The surge in hybrid and remote work options we’ve seen in the past few years has completely revolutionized the way we work. For most, gone are the days of daily commutes, early wake-up calls, microwave meals and that feeling of never having enough time.
The advantages of flexible work setups are hard to debate. More autonomy over when and where to work can offer employees improved work-life balance, which is likelier to improve employee satisfaction and culture. The ripple effects of this positivity in the workplace mean teams tend to be more productive and less likely to leave.
It is no surprise that the latest trends indicate that hybrid and remote work options are here to stay. More professionals are looking for flexibility, and more businesses are responding to this increase in demand. A study by Indeed and OECD has shown that the mention of remote work has almost tripled since the pandemic—going from an average of 2.5% pre-pandemic to 7.5% in September 2021, with countries like Ireland, Spain and the UK registering the greatest increases.
But there’s one major disadvantage of working from home, and that is that it can get quite monotonous. Work days can seem a little too mundane without those so-called watercooler moments and the social element of working from a traditional office. In fact, in Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2021, we’ve discovered that although the absolute majority of respondents would like to work remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers—the second-biggest struggle for professionals working remotely is, in fact, loneliness (14.5% of those working remotely due to Covid-19, 17% of those who worked remotely before the pandemic). Similarly, both groups said staying motivated was a challenge for them while working remotely (11% of those working remotely before Covid-19 and 14% of those who started working remotely due to the pandemic).
This leads to a crucial question for those wanting to embrace this flexibility in the future—how can you beat the monotony that can result from working remotely? We’ve compiled some of our tips to help you maintain your productivity, regardless of where you’re working from:
#1: Switch up your morning routine
Although crawling out of bed and rolling straight into your office chair might sound like sheer bliss, it can be extremely counterproductive in the long run. Including activities such as a morning walk or workout, a coffee run, or even just reading or journaling can help give some perspective to your days and some much-needed Vitamin D.
#2: Grab lunch with a friend/colleague
The world has become increasingly digital, but as the pandemic’s peak has shown us, there’s nothing quite like the human connection. The social element that comes with working from an on-site office is hard to replicate digitally—but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to break your routine by getting together with a friend or a colleague for a quick bite or coffee during your lunch break.
#3: Take regular breaks
Regular breaks are crucial, whether you’re working from an office or home. Helping you keep focused and engaged, breaks can help you reduce stress and arm you with the concentration you need to face any tasks you’re working on. Leaving your desk for 10-15 minutes, walking around your home office, talking to someone next to you, making coffee, or even meditating are excellent ways to disconnect, even briefly, during your work day.
#4: Set clear boundaries
Working from home makes it easy for our professional lives to seep into our personal lives and vice-versa. Ideally, you’ll want to have a designated space in your home to call your office—one far away from where you tend to spend most of your downtime, if possible. If you need to work from your dining table, make sure that at the end of the day, you store your laptop and any other work-related material away from your sight. Similarly, avoid home-life distractions such as any chores that need doing. And, don’t forget to set clear start and finish times for your working day. This will help you compartmentalize your to-do list and can help avoid stress and burnout from overworking and overthinking.
#5: Opt for a plug-and-play solution
One solution that has become increasingly popular among remote workers of all sorts is plug-and-play solutions. Whether a private office or flexible co-working desks, leaving your house and working from a place where you can plug in your computer and work can instantly lift your mood and productivity.
These solutions offer much more than just a desk and a power socket. Their community-focused nature makes them an easy win for freelancers, contractors, startuppers, or even full-time workers looking for a change of scenery while they work.
Whether you’re looking for a private office space for your hybrid team, a flexible office a few days a month, or even just a co-working desk, the plug-and-play solutions we offer at Avenue 77 not only provide you with a desk or office to call home but also give you endless opportunities for building new relations. Our meeting facilities and services are available for remote workers to hold meetings, which helps alleviate some of the most common technical and logistical difficulties remote workers face.
The on-site leisure and hospitality facilities offered as part of Market 77 mean employees benefit from the availability of a gym, bar, food corner, convenience store, and much more without having to change location.
If you’re interested in joining our community of businesses and professionals or want to learn more about our plug-and-play solutions, contact us at +356 9900 4016 or fill in our contact form now.
