On its surface, working from home sounds ideal – there’s no commute, no forced small-talk with colleagues, no dress code; but if you don’t set yourself up for success, this WFH stint risks being unproductive and detrimental to professional deadlines.
To help with this, we listed five ways to be productive when working from your Signature home!
1st Things 1st: Shower & Change Out of Your Pajamas
Rolling out of bed 5 minutes before the workday starts sounds nice but it lends the risk of hindering your productivity. A great way to stay mentally checked in is to start your day with a simple routine! The act of showering and putting on fresh clothes first thing in the morning will signal to your brain that it’s time to get to work.
Designate a Workspace
Your workspace should be confined to one area of the apartment so that you can mindfully “clock-in” each morning, and subsequently walk away when the day is over. Most Signature homes provide a “dedicated dining area”, or sites like Epic at Gateway and The Morgan even offer floor plans with Solariums. Say hello to your new home office! If you live with roommates or a spouse, politely set a workspace boundary that you shouldn’t be disturbed upon entering it.
Invest in a Cheap Desk & Office Chair
Bar stools and beanbags should not double as desk chairs – your back will thank us later! A makeshift workspace thrown together with random articles found in your apartment might get the job done for a little while but can lead to physical ailments long-term. Office furniture can be found in all price ranges online and delivered right to your front door through retailers like IKEA and Wayfair.
TV Stays Off
We know it’s tempting to let your current Netflix binge play in the background while you work but realistically, this is a major distraction. When you have one foot out the concentration door, you’re more likely to make mistakes and turn in lower quality work. Use TV as a reward in the evenings for a long day’s work.
Know When to Stop
It’s easy to get lost in your work and continue long into the night when working from home. Abide by your normal “quitin’” time and walk away from your workspace when the day is done. Indulge in a pallet cleanser each night in the form of a long walk or good movie to help your mind re-set. Avoid cabin fever by taking small breaks throughout the day. Now that we’re spending most of our days at home, it’s important to get outside when you can. A daily dose of fresh air will help to clear and sharpen your mind.