Goodbye corporate environment, hello home office! Since the coronavirus pandemic, many people have chosen to become a work-from-home pro.
Now as a Service Partner using the Arise® Platform, you have the chance to improve your work-from-home game by following these pointers. Check out the five mistakes we are vowing to never make again!
1. Working From the Bed or Couch
Sure, working from your bed with the shades closed, or on the couch with Netflix streaming in the background, may sound like a dream. Unfortunately, this type of set-up will hinder productivity and create unnecessary distractions.
Instead, create a dedicated office space in a quiet and secluded area of the home. Steer clear of creating an office in the kitchen or living room, as these areas may attract other family members or roommates. In other words, more noise and distractions! A dedicated office space will help you separate the virtual working world from other aspects of your life, which in turn will increase efficiency and work output.
2. Forgetting to Take Breaks
Think about how many breaks and pauses you take throughout a single day while working a traditional office role. It’s imperative to take similar breaks while working from home.
Strive to be just as (or even more!) productive within a similar time frame. Stepping away from the computer will give you a chance to clear your head and refocus later, versus burning out after four to five hours of straight screen time.
Pro tip: Consider an alarm strategy, in which you set reminders to take a walk around your home, drink some water, and stretch your body before getting back to work.
3. Working Seven Days a Week
Those who work from home know how difficult it is to leave work stress behind after you stop servicing. After all, they live and work under the same roof. Though this may be difficult to put into practice, try your best not to blur the line between your work time and downtime.
Remember: Working from home should not mean you are working more. The last situation you want to find yourself in is feeling burnt out or overworked.
Make sure to take various short breaks, as well as at least thirty minutes to an hour for lunch, in which you step away from your computer and into another room – or even outside.
4. Never Leaving the House
Many believe that those who work from home should not leave the house during the workday. Wrong! If you are accustomed to leaving the office for lunch breaks, consider implementing the practice when you work from home, such as a quick lunch at a nearby restaurant.
5. Not Creating a Schedule
Maybe you feel most productive in the early mornings. Or perhaps you prefer working late into the evening. Those who work from home should create and follow a schedule that works specifically for them. Determine what time to wake up, build a routine, and shape your daily work hours. Establish short breaks throughout the day, as well as a desired lunch hour. Not only will this keep you more organized, it will also allow others to become familiar with your routine.
Now You’re Ready to Be a Work from Home Pro!
As a Service Partner on the Arise® Platform, you’re in charge of setting your own hours and deciding how much or how little you want to work.
Many Service Partners have used tips like these to help them provide excellent customer support. Avoiding these work-from-home mistakes will help you be more productive and reach your goals, too.
Searching for more helpful tips and tricks? Check out this guide on dealing with angry or upset customers.
