Currently, the workplace is still looking very different than usual.

In a survey of close to a thousand company directors conducted last month by the Institute of Directors, nearly three quarters (74%) said they would be keeping increased home-working after coronavirus*.

With many businesses operating on a combination of remote and office working (you can also read more about what the future of the office post-covid looks like in our other article) it means that now more than ever, people are trying to keep productivity levels up in a period of high stress and uncertainty.

So, how can you stay productive?

Stay connected

Staying motivated can be difficult, but it’s easier as part of a team.

Utilising video conferencing technology such as Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams can not only allow you to streamline collaboration, but also gives you peace of mind – which will only increase your productivity in the long-term.

By having frequent contact with your colleagues, you can ensure that everything is staying on track and also alleviate any potential stress that remote working may cause due to uncertainty.

Utilise the power of technology

With entire workforces having to shift to remote working in a way they’d never anticipated before, the need for adaptable technology had never been more paramount, and it’s still essential now.

From moving daily meetings and conferences to Zoom calls, to using cloud computing to seamlessly integrate collaboration into ongoing projects, technology has given us a way to fill those gaps in with ease.

It also means we can complete tasks with more efficiency and specificity due to the range of technology we have at our disposal.

Our top tip? Maximise the potential of your technology with knowledge! Did you know we offer Microsoft 365 training that can help to enhance your administrative, collaborative and data sharing abilities?

Reframe remote working

The constantly shifting nature of remote working versus office working, combined with the pressures of changing regulations due to the pandemic, can take its toll on everyone.

However, remote working isn’t without its benefits, and utilising these will not only boost your mood, but also boost your productivity as well.

Without the hustle and bustle of a daily commute, there’s the potential for more flexibility in your day.

You can tailor your day to make space for exercise, a daily walk or frequent rest breaks – it’s all down to your preference and working style!

Did you know that even moderate levels of exercise have been shown to improve memory, sleep, energy levels and resilience?

Find the best support

Uncertainty can bring to light the need for a safety net and a good support network.

With a higher reliance on technology for most businesses, this support network may be in the form of a dedicated IT support team, for others it may be a case of prioritising communication within the team to keep things running smoothly.

Whatever it may be, reducing the time spent worrying about potential issues can free up your mind to be working at its best.

Keeping up with the stresses of work amidst these uncertain times is difficult, but making a few small adjustments can really change the way you work for the better.

If you’d like some help with IT solutions that suit your business and its budget, we’d be happy to help you! You can get in touch with our team to find out more.

* Read the full report here https://www.iod.com/news/news/articles/Home-working-here-to-stay-new-IoD-figures-suggest