As the American workforce changes to working from home, this new normal may take some getting used to. In the past, remote employees often listed benefits like no commute, more family time, less stress and saving money as reasons they liked working from home. But the number one reason people cite? It increases their productivity and focus. (1)
Working remotely doesn’t have to mean being chained to your desk for 8 hours without taking your eyes off the computer screen. Taking time to de-stress with something fun can boost happiness and result in a 12% spike in employee productivity. This may be a good idea because unhappy workers are 10% less productive than the average. (2)
Taking fun breaks while working from home can lead to happy workers that exceed expectations, achieve goals and perform at higher rates. So, if you’re looking for ways to increase your productivity while working from home, here are some ideas for having fun while having a positive impact on your business.
1- Create a Break Zone
Take regular breaks away from your desk with a fun and relaxing “breakout” zone where you can go to clear your minds. It doesn’t have to be big – it could be the comfiest seat in the house, dipping your toes in the pool or playing a quick game to refresh your mind.
2 – Celebrate Wins
According to Teresa M. Amabile, a leading researcher on the organizational study says, “Of all the events that occur on best days, one stood out well above the rest – simply making progress on meaningful work. We call this the “progress principle.” Even if you aren’t face-to-face with your colleagues, let them know when you’re proud of your work, and recognize their successes via virtual communication like email, chat or on social media.
3 – Accessorize with Color
The colors around us can truly impact our physical and emotional response as well as mood. Be sure to choose workspace accessories that positively impact output. Our top choice? Blue hues have been shown to boost productivity by stimulating the mind.
4 – De-clutter and Organize with Style
Creativity may be born out of clutter, but it doesn’t help very much with focus and productivity. Take a few minutes every morning and at the end of the day to make sure things are filed, organized, and out of sight to avoid distractions.
5 – Get Moving!
Incorporating physical activity into your day can increase concentration, improve memory, encourage faster learning, enhance creativity and lower stress. Try a walk & talk conference call, step outside or do a small fitness activity like planks or sit-ups every hour or so with some fun music to keep you motivated and pump you up before returning to work.
6 – Design Your Digital Spaces
Update your company computer with the most up-to-date software for eliciting productivity without disruptions. Try using focus apps or scheduling apps to stay on-track and at peak focus throughout the day.
7 – Let the Dogs Out
Study participants who worked with a dog nearby ranked their colleagues higher on trust and team cohesion than those who didn’t. Why? Dogs and cuddly stress reliever, increasing happiness – and therefore – productivity. So if you have a pup at home give them a quick pet or run your latest idea by them – which they’ll probably find PAWfect.
8 – Add a Touch of Nature
As biological creatures, people want access to the natural world, even if they are sitting at a desk most of the day. Keep shades open, install nature pictures as screen savers, and put plants on your desk. Research shows live plants make people more productive, happier and less stressed while working. (4)
9 – Decorate with Your Brand
Providing an environment that’s attractive and fun can make your work from home space more enjoyable. Stay connected with your business by using drinkware and desk accessories with your brand’s message and wearing logoed apparel to help stay in touch with your company mission.
10 – Display Photos
Simply displaying photos of family members, vacations, friends, and pets can help establish positive feelings while working. Studies have even shown that looking at cute animal pictures at work can actually make people more industrious.
11 – What’s Your Hobby?
Most people are passionate about some type of hobby. Spending time doing things you love is a good way to beat stress, recharge, and bond with people who have common interests. Be sure to keep regular work hours and shut down your computer at the end of the day to enjoy your hobbies. In other words, don’t forget about work-life balance!
12 – Take a Moment to Recharge
Take a break to meditate, rest, dance, brainstorm or whatever you need to reduce stress. Spending as little as 5 minutes each day to be present is directly related to improved focus, memory, clarity, and productivity. (4)
13 – Free-Share Fridays
On Friday afternoons schedule a casual virtual meeting to wind down from the week. Have everyone relax with a cold one, soda and snacks while sharing new skills that were learned, problems that were solved or a new process that has proven successful.
14 – Add Room Scents
How a space smells can seriously affect mood and mindset (and thus productivity). Consider using a diffuser to add scents that help stay focused.(5)
- Pine to increase alertness
- Cinnamon to improve focus
- Lavender to help relax
- Peppermint to lift moods
- Citrus to lift spirits and boost alertness
Are you ready to increase productivity and crush your goals while working from home? Let us know which productivity practices have helped your remote work, and visit QUALITY-RESOURCE.COM to learn more about promos that get brands noticed.
