Since the outbreak and subsequent lockdown, many people are finding themselves trapped inside of their houses, work piling up and productivity declining. Whether, it’s distraction due to pets (kittens always want cuddles), kids or a lack of designated workspace, here are a few tips to help boost productivity and reduce the urge to go insane.
- Set a Schedule and Stick to it
While there will always be distraction, one of the best things you can do to boost productivity at home is to set a schedule. A consistent schedule boosts productivity by creating a routine. Waking at the same time each day, working out, logging on by 9:00 am, taking scheduled breaks, etc., allow you to focus on the tasks at hand without getting distracted by everything else that is happening around you. It’s tempting to turn off your alarms and throw all reason out the window, but for productivity’s sake, set that alarm.
- Create Daily Tasks
Creating daily task lists is a great way to stay focused without getting overwhelmed. In our profession, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work that comes through the door – especially when the structure you had has now disappeared. It can be as simple as scheduling block increments of time to review each new case, or deposition transcript, police report etc. The trick is to identify a project and break it into smaller, more manageable tasks. In my practice, I have found that implementing timelines for discovery responses has helped immensely. For example, I utilize the SAPS method for setting tasks and deadlines.
Scan, Analyze, Prioritize, Schedule.
Generally, I scan the discovery requests for overall length, analyze for complexity, then prioritize the responses that require additional attention. Once I’ve completed the first three steps, I schedule into my calendar a response deadline. If there are multiple sets, I follow the same pattern and then determine how many sets I can reasonably expect to accomplish in one day. Breaking projects into smaller tasks is an easy way for me to get through the day, while allowing for breaks. Which brings me to tip #3.
- Take Breaks
Schedule in 2-3 breaks throughout the day. Each break should be around 10-15 minutes and can be as simple as walking around the house, surfing the web (when will toilet paper be back in stock?!) scrolling Instagram or checking the CDC for updates – but avoid turning on the TV. The television is a gateway to Netflix, and we all know nothing gets done once Netflix is on … next episode in 3, 2, 1.
If you have a dog, you can utilize a brisk walk to leave the house and get a bit of exercise. And if you have two little fur terrorists (like I do) you may find yourself throwing a fuzzy mouse around the house or playing master of the Red Dot. Either way, get up and away from your desk!
- Create a Dedicated Workspace – That You Love
Working from home can become a real hassle if you don’t have a dedicated workspace. Getting into the right frame of mind is essential for boosting productivity while in quarantine. Therefore, avoid working from bed as it can be a distraction, bad for your posture and tempting to take a midmorning nap! If you have a home office space, take a couple hours to spruce it up and make it cozy. If you feel comfortable in your new space, you are more likely to not be distracted by the barren walls or uncomfortable office chair. Pro-tip: even though most stores are closed (at least in my area) Overstock and Amazon still deliver #PraiseHands.
- Restrict Social Media
This is something that I implemented for myself a couple of months ago when I realized my weekly time allotment for social media had increased during work hours (Instagram is my weakness). Setting a restriction for certain apps on your cell phone is an easy way to avoid mindless scrolling. The control allows you to select certain apps and restrict use for specific blocks of time. The cool part happens at the end of the week when your app usage summary populates, and you can see productivity increase.
- Stay Connected
Staying connected with co-workers is essential to productivity and ensuring that deadlines are met. One method to achieve this connectivity is to set up a google hangout or Slack Group Collaboration with your colleagues and support staff. Keeping lines of communication open and expectations realistic is immensely important. My firm has implemented the Slack platform and so far, so good. The platform allows for audio conferencing, litigation specific channels and much more. One feature that I have found to be beneficial is the litigation specific channel – within the channel I can add specific people (within and beyond my firm), setup a group chat that won’t clog my email inbox and integrate DropBox to easily share files.
Technology really can be great, so utilize it!
- If All Else Fails, Use Humor
“Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing”
– Mark Twain
Thankfully, I work in an environment that thrives on firm-wide jokes. We use humor to cope with stressful litigations, looming deadlines, and now the Coronavirus. While work still needs to get done, there is no harm in peppering your day with some lighthearted humor. Our latest shtick was to concoct a wild theory that our newest associate (in cahoots with Russia) created the coronavirus to throw the firm into quarantine. Teams have been assigned to further develop this theory. When all else fails, take a breath and tell a joke. The coronavirus isn’t the only thing that’s contagious.
Stay tuned for more stories, tips, and eventually the launch of our podcast (fortunately or unfortunately there will be jokes and probably bad singing). And as always, stay safe out there folks.