How to continue being productive when working from home is one of the biggest issues that employees will encounter. Many businesses worldwide have been driven to go remote during the past couple of years due to the COVID-19 crisis. Since working from home is not for everyone, some employees may find it more difficult to remain productive when working from home, while many others express that they have seen higher levels of productivity since they started working remotely. Some companies have been successful in assisting their staff members in reaching high productivity levels when working remotely, such as Babble, a provider of IT support London SMBs rely on daily to keep up in this dynamic technological landscape. If one has the appropriate IT infrastructure, Babble believes that anyone can succeed at working from home.
So, what are some ways to increase productivity when working from home? Working from home requires having the appropriate information technology established in both your home office and the company you work for. This is because working from home is a digital line of work by default. As mentioned earlier, thanks to technology, working from home has become more common. Without the software solutions we use every day, such as Microsoft Word and spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel, it would not be feasible. Other digital tools, however, are necessary for productive work at home but are not used by all firms. Which is mind-blowing considering how digital products such as those offered on Microsoft 365 have been gamechangers for many firms that have either gone fully remote or just accommodated a hybrid working environment for employees. Microsoft 365 applications, which are offered by managed IT services London-based providers, opens a greater scope and opportunity to improve productivity when working from home.
Virtual collaborative platforms are important because it can be exceedingly difficult to collaborate when everyone is working from home. However, you can overcome that difficulty by choosing the appropriate virtual collaborative platform. These systems typically allow integration with other apps, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and cloud storage services like OneDrive. Furthermore, a virtual platform for collaboration like Microsoft Teams includes video conferencing, instant messaging, and even internet telephony. One of the best ways to optimise teamwork is to have this communications and work app integration. Task management apps like Microsoft Planner and Microsoft To Do have also proven important in supporting efficiency in a remote workspace. Some people may find it difficult to self-govern when working from home, which could provide a productivity difficulty. It is much simpler to get into the work mindset and motivate yourself when you are in the workplace with management and other employees. Task management tools are meant to help with the extra structure you might need to supply yourself when working from home. A to-do list feature is typically included; they also have rich functions like the ability to attach files and photographs to tasks, among other things.
It is also important to note that research has shown remote workers spend more time at their desks during the day and take fewer breaks than people who work in the office. However, the problem is that this does not always lead to increased productivity. Many studies support the idea that taking breaks regularly increases productivity. Too much time spent on one activity might lead to tunnel vision, which can reduce concentration and quality of work and prevent one from producing innovative ideas. Many find it helpful to use an app that reminds them to take breaks throughout the day on a regular basis. Taking regular breaks improves productivity and focus, but they are also beneficial to your health. Microsoft Planner and Microsoft OneNote: setting such reminders is made simple. These applications come with several options for creating reminders, including integrations with other Microsoft services, personalised messages, and repeating reminders.
One of the difficulties associated with working remotely is the low level of engagement that many remote workers have with their employers. Maintaining a connection with the people in the company is important because working from home can feel very isolating sometimes. Nonetheless, there are some excellent virtual team-building options accessible. Websites and applications for quizzes are an amazing concept because they encourage teamwork and good humour across the entire company. With Microsoft Teams, employees can participate and connect via video conferencing. Microsoft offers a range of other apps that provide ways to build teamwork. To have a better understanding of which apps and systems will be the best for your company, it is advised to consult Microsoft 365 consultants. Based on your business needs, they can identify exactly the type of IT infrastructure and Microsoft apps your business will benefit from when implemented strategically.
