On Wednesday, July 31st, a powerful thunderstorm swept through Omaha, bringing winds of 70 to 90+ miles per hour. By 7:30 p.m., the Omaha Power District reported that approximately 200,000 people were without electricity. The storm caused extensive damage to yards, streets, and homes. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
With events like these that disrupt our daily routines, staying productive, especially when working remotely, can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together a series of tips focused on productivity in the workplace while working from home.
First and foremost, it’s important to stay flexible. When the three of us arrived at the office on Thursday morning and discovered there was no power, we had a choice: get frustrated and let it impact our day, or get creative and come up with an alternative plan. We decided to turn the situation into an opportunity by rearranging the office space together, using mobile hotspots to keep up with client meetings, and then enjoying a fun team lunch outing. By staying adaptable and maintaining a positive attitude, we were able to make the best of an unexpected situation and even strengthen our team bond in the process.
Working from home can sometimes make it challenging to find motivation, especially on those long days when everything feels repetitive. If you're struggling to stay inspired, you're not alone. Here are some simple tips and strategies we use to boost productivity and keep things fresh, and they might work for you too...
Having a dedicated workspace that is enjoyable and inviting is crucial for maintaining productivity while working remotely. A home office filled with plants and natural light, along with a standing desk, can create a pleasant environment that promotes focus and motivation. However, if you’re feeling stuck on something, try leaving the house, working at your favorite coffee shop, or taking a walk to get the blood flowing.
Establishing a routine can help individuals avoid the dread of working from home and prevent feelings of social isolation, as structure is key to staying on track. Keeping a workspace and desktop clean and organized is essential for productivity. Some people tend to make a mess and lose things, both digitally and physically, so taking time in the middle of a project to organize their workspace, desktop, tabs, and email can help them stay on track, especially when feeling overwhelmed.
Having a designated notebook for to-do lists (or a whiteboard, if that's preferable) is also a great way to stay organized. Many people like having a physical list in front of them while they work and keep it separate from sketchbooks to clearly track tasks.
It's also important to take proper lunch breaks away from the desk and make time for walks or other physical activities to get out of the house and refresh the mind. Staying organized and over-communicating with colleagues is essential, as working remotely requires extra effort to maintain effective communication. Checking in on co-workers and staying updated on their lives fosters strong relationships, which are important for making work more enjoyable and fulfilling.
In conclusion, while unexpected events like the powerful thunderstorm in Omaha can disrupt our routines and test our adaptability, they also present opportunities to find creative solutions and strengthen our resilience. By remaining flexible and open-minded, as demonstrated by our team's response to the power outage, we can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration. Ultimately, it's about finding what works best for you and your team, embracing change, and using these experiences to learn and grow. We hope these tips inspire you to make the most of your remote work environment, no matter what storms come your way.