The COVID-19 crisis has thrust corporate culture into the virtual era, whether or not companies were prepared for it. As entrepreneurs around the world begin to adapt to this new business scenario, many are coming to realise that remote work comes with its own set of challenges.

It certainly helps to know that you’re not alone in this quest for at-home productivity. Social media is teeming with updates from frustrated professionals who share how they struggle to tackle their work to-do list amidst the all-consuming demands of domestic life.

Many professionals also report feelings of isolation, which can make it all the more difficult to focus on work. Surprisingly, younger workers were more likely to report feelings of isolation. In one study, 43% of Gen-Z professionals said they experience loneliness whilst working from home, compared to 26% of all other generations.

Fortunately, life and business coaches have many useful tips for how we can better acclimatise to the work-from-home environment. Below is a list of some of the best expert advice to help you adjust to your new work-from-home reality.

1) If you haven’t already, set up an office!

After a month (or more) in mandatory self-isolation, many entrepreneurs are appreciating the privacy offered by their office spaces. It isn’t easy to maintain a high level of focus from your dining table, especially when you’re close to distractions such as the doorbell, a loud television… and other members of your household!

If you don’t have a home office, that’s okay. You can create a quiet working area in one corner of your house, from where you can check up with the rest of your team. Wherever your new office is located, it should be off-limits to family members or housemates. You should also request that everyone in your household respect your space and timings and try not to interrupt you when you’re working.

2) Create a pseudo-commute to mentally detach from your home responsibilities

Even in normal circumstances, entrepreneurs tend to wear many hats and always have their hands full. That’s why start-up business consultants stress the need for entrepreneurs to train themselves to mentally check out from caretaking and housekeeping errands when working from home. By compartmentalising your day into work and home timings like it was before, they can keep themselves from becoming overwhelmed and burnt out.

Many life and business coaches talk about the importance of sticking to a professional routine, which should begin with dressing up to ‘go to work’. Experts also suggest devising a pseudo-commute — that is, do a series of tasks you would ordinarily do during your drive to work, such as listen to the news or sort emails, to help you transition into work mode and leave your home life behind.

3) Figure out the communication mechanism that works for your team

In these uncertain times, it is impossible to tell when you will be able to interact with your team face-to-face again. This is why it’s important to upgrade communication channels from the standard email threads and adopt other digital tools that can allow you to simulate an in-office experience.

If you’re not using chat apps like Slack or Facebook Workplace and videoconferencing services like Zoom or Skype, it’s time to start. In fact, Zoom added 2.22 million users in the first quarter of 2020 – more than all of 2019! Not only do these tools allow everyone to stay better engaged and informed, they also allow users to more easily exchange information through screen-sharing. Plus, with the boss checking in regularly, your employees will feel more accountable for how they use their time on a daily basis.

4) Don’t forget to bond with your team

Start-up business consultants agree that a business’s success partly depends on employee satisfaction. As lockdowns continue around the world, entrepreneurs will have to shift their teambuilding activities online for the foreseeable future. Some ideas include keeping a Slack chatroom open, which could substitute for the watercooler, and start off meetings with some informal chit-chat in order to boost team cohesion.

5) Manage your anxiety by developing coping strategies and removing stressors

It can’t be denied that we are living through some very stressful and uncertain circumstances. Worries about the future for your business can take a toll on your mental health.

Your productivity will suffer if you’re in a constant state of stress, so you must take the time to develop coping strategies. Experts recommend limiting your news consumption and finding indoor activities that relax you. It could be listening to music, some quick stretching or even watching funny videos.

Still finding it hard to concentrate? Don’t forget to move around. Schedule short breaks during your work hours to boost your mood and refresh yourself.

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