Strategies and TIps to maximize productivity when working from home

​With the recent and sudden shift from having face-to-face classes to moving fully online, it can be challenging to keep up the same level of productivity. Here are some tips that TNP editorial team put together to maximize our productivity while working from home. 

• Have a dedicated workspace. Trying to work from the couch or coffee table is not a great idea. If you have an office space, that’s probably the best place to work when working from home. But if you don’t have a dedicated office, even setting up a workstation at the kitchen table is better than nothing. 

Jen's WFH space. Lots of natural light!

Ciara's WFH space. Look at that comfy chair!

• Keep to a somewhat regular routine. Sleeping in too late can completely derail your day. Waking up at a normal time and getting to “work” shortly after that can give your day the jumpstart it needs. Jen has found that if she eats breakfast in her office space, she’s more likely to get to work right away.
• Schedule how you’ll use your time during the day. Giving yourself guidance is more important than ever now. When you sit down to work, you need to know exactly where to start. Keeping to-do lists can help with this. Sit down at the beginning of the week and look at what will be due for students, what grading you have to do, and what will need to be done for next week, then prioritize things. Depending on your WFH situation (like whether or not you have children or partners at home with you) determine what is most important. For example, if time is limited, prepping may be more important than grading.
• Create a framework for accountability. Texting a friend or coworker your to-do list at the beginning of the day and what you got accomplished at the end of the day can hold you to your word. It can also help you set reasonable goals for yourself.
• Don’t be afraid to take breaks.  After you complete something on your to-do list, don’t be afraid to step away from your workspace for just a few minutes. During her breaks, Jen will usually do small household chores like starting a load of laundry or doing the dishes. Giving yourself these little cognitive breaks, can help you refocus when you get back to it!
• Don’t be too hard on yourself.  Not only are many of us teaching on-line for the first time, we are also experiencing a weird time so keep your expectations for yourself low and reasonable. You will likely find yourself struggling to complete tasks and THAT IS TOTALLY OKAY. Do what you can and communicate with your students, they will support you as you support them.

 
Do you have any other tips or strategies that you find helpful?