How A Good Work-Life-Balance Can Increase Your Productivity

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How A Good Work-Life-Balance Can Increase Your Productivity Effective Ways to Improve Your Employee's Health and Productivity 2020 - Negosentro
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How A Good Work-Life-Balance Can Increase Your Productivity | In a study by Stanford (2014), working from home increased employee productivity by 13% in a span of 9 months. This is because employees experience a more convenient working environment and working extra minutes per shift. Same employee-respondents also reported improvements in work satisfaction. This is pre-pandemic.

Comparing its results in a time of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the survey done by Apollo Technical (2021), working from home produces a better turnover rate on projects and increases productivity. And they are “happy” too based on a survey conducted by Owl Labs in the same article, as it was found that remote workers reported feeling happy at 22% more than those who work in the real office setting. These employees from home reported experiencing less stress, more focus, and better work-life balance. Relatively, Prodoscore (2021), in their study, also reported an increase in productivity rate by 47% since March 2021 compared to the results from March and April 2019.

With these numbers, it is quite easy to assume that in this day and age of telecommuting, despite being away from colleagues and superior, productivity is not an issue. However, when the job gets monotonous and dull, it can be a little difficult to keep up with the remote work lifestyle. No matter how ideal the work setup may sound, it still poses a few disadvantages, some of these are:

  • Decreased social interactions and motivation 
  • Complacency with the setup, therefore, making frequent breaks and more lounge time
  • Over productivity and burnout
  • Limited office equipment at home
  • Nuisance, distractions, and unconducive work environment at home

But with a little effort and some research, remote workers can counteract these and be more productive by maintaining a good work-life balance. Here are a few ways:

  • Live a little.

Remote work can get extremely busy especially now that companies are starting to become smarter as they are increasing the workload per employee. With the hefty labor burden and no pay adjustments, a little positivity can go a long way. What are the chances that you get to have a steak and wine lunch in the real office? None. But since you are at home, do it. It helps to treat yourself in small ways that can boost your motivation and energy. Think of many other rare instances that are impossible to do in the office but definitely doable at home. As long as it makes you smile, that is a good enough reason to do it. 

  • Do the 80/20.

The 80/20 approach to eating has been lauded on social media. The rule is pretty much simple: 80% of your plate should be for healthy and hearty greens and meat while the rest, 20%, can be for your favorite treat. This diet is great for those who want to stay healthy but cannot skip the candy most of the time. Revisiting your diet is essential since food is linked to brainpower and efficiency. Our mood and energy levels are also based on the food we eat. 

If the 80/20 is too light for you, try other trending diet plans. More and more people are switching to the vegetarian diet. This diet consists of a diverse mix of fruits, veggies, grains, healthy fats, and proteins — yes protein. You can replace your protein source instead of meat with protein-rich plant-based food like nuts, seeds, legumes, and tofu.

If you cannot pass on meat,  then a carnivore diet would be your best fit. Having said carnivore, this diet is restricted to only consuming meat, fish, and other animal by-products like eggs and a few dairies. Depending on your level of commitment, your objective, whether to maintain or lose weight, and consistency, try a diet that can make you extra healthy.

  • Be sociable.

In the words of Aristotle, “Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human”. So get on that video chat with your friends and exchange stories about how you are coping with working from home and the pandemic. Knowing that someone is listening staves off our feelings of loneliness. It also helps in sharpening memory and cognitive skills. Moreover, it increases our sense of happiness and emotional well-being.

  • Make time for R & R.

This refers to the time you spend for relaxation and leisure. R & R is basically just rest and recreation. But how is this important? According to Zawadzki (2015), doing things you enjoy can be good for your health. That means you should begin with the new hobby you have been dreaming of starting or designate a day where you can just stay at home and continue your Netflix series. R & R does not have to take much of your budget. All it should be is plain rest and renewed energy. When your human gauge is full (happiness, energy, motivation, and inspiration) the better your outcomes for work and self will be.

Whether you are working from home or in a real workplace during these trying times, the best way to increase your productivity is to just keep yourself happy and be conscious about what you need. Find excitement and the fun in things and you will never have to feel unmotivated and unproductive again. Any job has its own positive and negative side. It is always up to you which side to look at.

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