Working From Home: Will productivity be chasing the winds?

March 17, 2020

Be your own authority at home. Exercise discipline to manage time, know what to get done and at what time.

The novel coronavirus has struck hard, forcing us to take measures we never thought we could ever take. Talk of schools being closed. Travel bans. Churches, malls, and other public places setting up sanitizing points at every entrance. Public events getting postponed indefinitely, and at worst, cancelled. Employees working from home - now that sounds fun, no? Sure, it would have been better if we stayed home under other circumstance rather than a pandemic. But here we are.

Now that employees are working from home, a huge shift in productivity is likely to come with it. With all the distractions and freedom (your supervisor is somewhere washing hands and probably getting distracted too) productivity teeters on the edge of a nosedive.

In this brief listicle we examine productivity and how you can be super productive, even at home. But first, are a few distractions that are likely to make working at home challenging:

1. Sleep: Yes, this one had to start us off. When reporting to work, the alarm goes off early to provide time to prepare and commute, keeping in mind the traffic snarl ups in Kenya. When working from home however, you can sleep through to 9 in the morning then jolt up, open your laptop and as long as it is connected to internet, work in bed. Now that is a good way to get no work done, but sleep. This should be viewed as having more time that can be utilised to do more.

2. Family and friends: Someone’s making pancakes in the kitchen, the aroma gets wafted to your nostrils and that 5 – minute break ends up with you running in circles and getting nothing done. Or it’s your relative yelling at you from the living room to come watch a breaking news. Or your neighbour who stops by with a stack of cards. Last night they beat you at the game, and your ego craves revenge. Whichever scenario, friends and family are a distraction.

3. House chores: Your mind has drifted far away; to the deepest and wisest part in your skull, in search of the right words to use in that report your boss awaits, when your eyes land on dirty dishes in the sink with fruit flies hovering around. You like things as clean as a whistle, so goodbye to the report.

4. Social media and Netflix: At work, these have no leash on you because supervision is watertight. At home, catching up on an episode before acting on an email won’t do any harm, right? It ends in suspense, so just one more episode, then boom, you’re running out time and nothing has been done. Or your best friend or crush is live on Facebook! Can’t miss this! Sayonara, work.

With the above opponents (among others) beating the discipline out of us, can we really be productive while at home? Yes, and here are some tips:

Have a dedicated space: Yes, get off that bed. A dedicated space could be a desk. Set up in an environment that bars distraction. This will help your mind focus on the job at hand, and keep family and friends off your map because your dedicated space is your sanctum of silence.

Photo credit: Andrea Davis

Discipline: Why is it that when at work you are productive but when at home productivity flat-lines? Authority draws the line. Be your own authority at home. Exercise discipline to manage time, know what to get done and at what time. Know your concentration span and use it to draw up a to-do-list, with break activities in between, could be to eat; read a chapter; take a walk; talk with someone etc. In the book “Talk to the Hand”, Lynne Truss calls it obedience to the unenforceable. No one is nudging you, but you are your own authority and you obey the unenforceable. What a character to have in this day and age!

1. Find purpose in what you do: When you understand that it is not only about the salary you get at the end of the month but also about the difference your input brings and the value you add to the society, you’ll work well even in a trench. Okay, let’s just keep it at even at home. People who have found purpose and meaning in their jobs have been quoted saying that for them, Saturday can be Monday and Monday can be Saturday! I guess that calls for self-reflection.

2. Break work into intervals: This might be the magic you need! Instead of working throughout, compartmentalize high concentration tasks and low ones, and then break them into intervals with reference to your concentration span. The Pomodoro Technique works.

Was this article useful? We would so much love to hear from you. Happy productivity while #StayingSafe #WashingHandsWithSoap #HelpingStopCorona

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Comments

Makuach Simon | April 30, 2020 19:02

Wonderful hilarious

Vivian | April 30, 2020 13:34

Helpful well written article...having difficulty sharing it on Facebook

Fuzu | May 06, 2020 09:46

Hi Vivian, what difficulty exactly? We've tried it and you can share easily by clicking on the share on 'Facebook' button.

Calistus | April 30, 2020 10:01

Very informative

Amos | April 30, 2020 09:12

lol am happy for your greater information sharing, and I salute you

Janeloise | April 30, 2020 08:14

Informative

Aisha | April 30, 2020 05:47

So interesting and encouraging

Isaac | April 30, 2020 04:39

Sure, It's a very informative article Efficiency hasn't been perfect due to distraction from family especially my kid, but as my boss said we are not looking for efficiency but optimised efficiency and maximized safety. Being in programming field, the lockdown life is my daily life, with my second bedroom as my mancave. For my case this is how it has always been. Having a well structured Time table form my own created basic app with alerts for my side-hustle and online classes. This ensures I wake up early. 5 to 6 hr sleep. From a range between 2130 hrs - 2230 hrs to 0340 hrs. Wake-up time triggered by an annoying alarm which I always place far from the bed in that case I have to wake up and put it off. Because of getting used to it. I always find myself waking up 10 or 5 minutes before the alarm. 3:40 AM to 4 AM - Dedication of the day to the Lord, (Picked this from Dad) 4 to 5:45 - Online classes 15 minutes break - maybe going to the balcony, doing some exercise, taking tea etc whichever i feel to do. 6 to 7:30 - Side Hustle if I have any else switching to another class. 30 Minutes checking on work emails and task list. 8:00 to 5 PM My daily task schedules and meetings, with regular social breaks maybe after ever 2 hrs. 5:30 PM to 7PM Side hustle or Class 7 PM to 9 Uninterrupted Family time 30 Minutes online time to check freelance openings, scheduling tasks and reflecting what I did and did not do. However this can extend to over 1.5 hrs. MY GREATEST DISTRACTION IS ONLINE MATERIALS, LIKE THIS ARTICLE HAS TAKEN AWAY 19 Minutes of my morning time.

JOHN BOSCO | April 30, 2020 04:34

This information is interesting. Thanks Fuzu

Alio | April 30, 2020 04:13

Yaa indeed true

Casmil | April 30, 2020 04:07

Smart one I love it

PATRICK | April 30, 2020 03:48

Extremely wonderful piece of advice on self discipline and productivity. Thank you

Lucas | April 30, 2020 02:36

Very constructive ideas. I love its sounds

Evance | April 29, 2020 11:32

Every educative and i like it.Thanks for this

ONESMUS | April 26, 2020 07:36

I love it and have actually adapted

David | April 26, 2020 05:15

Wonderful information

Ramathan | April 24, 2020 17:06

Thankful for this

AKOTH | April 24, 2020 10:11

Wouldn't be put better than this. Thank you fuzu

Mutalemwa | April 24, 2020 08:36

So emotional and motivating. It's emotional that I feel as if the msg aimed at me.

Wilson | April 23, 2020 19:31

it's really a good idea,but to some countries it may not work

dishan | April 23, 2020 14:45

bigger up

KORIR | April 23, 2020 13:55

Very nice idea to cope up with

LINUS | April 23, 2020 09:45

A very nice article. love it

Amos | April 23, 2020 09:21

This is a good time, and a good class from Fixing, you are my best friend I have ever met on my career development.Thanks once again.

MOSES | April 23, 2020 08:30

Not when you have an annoying machine (PC), anyone with 2nd hand HP in good condition in UGANDA?

Mustafa | April 23, 2020 07:24

Very educative and timely. Keep on and sent more. i like it.

Derrick | April 23, 2020 07:18

Amazing article.thank you

Mingwa | April 23, 2020 05:57

Oh my. No doubts

Apiriga william | April 23, 2020 05:30

It's a good one of how to take Care

dub qunyo | April 23, 2020 04:57

Great work

John | April 23, 2020 04:25

Wonderful idea

Baligeya | April 23, 2020 04:19

Excellent and worth awarding ideas ..

ANDREW | April 23, 2020 02:42

Nice tips here. This is a completely new model-working from home. The suggestions are spot on, after all, most if nit all the readers and beneficiaries are affected by the same interruptions the same way or to same magnitude. Thanks for the reminders. Productivity ought to remain key and is achievable.

Camillus | April 21, 2020 01:13

Very good advice on self-discipline. This is not only important for working at home but certainly employees and supervisors make a lot of management mistakes in getting tasks accomplished.

Godwin | April 20, 2020 13:44

Work is something you do, not something you travel to!

Nyakobosa | April 17, 2020 11:08

Discipline is key. Very amazing. But remember some of us have lost jobs, help us earn from home.

OYIRWOTH | April 17, 2020 05:45

it is good idea to control the epidemic

Sophia | April 16, 2020 15:57

Very educative👍

FRANKLINE | April 16, 2020 15:18

Candid

Japhet | April 16, 2020 15:03

Very fantastic

Rehema | April 16, 2020 13:54

Nice one

Monica | April 16, 2020 08:52

nice one, discipline is key. and having a daily plan. then prioritize

okidi | April 16, 2020 08:35

Good observation, thanks for the wonderful ideas

Mujema | April 16, 2020 07:42

Great

Dickson | April 16, 2020 07:11

Am ready please

Fridah | April 16, 2020 06:51

Its was a great class I like it for real ,,have learned many things and thanks for that

Benson | April 16, 2020 05:50

I like this what an eye opener to manage myself as i work at home

Nathaniel | April 16, 2020 05:24

Very intutitive

Dorcus | April 16, 2020 05:12

Nice article

titus mutua | April 16, 2020 03:42

Interesting to work at home

Silvester | April 16, 2020 03:13

Very good guide interesting.

kiiza | April 12, 2020 08:19

Very wonderful and it's best way to be safe

Bonface | April 10, 2020 15:38

I love it!

Bernard | April 09, 2020 13:54

very encouraging class

Godwin | April 09, 2020 11:41

Nice perspective!

Christopher | April 09, 2020 10:36

Thanks so much,are there opportunities? If yes then am ready

John | April 09, 2020 07:38

Being focused and knowing you have a job need to be completed. Good thoughts during this season!

NANCY | April 09, 2020 07:10

Great

JACKLINE | April 09, 2020 07:05

It's great. Discipline makes the process easier than ever. Thank you for the educative information.

Samuel | April 09, 2020 07:01

It is applicable. I love it. Great for consulting, which I am in ! Wonderful piece.

Akaijuka | April 09, 2020 04:50

it's real educative

Caroline | April 09, 2020 04:27

Interesting

SIMON | May 04, 2020 06:37

ok me too

Samwel | April 09, 2020 02:57

Great tips, I love it

EMMANUEL | April 09, 2020 01:10

I resigned last year to work from home as a freelance content writer for businesses and individuals. True, I face some of these distractions. Require great discipline.

ADAN | April 05, 2020 02:02

Magnificent golden pieces of salient input that can go along way. great thinking put together. Appreciated and thanks

Edger | April 03, 2020 16:38

Yeah. The advice works for people who do computer related work, but for those I. Other fields like driving its bad on their side

Dennis | April 03, 2020 12:13

Fantastic

Mukasa | April 03, 2020 07:02

In deed it's awesome..and good idea

Kissa | April 03, 2020 03:38

It's really interesting to work at home

Julia | April 02, 2020 17:33

Informative thank ypu

Okello | April 02, 2020 16:38

I like it

Akorimo | April 02, 2020 15:26

Good idea...but I don't know which business I can do on line

Ruth | April 02, 2020 15:19

Thank you for this! Still on my way to be fully productive while working from home.

Irene | April 02, 2020 11:48

great read!

Masereka Alfred | April 02, 2020 10:55

Good afternoon everyone.Hoping everyone is doing well. Am happy to be part of this.

sunday | April 02, 2020 10:55

Thank very much for the advise

Deborah | April 02, 2020 10:43

Spot on !

JOSPHINE | April 02, 2020 10:40

Very informative.I love it.

PETER | April 02, 2020 09:44

I have a 5 and 4 year old.. Hehe working from home is aTask Sometimes customers hear kids crying or my wife calling about breaking news

Kirabo | April 02, 2020 09:04

Oola LA

MERCY | April 02, 2020 08:44

Educative. I love this.

John | April 23, 2020 04:21

I concur with you.

kevin | April 02, 2020 08:41

Feel motivated than before. Good piece of advice

Okwaroi | April 02, 2020 08:38

Great and useful. I feel to be among the team!

Elijah | April 02, 2020 07:49

Above all we need prayers,,nice one......

Wilfred | April 02, 2020 07:49

Great information to grow your dreams.

daniel | April 02, 2020 07:33

Wonderful well said

Casmil | April 02, 2020 07:12

Point taken Thanks very useful

Walida | April 02, 2020 06:59

Very very in deed important to note.

Namuyanja | April 02, 2020 06:56

Point at hand

JOSEPH | April 02, 2020 06:50

Well done! Discipline, Discipline, Discipline!!!

Nankunda | April 02, 2020 06:46

Very helpful thank you

Muraguri | April 02, 2020 06:26

Self discipline for sure will keep one at such times.thanks you are great

Muraguri | April 02, 2020 06:24

Sincerely discipline here is what will keep us moving.self discipline. Thanks.you are great

Bismark | April 02, 2020 06:17

wonderful piece

JAMES KALOTUM | April 02, 2020 06:14

I like that ...very wonderful and save

Molax Kevin | April 02, 2020 06:11

Brilliant,,

Bridget | April 02, 2020 06:02

Very helpful thankyou

moses | April 02, 2020 05:55

Helpfull. Discipline maters here

Marrion | April 02, 2020 05:38

I needed to read this

Fatinah | April 02, 2020 05:20

Good article, any opportunity of an online job is welcome

Edith | April 02, 2020 05:19

Love it! thanks alot.

NANCY | April 02, 2020 04:56

Nice one

Paul | April 01, 2020 14:45

Priceless tit bits of crucial reminders. This is why I chose you and follow you. Thumps up my good company

Dennis | March 31, 2020 11:18

Go to now, Very informative!I agree that at this time...Working from home requires utmost faithfulness to your earthly master!

Jonah | March 30, 2020 12:16

Very helpful

Anguyo | March 29, 2020 20:52

Very important points worth implementing

Betina | March 29, 2020 16:13

It was helpful.

Joy | March 28, 2020 14:48

NICE ARTICLE

LEONARD | March 28, 2020 08:34

Its a recommendable advice. Thanks

Eva | March 27, 2020 21:44

Well said, Thanks

Fredrick | March 27, 2020 11:49

Great piece

Patrick | March 27, 2020 08:47

For our safety, lets endure with the situation we are in

OLIVE | March 27, 2020 08:16

So encouraging ....

MARK | March 27, 2020 08:00

Its best i love it

Philip | March 27, 2020 03:48

Working online is advantageous since you decide how and when will you want things done

ROSE | March 26, 2020 20:37

Great!

SARAH | March 26, 2020 18:30

I like it,how can I join

SARAH | March 26, 2020 18:23

I like this plz add...

Alinaitwe | March 26, 2020 17:44

loved it

fred | March 26, 2020 16:32

a good one

OMUNA JOHN | March 26, 2020 16:11

How this can be done

violah | March 26, 2020 15:08

Amazing so inspiring.

EVERLYNE | March 26, 2020 14:41

Epic thanks on my way to working at home starting friday

Dorcas keli | March 26, 2020 14:14

good recommendations

Rashida | March 26, 2020 13:57

That's more of good information

Erick | March 26, 2020 13:18

I like this

Turyatunga | March 26, 2020 13:13

Awesome

Banda | March 26, 2020 13:09

It's really good ides

Deurence | March 26, 2020 12:52

Quite interesting!

Deurence | March 26, 2020 12:44

I like this. My biggest distraction is house chores! now I know how to go about it. Slot them during the breaks!

KOROS | March 26, 2020 12:38

This is very helpful!. Thank you

Jerry | March 26, 2020 12:28

Just what I was looking for.

opio | March 26, 2020 12:26

How can I do it too.

Walter | March 26, 2020 12:24

Its easy and inspiring.

JOHN | March 26, 2020 11:59

Yes this article was useful.

Peninah | March 26, 2020 11:46

Excellent article.

BRIAN | March 26, 2020 11:25

Marvelous.. kindly share with us any online job, I have internet access, laptop and free time

Obbo | March 26, 2020 09:45

This so nice and i love it

George | March 26, 2020 07:29

Great read and informative too!

Gideon | March 26, 2020 07:12

Discipline is key. It beats me sometimes

Joshua | March 26, 2020 07:01

Its amazing wauh!!!

Mary | March 26, 2020 06:15

Please i would want to work with you.i love this

mubiru | April 02, 2020 09:24

Am ready to help you.contact me on 0754059740

MACHUA | March 26, 2020 06:13

Quite insightful

ALI | March 26, 2020 05:24

Invaluable note.

Omoding | March 25, 2020 14:01

I really love it but how can join it

Gerald | March 23, 2020 08:50

I like this .add me in👆

MUCHEMI | March 22, 2020 18:51

I really embrace this is so inspiring

Ikembire | March 20, 2020 14:04

How can I do this too

Stephene | March 18, 2020 09:48

I love this