4 Things You Can Do for A Virtual Christmas Party

What are some things you can do for a virtual Christmas party?

  1. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
  2. Virtual Karaoke
  3. Holiday Team Building Games
  4. Send Out Christmas Kits

 

Christmas parties are a significant event for employees. This is where the whole team comes together to spend a day without work — enjoying the company of their colleagues and reaping the benefits of their hard work throughout the year. But during this season, where health and safety are at stake, normal parties have to be put on hold. But, it doesn’t mean that you still can’t celebrate. Thanks to the internet, there are many things you can do for a virtual Christmas party! Continue reading to learn more.

 

Secret Santa Gift Exchange

Secret Santa Gift Exchange

Is hosting a Secret Santa a yearly holiday tradition in your workplace? Giving your gifts in person may not be an option this year, but you can still do it virtually.

You can randomly assign gift-givers and recipients through handy websites like Draw Names and Elfster. Plus, on these websites, participants are given the option to create their own wish list. It makes the gift-giving process so much easier.

You can even take it up a notch by opening your gifts together as a team.

 

Virtual Karaoke

Karaoke will always be a part of any special occasion in the Philippines. Did you know that you can take your karaoke party online now, too? And it isn’t so hard to do! There are a handful of free karaoke apps like Smule that you can utilize to sing alongside your friends virtually.

You can even do it over video conference platforms like Zoom. The host just needs to share his screen or queue the list of karaoke tracks on a Watch2Gether link, and your team will be ready to sing the night away.

 

Holiday Team Building Games

Holiday Team Building Games

What’s a party without games? Christmas team building games aren’t just to get your office in the holiday spirit, it can also benefit your employees’ growth at the same time.

There are so many online team building games you can host for your virtual Christmas Party. Like a Holiday Scavenger Hunt where teams collect holiday-inspired items that can be found inside their homes. You can even utilize online game websites that host online Jeopardy, trivia, bingo, and even escape rooms!

 

Send Out Christmas Kits

Sending out a care package or a Christmas kit is another thing you can do. This idea also provides tangible reconnection for your employees who may feel disconnected.

Get creative! You can send out Happy Hour boxes, home office essentials, self-care packages, gourmet gift packets, or even game sets.

 

Key Takeaway

Don’t let the current circumstances stop you from having fun with your team during the holidays! These things you can do for a virtual Christmas party stated above are enjoyable, engaging, and best of all, safe.

7 Signs That You Need a Vacation

What are the signs that you need a vacation?

  1. You start getting sick from work
  2. You have trouble sleeping
  3. You make more mistakes at work
  4. You develop unhealthy coping mechanisms
  5. Your interpersonal relationships are suffering
  6. You lack motivation
  7. You are extremely guilty of taking a vacation

 

In a world where feeling too stressed out has become a common thing, the typical daily routine of individuals goes like rushing to the office, hurrying to get mountains of paperwork done, and logging off to catch up on personal responsibilities. However, when you spot the clear signs that you need a vacation, it might be best to do so.

Ask yourself, “When was the last time I had some time off?”. It’s important to make sure you receive a much-needed rest to alleviate burnouts, which can cause serious physical and mental problems if ignored. Here are the telltale signs that you need to go on that vacation you’ve always daydreamed about. Read on!

 

You Start Getting Sick from Work

When you constantly feel overwhelmed while working, your brain responds by releasing stress hormones. In the long run, the chemical reaction has inevitable physical consequences such as increased blood pressure, stomach problems, chest pain, backaches, eye strain, headaches, dizziness, and even fainting.

Furthermore, the exhaustion you experience from the workload can compromise your immune system and make you more prone to the flu, colds, and other infections.

Keep in mind that getting sick might be your body’s way of telling you that you need a vacation. It’s better to take some time off than to prevent other chronic health conditions.

 

You Have Trouble Sleeping

Asian young woman sitting on bed take sleeping pill or

The very same stress hormones from overworking may also make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Stress can force your body into a hyper-alert state which disrupts the sleep cycle. Over time, this can result in chronic insomnia.

Sleep is important for a healthy body and mind. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night because of thinking of so many things, it is time to manage your stress levels and get a better sleeping schedule. This can be achieved by heading to a vacation spot with a tension-free environment.

 

You Make More Mistakes at Work

Do you keep making mistakes on tasks that have always been a routine? Are you missing deadlines? Or do the most basic tasks seem hard to accomplish?

According to a psychological expert, the body’s “fight or flight” tunnel vision can negatively impact the ability to concentrate. When you are stressed, your focus is directed on the threat. However, chronic stress makes it difficult to pay attention and impairs your memory. This is what makes it hard to solve tasks and have efficient decision-making skills.

If you want to prevent costly slip-ups with the company, it would be best to take a break.   What most people fail to realize is that taking a vacation often leads to renewed focus. The improved energy and creativity levels you gain prove to be helpful for a fresh perspective when going back to work.

 

You Develop Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

hand holding cigarette and smoke on black

Drinking too much, smoking, becoming too sedentary, overeating junk food, not eating enough, or not sleeping enough — these are some of the things people do to drag themselves to work. If you find yourself developing unhealthy coping mechanisms, you may be suffering from burnout. Consider taking a vacation to avoid the vicious cycle.

 

Your Interpersonal Relationships Are Suffering

Too much stress can result in three negative things for interpersonal relationships. First, you easily get into arguments with other people. Second, you withdraw when talking to people. Third, you miss out on important occasions because you can’t seem to take your mind off work. This might be the perfect time to put the brakes on yourself and set some time to relax and bond with your loved ones.

 

You Lack Motivation

Portrait of a man lying down at desk near laptop

Do you feel your work spirit flagging? Or maybe you can’t remember what it is that made you love your work? When you don’t feel as enthusiastic about what you do anymore, there is a big chance you are experiencing burnout. A good indicator of losing motivation is when you find yourself lonely when waking up in the morning for work. It might be time to get away.

 

You Are Extremely Guilty of Taking a Vacation

This sign might seem like an oxymoron, but if you find yourself extremely guilty of taking a vacation, it may be a sign to book a trip. Use your paid vacation leave. No matter how much you love your job, everyone needs to take a break once in a while. Remember that taking a vacation helps prevent burnout, which can make your work suffer even more.

 

Key Takeaway

These are some of the telltale signs that you need a vacation. When was the last time you had some time off? In order to avoid burnouts, serious health issues, and letting your work suffer, planning a trip is one of the best things you can do.

Coping with Work Stress During COVID-19

How do you cope with work stress during COVID-19?

  1. Educate yourself about covid-19
  2. Establish a healthy routine
  3. Talk to other people
  4. Enjoy your free time

 

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress for many people. The fear of the virus and the abrupt change in the normal way of living have affected people negatively. But life must go on and people must keep on working to live. It is important to still enjoy life while staying safe. Today we listed down the ways on how to cope with work stress during COVID-19. Read on!

 

Educate Yourself About COVID-19

People experience anxiety nowadays due to the fear of the virus. It will affect you the more you don’t know. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself about COVID-19 and the dos and don’ts that go with it. Focus on the things that you can do, like limiting going outside, social distancing, wearing face masks and shields, and disinfecting regularly. When you have knowledge about the virus and how you can avoid it, your anxiety will lessen. Knowledge is power!

 

Establish A Healthy Routine

Business woman having online video call via laptop computer whil

The pandemic has changed our work routines, whether we work on the front lines or from home. During this time our health became our number one priority. But not having a routine can be stressful. It can feel like you have so many things to do but you do not have time to do them.

After working for some time at these tough times, you may now have a rough idea of the tasks and responsibilities that you need to complete. Take time to reflect on what you need to prioritize and what work demands you need to do per day. Think back to the routine you had before the pandemic. Rest your mind from work after work hours. Do not forget the important things you do to take care of yourself. This includes eating right, exercising, and sleeping enough at night. Having a set time for these things will ensure that you get enough rest every day.

In these uncertain times, we can only make some effort in the things that we can control, and that includes our routine. Having a routine can be less stressful because it can make you more productive and as time goes by you will get used to the daily tasks. Remember to include rest and play in your routine for a balanced work and life.

 

Talk to Other People

Nowadays people feel high levels of stress due to the fear of the COVID-19 virus, anxiety about their jobs, and loneliness because of being stuck at home. Other people choose to keep it to their selves instead of opening up about their emotions.

Talk to your manager if you feel that your workload is affecting your mental and physical well-being. Your supervisor or manager will know best about the responsibilities you have and the role you take at work.

Don’t bottle up your feelings and open up to trusted people. Having a shoulder to lean on will help with your emotional well-being. Know that other people are probably experiencing the same things and you are not alone. You can do this!

 

Enjoy Your Free Time

Enjoy Your Free Time

As a front liner or remote worker, most of your mental or physical strength may be already be depleted at work. During this pandemic, it is hard to enjoy your free time because of health worries and long hours at work. Enjoy your free time, relax your mind, and avoid burnout. There are many things you can do at home, especially now that you have more time with your family. You can also spend some alone time if you prefer. Reward yourself for doing great at work, you deserve it!

 

Key Takeaway

Now that the new normal has changed it is important to know the ways on how to cope with work stress during COVID-19. Educate yourself about the virus and how you can protect yourself and loved ones, establish a routine that will make everyday life more manageable, talk to your manager about high-levels of stress and how to solve it, and always make time for relaxing and spending time with your loved ones. Here is to hoping to a more enjoyable work-life during the pandemic!

4 Effective Tips for Managing a Team During the Pandemic

How do you manage a team during COVID-19?

  1. Determine What Roles That Can Be Done Remotely
  2. Prepare Employees for Frontline or Remote Work
  3. Frequently Check On Your Team
  4. Stay Connected

 

If you are a team leader, the pandemic will test your skills in managing a team. Several establishments have sent their employees home for remote work to prioritize health. But some establishments cannot operate without employees reporting for work in the office or establishment. As a team leader, it is important to know how to manage a team during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on to learn more!

 

Determine What Roles That Can Be Done Remotely

Not all kinds of work can be done from home. Some examples of this are frontline work in the hospital, pharmacy, food establishment, transportation, and security. As a team leader, you have to determine what roles can be done at home, and what roles are not. Prioritize health and safety as much as possible and send workers home.

 

Prepare Employees for Frontline or Remote Work

Businesswoman at home having a video conference with her team

Now that you have determined which stays at the business establishment and who goes home, you have to prepare your team for some changes. Make sure to lessen or remove the risk of exposure of your front liners by following health and safety guidelines mandated by the government. Provide personal protective equipment and disinfecting products to your team. Sanitize your business establishment regularly and install protective shields such as transparent acrylic glasses.

For remote workers, ensure that they have all the technological equipment ready for remote work. Teach your team about the required applications and tools because not all people are technically-savvy in the latest hardware and software.

 

Frequently Check On Your Team

These uncertain times will be hard for everyone including you. Understand that everyone will need time to adjust to these changes. Frequently check on your team not just to supervise their work but also to learn how they are doing mentally. With remote work, some people will have to juggle responsibilities in the home. On the other hand, frontline work is also difficult because of health risks. Always monitor their health regularly.

Remind your team about their tasks and also the importance of their contributions. Be compassionate and always appreciate your team members on their effort in these tough times.

 

Stay Connected

Young businesswoman taking a mobile call

Communication is vital in these times because everyone is scattered in different places. Always have a communication channel that is consistently open during work hours. This way your team will be able to voice out their concern easily.

Schedule video meetings regularly so you can align your team members about important matters. Chat and messages are useful but being able to see your team’s faces and reactions can help you stay connected.

Confirm in written communication all the important things that should be said clearly. This is to avoid verbal miscommunication and misunderstandings.

 

Key Takeaway

Now you know how to manage a team during COVID-19. As a leader, you are the one that they look up to as the decision-maker. Know what roles can be done at home so you can remove the risk of exposure to your team. Prepare them and give them time to adjust to the changes. Your team is your responsibility so it is important to check up on them frequently. Always keep the communication line open to keep everyone connected. It may be hard to supervise and manage a team in these tough times but the key here is to trust your team.

The Best Tips for Remote Team Communication

What are the best tips for remote team communication?

  1. Use Appropriate Messaging Channels
  2. Schedule Regular Video Calls
  3. Set Clear Guidelines and Instructions
  4. Conduct Regular Team-Building Events

 

The work from the home culture we currently experience in this pandemic brings a lot of positive and negative effects. It allowed us to spend more time with our loved ones while still completing our tasks at work. One downside from working from home is the lack of face-to-face communication that can make you feel alone and depressed. We all miss an energetic high-five and a gentle pat on the back for doing a good job. Today, we will be learning how to make the best of remote team communication. These tips will make work from home so much easier!

 

Use Appropriate Messaging Channels

Emails are a part of a workday even back when there was no pandemic. It is useful in sending important documents and formal messages. But it is not a good channel for asking questions that need to be answered immediately.

Find a messaging application that has “rooms” that can represent your office departments. Having chat rooms that are always open can help your team collaborate right away at any given moment.

Some companies have a more informal chat room for non-work related chats. It is a virtual water cooler where employees can hang out and just chat. This can help build camaraderie in employees and reduce work stress. Even back then in the office, casual chats would help lighten the workload!

 

Schedule Regular Video Calls

Video conference call from home

It is important to check-in on each other once in a while. The lockdown and pandemic have caused people to feel anxious and depressed. The lack of social interaction and excessive working has made people feel burnout. Some people are not even tech-savvy, to begin with. So it is important to show some care and empathy with each other.

Not everything can be done by chatting or emailing. These two channels of communication, while useful, lack the non-verbal elements like facial expression, voice pitch, and hand gestures. Video calls can have all of those elements, except physical touch.

Weekly video meetings can connect all employees and align them with the announcements, goals, and achievements of the team. This can provide an opportunity to voice concerns and opinions about a project. But always remember to only schedule meetings with a purpose as to not waste your teammates’ time.

 

Set Clear Guidelines and Instructions

Supervising remote workers is harder than supervising in a physical office. You cannot see what your team member is doing at office hours. This can bring about an issue of trust unless you do something.

Set clear guidelines for expectations for everyone in your team. Set deadlines, daily tasks, and communicate instructions about timekeeping and taking breaks. When you set guidelines, it removes the guesswork on what a team member must abide by. Everyone will have a routine to follow.

One example is communicating the guidelines for breaks. Avoid settling for verbal communication and put your instructions into writing to avoid miscommunication. Be very specific. For example, you can either set a specific hour for lunch from 12 noon to 1 pm. Or you can assign a 1-hour break every day that your members can take any time.

 

Conduct Regular Team-Building Events

Asian man having video call at home

Not all kinds of office work will provide constant human interaction. Some occupations, like software programming, is more focused on constant computer work. Even more so, when in remote work setup. This doesn’t mean that we have to stop all fun activities that used to happen back at the office. There are a lot of fun ideas that could be implemented in a virtual setting.

Having fun can affect personal connections and even work itself. A study showed that happier employees tend to be more productive. A closer relationship with one another will also allow a team member to open up and communicate ideas and concerns better.

 

Key Takeaway

Good communication is key to making remote work more pleasant and fun. Physical distancing doesn’t mean that you have to distance yourself emotionally from your team as well.

There are different communication channels that you can use to maintain a good workflow and camaraderie within your team. Just remember to communicate clearly what you need from your teammates. Schedule regular video calls to check-in on your team and their concerns. All these virtual channels can be used not just for work, but also for fun because a happy team is a productive team. Follow all these remote team communication tips to create the best remote work experience for everyone.

How to Stay Mentally Healthy at Work

How can you stay mentally healthy at work?

  1. Don’t Skip on Lunch Breaks
  2. Set Boundaries
  3. Play Music
  4. Socialize
  5. Keep a Clean and Organized Workspace
  6. Ask for Help When Needed

 

More working professionals are embracing “hustle culture” and becoming further immersed in their jobs over the years. True enough, in some instances having the drive to work your hardest, is a good thing. However, this has become the standard for many to gauge mental health, which shouldn’t be the case at all. Ignoring this can lead to burnout and even more serious mental health issues. Don’t wait until this happens before you take action. You should always know how to stay mentally healthy at work, more so during these times. The impacts of the pandemic can lead to even more stress and strain. Here are some seven simple strategies to keep yourself mentally healthy at work:

 

Don’t Skip Lunch on Breaks

Don’t Skip Lunch on Breaks

With all the tasks you have to do within the day, it can be so easy to overlook your lunch break, especially if you are working from home. Lunch breaks are implemented for a reason and are far more important than you realize. It allows your mind to recharge, rest, and refocus. Lunch breaks or eating on your table doesn’t count. Make sure that you devote your lunch breaks to yourself and eating a proper meal.

 

Set Boundaries

Most make the mistake of not setting any boundaries between work and their personal life. But this is one of the biggest contributors to workplace burnout. Setting boundaries and practicing a good work-life balance is extremely important for your health and well-being.

Devote working hours exclusively for work. Clock in and clock out on time, and do not work afterward.

 

Play Music

Caucasian man taking a break from work by listening to music

If your job allows it, consider playing music that you enjoy while working. You will feel better, calmer, and it may relieve stress and pressure.

 

Socialize

Feeling isolated at home? Or maybe you’ve been too busy keeping up with your tasks in the office. If so, try socializing more with your colleagues during breaks. Interacting with others will boost your mood and feelings of well-being. Sharing a good laugh or a great conversation could go a long way for your mood.

 

Keep a Clean and Organized Workspace

Beautiful young woman using her laptop at home.

Disorganization and clutter have negative effects on the brain. Plus, no one wants to work in an unhygienic and messy workplace. Make sure to throw away your trash immediately and don’t let clutter accumulate on your desk. A clean and organized workspace will improve focus and boost working memory

 

As for Help When Needed

Handling tasks independently is the key to achieving your work goals. However, if there’s too much on your plate, and you struggle to understand a certain task, asking for help is never a bad thing. Ask for help when it is needed and don’t let stress pile up.

 

Key Takeaway

Knowing how to stay mentally healthy at work will definitely keep you happier and healthier. Never make the mistake of overlooking your mental well-being in the midst of working hard to achieve your work goals. Looking for a healthy environment to start working in? Click here to read more about Workplays!

Office Meal Ideas to Increase Your Immunity

What are some of the office meal ideas that can increase your immunity?

  1. Avocado Toast
  2. Lemon Chicken
  3. Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
  4. Yogurt Oatmeal

 

Let’s admit it. Sticking to an office meal plan is tricky under normal conditions. With the quarantine regulations forcing companies to adopt remote work, this becomes even more challenging.

You might have experienced being on a conference call and sprinting to the kitchen just to eat something to fill your empty stomach. Or maybe you munch on unhealthy chips all day while working. These scenarios prove that maintaining a healthy diet is easier said than done when you’re working from home.

However, this is not the time to overlook proper nutrient intake. Now more than ever is when you’ll need to boost your immune system. With that, we’ve rounded up some office meal ideas to increase your immunity!

 

Avocado Toast

Before you start your day, it will take more than a cup of coffee to ensure that your body receives the nutrients it needs. Just as the saying goes, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”.

Try making an easy to make Avocado Toast. Avocados are not only flavorful but they contain vitamins A, C, and E which have immune-boosting properties as well. Consuming this breakfast meal will help your body fight off bacterial attacks.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 avocado, peeled and seeded
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 slices of bread of choice

Instructions

  • In a bowl, put in the avocado, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Mash with the back of a fork.
  • Toast the slices of bread until crispy.
  • Spread the mashed mixture on each slice.
  • Drizzle with olive oil. You can sprinkle over your desired toppings as well.

 

Lemon Chicken

Grilled chicken breast pieces and whole and lemon slice with salad on dark stone background . Paleo diet.

For lunchtime, it would be best to eat a heavier meal that’s rich in protein. Eating Lemon Chicken will not only be filling, but it will energize you for the rest of the office hours as well!

Chickens are high in vitamin B-6 which plays a vital role in forming healthy red blood cells. On the other hand, lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C. The potent antioxidant helps your body ward off infections and diseases.

 

Ingredients

  • 3 chicken breast fillets
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. In a shallow dish, sprinkle both sides of the chicken with flour.
  3. Over medium-high heat, add oil and butter.
  4. Sear both sides of the chicken until golden brown.
  5. In a separate pan, sauté the garlic.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
  7. Let the mixture simmer and reduce the heat.
  8. Add the butter.
  9. Add in the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  10. Serve warm.

 

Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

Garlic contains a key compound called allicin. Allicin boosts the disease-fighting response of the body’s white cells. According to a study, garlic can even contribute to the prevention of major illnesses such as gastric ulcers and heart problems.

On the other hand, broccoli is a good source of vitamins and contains powerful phytochemicals that neutralize free radicals.

Consuming a Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry meal is sure to boost your immune system. So get cooking and whip up this hearty meal with only eight ingredients!

 

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cup broccoli
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  • Boil the broccoli.
  • Drain the water.
  • In a pan, sauté the garlic until golden brown.
  • Add in the broccoli.
  • Add in the chicken broth.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Once the broccoli is cooked, add in the cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce.
  • Serve with rice and enjoy!

 

Yogurt Oatmeal

Yogurt Oatmeal

Even if you had a good breakfast or lunch you would feel quite hungry after a few hours. This just shows that your body is burning the fuel while you’re working. Instead of grabbing unhealthy sugary foods or salty potato chips, munch on a healthy snack like Yogurt Oatmeal.

Yogurt is a good source of probiotics that can stimulate the immune system and reduce the likeliness of catching diseases. It is also rich in vitamin A, Zinc, and Vitamin D.

Before you recreate this meal, remember to look for yogurts that have live and active cultures. Avoid getting the ones that are loaded with sugar as well. Plain yogurt can be sweetened with healthy fruits instead.

 

Ingredients

  • ½ cup oats
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup yogurt
  • Fruit toppings (optional)

Instructions

  • In a pot, add oats and salt.
  • Combine the milk and stir.
  • Cook over medium-high heat.
  • Remove it from the heat.
  • Stir in the yogurt.
  • Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl and top with your choice of fruit toppings.
  • Serve!

 

Key Takeaway

Stick to a healthy office meal plan. While it may be tempting to neglect nutritious food options and just grab anything you can see in the kitchen, this won’t do any good for your overall health. Give your body a fighting chance to combat viruses today!

How to Manage Your Time When Working During the Pandemic

What are some time management techniques for working during the pandemic?

  1. Adjust your expectations
  2. Plan a schedule
  3. Have a designated working space
  4. Avoid social media distractions
  5. Set boundaries
  6. Communicate with your boss

 

Under the best circumstances, practicing the best time management techniques is already hard enough. Now that we are living in unprecedented times, working from home automatically becomes even more challenging.

As events related to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold, it can become tougher to work without the setting you are accustomed to when in the office. Nonetheless, managing your time effectively should stay on top of the priority list.

Here are five tips for time management that can help you be more effective.

 

Adjust Your Expectations

Everyone is still fairly new when it comes to adjusting to the “new normal”. Families are trying to keep up with remote job tasks and online learning sessions.

The full workforce operations have shifted at home. Without the capability to have person-to-person conversations that offices allow, virtual meetings, whether scheduled or not, are what keeps companies functioning.

Adjust your expectations and instill in your mind that even if you are home, you can’t just slack around. You have to work just as hard as when you were in the office.

 

Plan A Schedule

Instead of leaving your calendar as a blank slate for organizations to fill out, plan out your schedule to support your job.

Remember that the biggest difference between working in the office and working from home is that you get to be in charge of how you manage your time and environment. This means you are accountable as well.

Before every weekend, dedicate time for jotting down reminders for the incoming week. By doing so, you will be able to know your responsibilities in advance. Trust us, you’ll meet the demands of projects even more.

 

Have A Designated Working Space

You may not realize it but the way your working space is set up can do wonders in effectively managing your time. It can impact your productivity levels as well.

For example, have a dedicated area around your house for work purposes. Don’t just sit in the kitchen table where the meals are laying around. In the same way, do not work in the living room where everyone can just come in, watch a movie, and distract you.

While it’s true that you don’t need to recreate a full-scale office, you must have a place where you can have complete focus. Moreover, clean your working space. No one wants to work in a cluttered desk as it hampers productivity. Doing all these can help you in achieve time management better by focusing mentally.

 

Avoid Social Media Distractions

Avoid Social Media Distractions

Social media is a highly entertaining and informative platform. But, let’s admit it. It can be constantly distracting as well.

It’s so easy to pick up your phone and scroll through Instagram and Facebook every few minutes. Sure, it might not seem like it’s eating a huge chunk of your time. However, remote workers may find that social media is consuming their time unintentionally.

With this being said, it will be best to log out of social media accounts during working hours. If you find this hard, you can always try muting your notifications.

 

Set Boundaries

Now that the daily commute to and from the office is not needed, you might find it difficult to end your day properly. At home, you can easily access work applications and emails. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, remember to close all the work tabs at the end of working hours.

Turn off your laptop and store it properly in a place where you won’t get tempted to check every notification. If possible, set your status as “away” to avoid colleagues from reaching out to you outside working hours.

 

Communicate with Your Boss

Remote meeting. Woman working from home during coronavirus or COVID-19 quarantine, remote office concept.

When it comes to going fully remote, it is inevitable to experience bumps during the adjustment period. After all, everyone is truly becoming overwhelmed with the effects of the pandemic.

You have to juggle the work responsibilities along with the worries of rising new cases and keeping your loved ones safe from the threat of infection. The key to steering through their time management problems is communicating with your boss.

Letting them know what’s happening can help in managing expectations and coming up with a plan that’s best for you. Talk to team leaders you work with throughout the day as well. These are unprecedented times and flexible work arrangements can be done.

 

Key Takeaway

When it comes to time management techniques during the pandemic, follow the six tips we’ve stated above. These are unprecedented times and these efforts may just help in managing your time effectively at home.