10 tips to be productive in smart working

The Covid-19 emergency forced companies and employees to undergo a “smart working dry run”. Even though such an employment relationship has been known for some time, Italy has largely remained loyal to the office. The sudden and unexpected paradigm shift has caused thousands of people to grapple with a new work reality made of more fluid boundaries that are not always easy to manage.

Emergencies often act as a catalyst for these organizational changes, which are usually slowed down by mental and cultural habits. The advantages of smart working are both economical and ecological and deeply redefine the management of individual and collective time and space. Truth be told, the massive adoption of smart working has caught Italy largely unprepared. As the dilution of boundaries between life and work can influence the perception of one’s own efficiency, it is necessary to develop new management strategies in order to regain control over one’s professional and private life.

We have identified a list of 10 best practices for managing work from home:

1. Keep your sleep-wake rhythm unchanged

Try to wake up at the same time you do when you go to the office. The same goes for the time you go to bed at night.

2. Write a to-do list

Put on paper your goals for the next day (or next days), better if marked by time slots.

3. Start the day as if you were going to the office

Keep your morning routine: take a shower, get dressed, and don’t go to your PC before having a rich and satisfying breakfast. You’ll get a different amount of energy and a positive approach.

4. Drink water

Keep a bottle of water on your desk to remind yourself to drink as much as possible.

5. Choose a workspace

If possible, choose a specific room to work in. It will help you establish spaces and times by limiting interference as much as possible.

6. Keep your desk tidy

Prevent any kind of accumulation on the workplace and keep it clean and tidy. Generally speaking, order helps concentration and productivity.

7. Watch out for the the workstation ergonomics

If possible, sit down as to keep windows and light sources lateral / perpendicular to the monitor. Turn your gaze slightly downwards and adjust the angle of the screen to avoid glares and reflections. Place your hands on the keyboard keeping your elbows bent 90°.

8. Schedule your breaks

Give yourself well-defined pauses to stretch your legs, to do some small house cleaning or to to breathe fresh air and rest your eyes a little.

9. Keep in touch with your colleagues

Even if the moment prevents physical contact, try not to lose touch with colleagues through online coordination meetings and informal video calls.

10. Keep in touch with your customers

Despite the difficult period and the inevitable professional slowdowns, do not forget your customers. Reply to emails, solicit actions and always be there, if any professional help is needed.