What app or program has been your WFH MVP this year?
Maria: So the obvious answer for me is Asana, but as someone who remembers nothing unless it’s written down, my computer’s Notes app has saved my life more times than I can count.
Eddie: Couldn’t be able to get anything done without Zoom and Slack! Being a resident extrovert these have been irreplaceable to keep me connected with the entire team and make sure all work is flowing seamlessly even with being apart.
Matias: Definitely Notion. It helped me organize the messiness of the year so well!
Ashley: ZOOOOM!!
Jonathan M: Slack
Elisa: Definitely ZOOM
We wouldn’t be us if we didn’t ask: daily coffee count?
Maria: Somehow, I’ve kept it down to 1! V proud!
Eddie: Usually around 2 french presses and a latte. Ill let you do the math on that one.
Matias: #dontjudgeme but it’s 0-1. I actually drink Máte more often than coffee. It’s an Argentinian tea that has more caffeine than regular tea but less than coffee!
Ashley: Only one cup of coffee!
Jonathan M: Just need 1 cup!
Elisa: 2 cups for me
What’s the most useful WFH recommendation you have? (Could be a hack, office supply, or just advice to live/work by.)
Maria: I invested in a comfy chair, and it has been amazing. Also, general advice: try to have a designated work space even if you don’t have an office! It really helps separate work from your free time.
Eddie: Get into a routine, and try to keep it as normal as possible (which is good no matter the time). Every day I wake up at the same time, get a quick workout in, shower, wear clothes I would wear at the office, and sit at a dedicated work space. Everyone works differently (I have plenty of friends that have enjoyed just rolling out of bed and logging on) but without that routine I know I wouldn’t be able to stay as productive as possible while working from home.
Matias: I would say taking 15 minute breaks every so often or a couple of hours. It helps get you that breath of fresh air to recharge and gather your thoughts before going back to working!
Ashley: Don’t be afraid to jam out to your go-to playlist, but make sure you don’t get distracted and throw an entire dance party.
Jonathan M: Take breaks and go outside
Elisa: Don’t set the bar too high, especially if you are a parent. This is a whole new world of learning for us all. And remember to take care of yourself and treat yo’self too 😉
How do you recharge and stay productive when working from home gets tedious or overwhelming?
Maria: I step away from the screen for five minutes. Even getting a couple of minutes of fresh air does wonders to help me refocus. Making sure to drink a lot of water also helps a ton.
Eddie: I’ll usually either take the dogs on a walk or do a quick chore around the house. Small breaks like that have been great to break up the day and give yourself a little mental break.
Matias: Taking it one task at a time. Nobody can work on two things at once (unless you’re a robot). By tackling and thinking about only one task at a time, it eliminates being overwhelmed by the laundry list of projects or tasks due for the day or week.
Ashley: I make sure to put away distractions when I’m in a productive state of mind. When I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, I step back and lay down for a little to let my mind rest and I get back to work once I’m recharged.
Jonathan M: A delicious Old Fashioned
Elisa: Get up and get moving. I like to go for a walk or just hang out with my husband or kiddos out in the fresh air.
What has been the best thing about working from home?
Maria: I stand by my first answer: working in sweatpants lol. But the best thing about work in general is being part of this amazing team.
Eddie: My dogs have been absolutely loving it! They have no idea why, but I never leave the house now so they just get constant pets and love. Their fluffy shakes make my day!
Matias: The best thing for me is being 100% focused by being alone. I get distracted when other things are happening around me (so yes, working from Starbucks is a last resort lol for me).
Ashley: Staying in comfy clothes when I’m working, because who doesn’t love walking around in your seasonal fuzzy socks!
Jonathan M: Less travel
Elisa: Having an excuse to wear sweats ALL DAY