Image from Yulia Vodopan
More than a year later, most of us might have found ourselves rooted down to working remotely or at least spending more time at home.
A LinkedIn survey states that most employees prefer working from home or having the opportunity to work remotely for a few days a week. Despite worries about productivity, workers on the platform agreed that the new setup didn't hinder it at all. A good 74% agreed that it brought out their better qualities as workers.
Despite that, with circumstances just incrementally getting better, it might not be a surprise that we've started yearning for life beyond work-from-home. Taking away the familiar elements from being in an office— like the lunch-hour chats with co-workers or even the freedom to hit a cafe safely when we need a change of scenery could make us feel bogged down and longing for those perks while we have to stay at home. Even though most of us are fortunate to have the option, it's natural to feel that tinge of longing for what once was even if we've found a setup we prefer. What you're going through is completely normal, and you're not alone.
That is why we checked in with Women in Progress®️ that are also in-between feelings of relief with a safer, remote setup and missing out on what once was. We asked them how they continue to make their WFH situation work for them. From Women in Progress®️ to another, here are the things they do to keep things moving forward productively:
Having a go-to playlist or podcast
"I keep a playlist that helps me get hyped up for work. I also have that makes me feel like I'm in a coffee shop!"
Getting yourself in the mood to work may take the power of music. Include a few of your power jams as you get ready to start your day to get yourself in the right headspace. You can also have specific ones for when you need a pick-me-up or even when you want to replicate a place. Want something fresh? Try out a podcast that you enjoy for extra knowledge (and company) as you head through the day.
Moving your workspace around
Image from 12 Storeez
"I used to like working in different places before the pandemic since I found I work better when there's always a change in environment. Working from home made that impossible, so I switch up the position of my desk or workspace at home."
If you're one that used to love the freedom of hitting a cafe or a library once in a while, then the frequent lockdowns might have you bogged down as you crave that same sense of variety. Although we could never fully replicate the environments we enjoyed, we can still achieve that feeling of change by changing up where we work— even at home! Try moving your table to face a window if you've been working months with it facing to a wall. Maybe try a day when you work near your home garden. It might be the surprising boost you need.
Discovering new ways to organize the workday
Image from Who What Wear
"Ticking off goals on a list has always been fun for me, but now that everything I do is online, I switched to a digital organizer."
For people who feel more motivated when they're trying out something new or for people who want to simplify their workflow, try out a new way that would supplement your trusty pen and paper (or maybe eliminate your need for it.) Our favorite? Notion. With this, you can pretty much do anything and everything— and you don't need several tabs for it, from tables for your budget tracking to galleries for your next pitch. What do we love about it? You could access it from your phone or laptop, and you could share your 'workplace' with other people. Who knew hitting two birds with one stone for productive convenience and connectivity could be so easy?
Taking social breaks online
Image from Stella
"My friends and I would go on a voice call to have short conversations throughout the day."
We get the feeling of missing out on our favorite co-workers (some of us may not have met them at all) but feeling lukewarm about constant Zoom meetings. Try not to feel limited to meeting them or your friends through short calls that would perk up your day. These interactions, no matter how brief they may be, could give you the feeling of connection and togetherness. An essential element that we should be adding now and then even when we work from home. If being on call isn't for you, you can try out listening to the same playlist through Spotify Listening Parties or other platforms that let you do so. No talking is needed, but knowing someone is doing the same thing as you do definitely helps!
Your feeling of being bogged down or demotivated isn't invalid by the fact that you're working from home. Try not to feel guilty when your productivity streak while working at home isn't always at a high. Remember, progress isn't linear, and the mere fact that we acknowledge it is one small step towards finding how we could address it in the best way we can. Embrace the feeling. Pause and refresh. Try something out of your routine, but make sure it always works for you.
Thumbnail from Naya and Vienna Wedekind