Take Your Hybrid Work-From-Home To The Next Level For Peak Productivity

In 2020, nearly half of employed Singapore residents worked remotely. And as work-from-home jobs continue to increase, a typical work week now involves spending a few days working remotely, and a few days onsite. Industry experts agree that this hybrid work-from-home setup is here to stay. 

And why shouldn’t it? With increased flexibility, comes increased productivity. Employees also don’t have to remain in isolation to develop important in-person connections. There’s also the great benefit of better work-life balance.

But despite all these, the transition to a hybrid setup can be a tough adjustment for some. How should a home office setup be for better productivity? 

Choose the right space

Whether you choose to work in your bedroom, living room, or a dedicated office space, it’s important to set aside that part of your home meant purely for work. The space should also remain relatively distraction free and has access to a stable Wi-Fi connection.

To help you with your tasks, keep relevant materials such as computer accessories, notepads, and pens nearby in organised containers. And don’t forget the importance of a good chair placed at the level of your desk for good posture. 

Think mobile

In the hybrid setup, there will always be the need to move between your home and office. This means that your laptop and other relevant devices need to be easily packed and transported. A wireless keyboard and mouse make for easy portability and less cord management.

Invest in travel pouches for easy organisation, and label gadget chords and adapters to make identification faster. On your home desk, create a system that will make it easy for you to set up and pack your devices without any issues. 

Learn the art of video calls

When participating in video calls, the same professionalism applies as when speaking to someone in an office setting. Ensure you’re well-lit from the front (a softly lit desk lap or a window will do), and your background isn’t distracting. If loud noises are unavoidable, invest in background noise cancelling headsets or a uni-directional microphone.  

To prevent further disruption when it comes to the quality of calls, ensure your WiFi is functioning properly, and your home broadband plan is sufficient in terms of speed and bandwidth. 

Learn to focus despite distractions

It’s easy to be distracted by people or other activities at home. Aside from having a dedicated space that ensures minimal distractions, it’s important to be even more conscious of making an effort to prioritise tasks and not procrastinate.

Set checklists at the start of the day. Try productivity methods such as the Pomodoro Technique. Just set a timer on your phone for 25 minutes of work followed by 5 minutes of a break. You’ll breeze through your tasks for the day in no time. 

Don’t forget network security

With all the conveniences of a hybrid working environment, it also exposes you and your company to a range of cybersecurity risks, putting their corporate files and your personal information in danger. Start by investing in a comprehensive antivirus suite for your gadgets. If you’re using a company-provided device, try to request it from your IT department. 

Secure your home WiFi by setting a complicated password and enabling network encryption. Contact your network provider and inquire about the security of their connection. ViewQwest’s SecureNet, for example, offers constant protection from common cyberattacks as long as you’re using their network.

The future is hybrid

As companies and their employees grow to realise the benefits of a hybrid work setup, the home office will soon become an important fixture in people’s lives. Now’s the time to create that space, invest in technology, and learn new habits that will benefit you and your team in the long run. 

Start by giving your home office the fastest broadband in the country. Check ViewQwest’s Fibre Broadband Plans where you can purchase a basic smart Wi-Fi system, or a whole home Wi-Fi home mesh system perfect for your needs. 

Work from home with the peace of mind knowing that your network is secure with SecureNet from ViewQwest. Powered by Palo Alto Networks, it detects threats, and stops them from stealing your data or damaging your network.