How to Overcome Challenges of Working from Home

How’s your work-from-home situation going?

There’s a good chance you’ve been at it for several months now. And while it has plenty of perks, the challenges remain. Plus, like everyone else, you’re just plain old tired of this pandemic and its restrictions.

Try to stay positive and look at the bright side. And whether you love or hate working from home, continue to max out your productivity and stay sane when dealing with:

Too Many Virtual Meetings

Zoom fatigue is a real thing. It’s the tiredness, worry, or burnout associated with the overuse of virtual communication platforms. Participating in these meetings can be draining after a while because you have to physically work harder to keep looking at other attendees.

Find relief by stepping away from the screen. Or at least looking away. Rest your eyes, your body, and your mind. Do this periodically throughout the day.

Performance Guilt

It’s natural to feel like you should be getting more work done at home. After all, you don’t have to spend time commuting, nor are you lingering in the hallway chatting with colleagues. Performance guilt may be even more extreme if you’re at home and some of your coworkers are in the office.

Don’t beat yourself up. Block off time for breaks during the day. Spend them by enjoying a favorite non-work related activity, such as reading, listening to music, or completing a short yoga video.

The Everyday Distractions of Home

The kids are hungry. The dog wants to go out. Your next-door neighbor saw your light on and calls to chat. Suddenly, another half hour has slipped away. Yikes.

Try the Pomodoro Technique. Select a task, spend 25 minutes on it, then take a short break. For every four 25-minute blocks, reward yourself with a longer break.

Social Isolation

Working from home can be great for thinking and concentrating, but it can feel too quiet or lonely without anyone else around after a while.

Schedule a phone call with a friend, loved one, or coworker you miss, during your break. Caveat: If you touch base with a coworker, avoid shop talk! That defeats the purpose.

If you miss office background noise, try a podcast that makes you feel almost like you’re back there. There are several options available.

Work/Life Balance

It all comes down to this, right? It was true when you went to the office five days a week, and it rings even truer now.

A great way to strike work/life balance is to dedicate a home workspace. It can be as simple as a corner of your dining room table. The point is: it creates a physical anchor for work time, around which you can build structure and routine each day. It becomes the area where you “go to work” – and just as importantly, leave it all behind.

For more tips on healthy work habits and keeping your career on track – even in the face of pandemics pr whatever other curve balls life throws your way – contact PrideStaff Fresno today. We can help in your current role – or match you with a new temporary, contractual, temp-to-hire, or permanent position that’s exactly what you’ve been looking for.