibility and autonomy when paired with an established a routine and effective communication. Want to learn more about our company culture? Check out our about page here!