Perhaps the biggest downside is the hit to productivity that comes from a lack of routine, a larger number of distractions, and, crucially, an inability to brainstorm and connect with team members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you\u2019re struggling to stay productive while maintaining social distancing and working from home, we\u2019ve got four easy tips you can implement right now.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Take Advantage of Underused Video Conferencing Features\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Video conferencing is the single best antidote to social distancing. It allows you to meet with colleagues for meetings in pretty much the same way as you did before. And virtually all companies understand the need to replace traditional face-to-face time with digital alternatives<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n But most people overlook the large feature-sets at their disposal when video conferencing, many which help bolster productivity. Most apps have tools like noise-cancelling technology for eliminating background sounds, automated zooming which instantly focuses on the main speaker, and even digital whiteboards. Familiarize yourself with your software\u2019s secondary features and make use of them whenever possible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lure of news websites, with their stream of continuously-updated, breaking corona news stories, is almost irresistible. You\u2019ve probably got at least one tab open now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The temptation to check your Facebook feed or favourite news site is strong. But you need to fight it. One study showed that employees typically waste\u00a060 hours every month<\/a>\u00a0on time-sapping distractions. And when you\u2019re at home, away from the watchful eye of your boss, it\u2019s much easier to fritter away those precious working hours.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n So how can you resist that oh-so-frustrating pull towards social media and breaking news stories? If you\u2019re like most other people, merely saying to yourself, \u201cI\u2019m not going to give in to distractions!\u201d won\u2019t cut the mustard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, you should download a browser extension or mobile app that will\u00a0<\/strong>force\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>you to stay on-task<\/strong>. These tools enable you to block tempting sites, turn off internet access for specific periods, and even set penalties for breaking your own distraction rules. Even better, most apps are free.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a business owner, manager, or team leader, you should opt for a single project management solution that employees can use for a myriad of different jobs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By enabling your team to complete tasks in one place, you\u2019re increasing the likelihood that they\u2019ll stay connected with colleagues<\/strong>, whom they can message through chat boxes, joint document editing tools, and collaborative workflow management areas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building communication right into the fabric of everyday tasks is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that employees don\u2019t lose contact with each other when they\u2019re not working in close proximity as in an office.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWater cooler chat\u201d – a term used to describe office small-talk which derives from the tendency to exchange pleasantries around the water cooler – is generally seen as something to be discouraged by managers. But it can actually have a range of benefits from a productivity standpoint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Office small talk is important for fostering personal relationships between colleagues<\/strong>, which has been linked to\u00a0increased happiness at work<\/a>. It also\u00a0gives employees some downtime and an opportunity to float ideas and suggestions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Social distancing makes water cooler chat impossible. That\u2019s why it\u2019s good practice to create a personal space online, such as a chat area in your project management app or an online Facebook group, where employees can let off some steam and connect on a personal level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If there\u2019s one thing that the coronavirus has shown, it\u2019s that nothing stays the same. And this is perhaps more true of business than any other area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At the EU Business School, our courses are designed to equip students with the tools, understanding, and experience they need to constantly and consistently adapt to a rapidly-shifting environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If a fast-paced career in business interests you, take a look at our range of\u00a0on-campus and online bachelor\u2019s programs<\/a>,\u00a0one-year master\u2019s degrees<\/a>, or our\u00a0MBAs<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n With more and more governments enforcing lockdowns and social distancing measures due to coronavirus, the likelihood is that you\u2019re reading this article in your loungewear. Working from home gets a pretty good rap. But is it all it\u2019s hyped up to be? While there are undoubtedly upsides to remote working, like ditching the morning commute, enjoying home comforts, and spending more time with your cats, there are negatives too.\u00a0\u00a0 Perhaps the biggest downside is the hit to productivity that comes from a lack of routine, a larger number of distractions, and, crucially, an inability to brainstorm and connect with team […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":28160,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1771,1773],"tags":[1657,4508],"class_list":["post-28155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-trends","category-eu-business-school-community","tag-remote-working","tag-social-distance","post--single"],"yoast_head":"\r\n2. Target Distractions With the Nuclear Option\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"social](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-writing-on-her-notebook-3059747.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Use\u00a0One\u00a0<\/em>Collaboration App Wherever Possible\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Keep Up-to-Date With Colleagues on a Personal Level\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Struggling to Make Sense of the Changing Corporate Landscape? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"eu](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/EU_Generic_750x125.gif\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"