Conservatory Craftsmen What Remote Workers Need to Stay Productive at Home As the world increasingly embraces remote work, many professionals work full-time from home. About 12.7% of full-time employees now work remotely, while 28.2% work a hybrid model that combines some days in the office and some at home. Although this setup has many benefits, staying productive for extended periods can be challenging, especially when other distractions and tasks are competing for attention. Research indicates that engaging in fully remote work may lead to a productivity decrease of approximately 10-20% compared to in-person work. But this doesn't mean people should give up working from home. Staying productive and getting work done while away from the office is possible with the right strategies and tips. Relaxation spaces Most people find it difficult to work in the same space all day. To keep up productivity, having a designated spot for relaxing and taking breaks is important. This could be a living room sofa or even just an area of the house where they can relax without feeling guilty about not being productive. Many also build spaces dedicated to relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation, and creative pursuits. For one, home conservatories are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They're also a great place to practice mindfulness, focus on creative projects, or simply relax. Focus Blocks Focus blocks are an effective strategy for staying productive while working from home. Essentially, they're periods when workers focus solely on the task at hand, without any distractions. For example, one might set aside an hour or two each day for uninterrupted work and turn off all notifications. This is a great way to ensure no interruptions while staying productive. Many people find that music can help them stay focused during work blocks. Certain types of music, such as classical and ambient, have been found to help promote focus and concentration. Of course, everyone's musical preferences are unique, so it's important to experiment with different genres to find the style that works best for the individual. Green Spaces Studies have shown that green spaces can help people stay productive and relaxed. Adding potted plants to the workspace is a great way to add some greenery and eliminate any built-up stress. A window with a view of nature can also help keep the mind focused on work. Regular walks outside or scheduling outdoor activities can also help keep the mind and body fresh. Green spaces can even build a sense of community among remote workers. Many companies are now setting up virtual "outdoor" times where remote employees can meet virtually to chat, share ideas, and support each other. These types of activities have been found to lead to increased productivity. Staying productive while working from home isn't easy. However, with the right strategies and tips, it is possible to keep up productivity without sacrificing relaxation time or burning out. Whether setting up a designated workspace with green spaces or using focus blocks and music to stay focused, these tools will help remote workers get work done effectively in their own homes. References https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/remote-work-statistics/ https://fortune.com/2023/07/06/remote-workers-less-productive- wfh-research/ https://www.us.jll.com/en/trends-and-insights/workplace/three-things- workers-now-want-from-the-office https://conservatorycraftsmen.com/ https://hbr.org/2022/09/can-music-make-you-more-productive https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/why-we-need-green-spaces-in-cities.html https://makingteams.com/5-inspiring-virtual-outdoor-team-building-activities-and-ideas/