Work From Home Tips for School Professionals
Many school professionals are trading in their brick-and-mortar positions for a work-from-home or teletherapy opportunity. Giving up the daily commute to the office helps to reduce stress and better manage a healthy work-life balance. But can school professionals stay efficient when working from home?
Surprisingly, the answer is yes. A two-year study from Stanford showed that working from home helped improve employee productivity. For education professionals transitioning to work-from-home, check out the following tips on how to promote efficiency and productivity when working from home.
1. Create a Designated Workspace
When it comes to working from home, the most important thing is your workspace. The comforts of home, such as your couch, television, and a fully stocked kitchen, are great for relaxation but can provide distractions when it comes to clocking in. For this reason, creating a dedicated work area is essential. A small room, or even a section of the room, dedicated solely to work, is the perfect place to start. Set this area up so that you are comfortable and have everything you need. Be sure to minimize distractions, such as the television or family members. Having an office with a door allows you privacy to work during the day, but also allows you to close the door at the end of the day and leave work behind.
As a teletherapy education professional with Soliant, chances are your workplace will become your classroom. Keep this in mind when planning your workspace. Things that may not be distracting to you may be distracting to your students.
2. Stick to a Routine
Working from home allows you to give up your morning commute, but you shouldn’t give up your morning routine. While you may be able to get a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning, setting a regular alarm and getting up at the same time every day is essential. Humans are creatures of habit, and a regular morning routine can make all the difference. A routine that firmly establishes your schedule helps you manage your time and stay efficient when working from home.
3. Plan Out Your Day
Creating a to-do list or a scheduled plan for your day helps to promote daily efficiency when working from home. Whether you simply create a list of tasks to do during a work session or create a daily schedule, this planned structure helps you stay on task and avoid possible distractions. You can choose to do this at the end of your day so that you start the following day with a plan. In contrast, you can create your plan in the morning as you enjoy your coffee. While things will often come up that require a change in direction, such as an unplanned meeting or new deadline, having a plan for your day helps keep you on track and focused.
For education professionals, a regular plan is not only essential for you, but also for your students. Having a set schedule for both classroom activities as well as one-on-one instruction sessions is essential for both your success and that of your students.
Tips for Maintaining Efficiency and Productivity
While an office space and daily routine are the key components to address when you start working from home, these additional tips can help you stay productive and successful. They are as follows:
Take Regular Breaks
When working a traditional in-person job, breaks are something most employees look forward to to break up the day. While they may not seem as important when working from home, they are. Taking regular breaks throughout the day significantly improves productivity levels and helps you maintain your focus. Whether it is a simple walk outside, an afternoon tea on the porch, or a phone call with a friend, a regular break gives you time away from the screen and allows your brain and body to relax.
Remove Distractions
When working from home, distractions such as the television or your favorite hobby can often tempt you. These can reduce your productivity and get in the way of your work-from-home success. When creating your office space, make sure to remove any possible distractions. This includes distractions for you, your clients, or your students.
Set Boundaries
Many of your family and friends may not understand that working from home means you are working, just the same as if you were in the office. They may see the fact that you are home and assume you are available at any time. Set boundaries with friends and family so they know when your work hours are and that you are unavailable during these times. If you have children at home, make sure they understand that you are working or that you have help at home when needed.
Tips for Avoiding Feelings of Isolation
While the Stanford study showed that working from home increases productivity, it also increases isolation. This isolation can be the main reason people don’t succeed when it comes to working from home. These tips can help combat isolation and increase work-from-home productivity:
Leave Your Home Regularly
Working from home every day can become very self-isolating, but getting out regularly can help. Instead of making your lunch at home, go out for lunch a few days a week. Take your laptop and spend your morning working from the local coffee shop for a change. If those options aren’t available, stepping outside for a walk, riding your bike, or playing with your pet can even help.
Socialize with Friends and Coworkers
Getting out regularly with friends and coworkers is also a great way to combat any feelings of isolation. If you aren’t able to meet with your colleagues and friends in person, consider using online meeting software. It’s also important that you try to avoid discussing work during online meetings so the chat feels more personable.
Following these tips can help you increase your productivity and see success when working from home. To learn more about working from home or how Soliant can help you, contact us today.
