^It can be challenging for many of us to work remotely or in the office when productivity drops, and with it come new obstacles in the workplace. In the face of distractions, interruptions, and the constant need to maintain an adaptable mentality, it may be challenging to manage, pursue, and commit to new strategies to increase job performance.

Regardless of where you are in your career or how you got there, growing yourself professionally should be an ongoing exercise that challenges and inspires you.

Putting it off is a bad idea until your manager brings it up in your performance review. By following these strategies, you can elevate your professional game and become your most productive self, in addition to improving your health and wellbeing at workplace.

Why Remote Work Is a Good Idea

There is a preferred work environment for everyone. Some prefer complete solitude, while others need the hustle of a coffee shop to stay focused. But, no matter our individual preferences, none of us enjoy working with noisy colleagues.

Here are some statistics to consider: 

• There is a 61 percent belief that noisy coworkers are the most distracting factor at work; 
• To maximize efficiency, 86% prefer working alone; and 
• There is a 40% perception that spontaneous meetings are a huge distraction in the workplace.

The good thing about working remotely is you don't have to deal with all these distractions. Although it may sound harsh, the best advice is to solve your own problems. Do not ask questions that Google cannot answer. Don't put yourself in a position where you need to be micromanaged.

‍The Pomodoro Method

Working nonstop for a long time starts to fry your brain. On the other hand, experts claim that working in 90-minute increments increases productivity.

There is a limit to how long the human mind can work before it has to rest, which is 90 to 120 minutes in reality. So give yourself a break after 90 minutes and focus entirely on the most critical item on your priority list.

You may want to explore the Pomodoro Technique if you aren't satisfied with recurring 90-minute work periods. Focus on one assignment for 25 minutes. Then, take five minutes to rest. Make three more repetitions of this method.

In case your workplace has an employee wellbeing program, chances are you've already introduced the Pomodoro method. If not, consider doing so in the future. 

‍How to Overcome Procrastination

Typical workers spend 2 hours a day procrastinating. A typical individual takes 23 minutes to regain focus after being sidetracked. Sound familiar, doesn't it?

Some of the distractions we enjoy are keeping an eye on Twitter, reading the news, organizing our inboxes, and cleaning our desks. A frightening aspect of our behavior is that we are quite adept at convincing ourselves that such distractions are part of our job description. With the increasing size and importance of assignments, most people are becoming more prone to procrastinating.

However, we should not let ourselves be fooled: when we delay, we focus on the worst aspects of our endeavor, which makes the task seem even bigger. Rather, follow our favorite advertising campaign: Simply do it and consider your priorities list.

Don't let email be your afternoon escape, even if you avoided it in the morning. Individuals check their email 36 times per hour on average. This amounts to 13 hours spent reading, deleting, sorting, and sending weekly emails. You don't have to respond to an incoming email immediately. Keep a regular schedule of checking your email throughout the day instead of rushing.

‍Creative Exhaustion

Creativity is a crucial trait of a successful employee, whether you spend your days creating art in Illustrator or crunching figures in Excel. But how can you stop an afternoon brain cramp when creative thoughts appear out of reach? 

Keep your research time limited so that you can overcome procrastination. Getting lost in a sea of GIFs and further away from your starting point can be an easy trap. So to jumpstart your momentum and prevent afternoon headaches, turn your gaze away from your device.

On average, people spend 7.4 hours per day in front of a computer screen. Taking a diary into a brainstorming session will prevent dry eyes. Consider drawing a flowchart or doodling to get a better sense of the scale of your project. 

Finally, use your downtime to brainstorm. There is no denying the fact that many of our best ideas come while driving or taking a shower, so it is important to be able to leave work at work.

‍Mastering the Art of Working Remotely

In recent years, remote labor has been on the rise. But, in addition to its apparent advantages, working remotely also has its disadvantages. The benefits are a 30-second commute, greater flexibility, and more control over your surroundings.

Remote work can be difficult to separate professional and family lives without physically separating them.

Additionally, you may find it difficult to focus while roommates, children, and spouses are in the background. 

‍Establish a Home Office or Desk

If you feel like working from your bed or sofa, we recommend doing so for a change of scenery. Working from home, however, requires consistency. Establish your main workstation at the kitchen table or at a desk during the day.

It will help you associate that location with efficiency, productivity, and work. In addition, you get bonus points if you equip the site with dual monitors, a charging station, and anything else you need to get the job done.

‍Prepare Yourself for a Lot of Communication

Working remotely makes your team members and management less likely to become entangled in unexpected verbal brainstorming sessions. Consider checking in with them more often than usual. Communicate your objectives and initiatives to your team or collaborators.

Get your coworkers together for a coffee chat or remote Zoom meeting. Be sure to clarify any unclear details in emails or virtual meetings. Despite being away from your workplace, don't let yourself go unnoticed.

‍Setting Your Logoff Time

There are many challenges associated with working from home. For example, some days, you'll want to log out at 3, while on other days, you'll want to work until 8 p.m. Having the freedom to work from home is excellent, but don't let it compromise your well-being. 

By setting a logoff time, you’ll be able to stay productive until the end of the day, and you’ll know exactly when it’s time to watch TV, cook dinner, or go for a walk with your spouse.

^As the world of work continues to evolve, Indian employers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of prioritizing employee well-being. A recent survey conducted by global advisory, broking, and solutions company WTW reveals that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are emerging as the top driver for benefits strategies in India. 

The survey found that DEI programs, which include inclusion and diversity training, accessible office spaces, gender-neutral company communications, and inclusive benefits options, are the top social well-being initiative provided by Indian organizations. 

This article will explore the survey findings and discuss how Indian employers prioritize employee well-being and focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Four Pillars of Well-Being in the Workplace

To ensure employee well-being, Indian organizations are prioritizing efforts across the four pillars of wellness in the workplace. These pillars include physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being. 

• Physical Wellbeing: Companies are offering wellness programs and health risk assessments to encourage healthier living. 
• Emotional well-being: Employers are developing mental health strategies and employee assistance programs to support the mental health of their employees.
• Financial well-being: Companies are addressing this through financial education programs and benefits that cover financial planning and insurance. 
• Social well-being: Employers are implementing DEI programs to foster inclusive workplace cultures and support team building.

As Indian organizations prioritize employee well-being across these four pillars, they are recognizing the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to workplace wellness. 

In order to foster a more engaged, happier, and healthier work environment, companies provide resources and support across all four pillars.

Prioritizing Inclusivity and Belonging

In Indian organizations, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are emerging as the top driver for social well-being. These programs include inclusion and diversity training, accessible office spaces, gender-neutral company communications, and inclusive benefits options. 

The WTW survey found that 71% of Indian organizations provide inclusion and diversity training, 71% have accessible office spaces, and 62% offer inclusive benefits options.

The survey also found that some companies have gender-neutral restrooms (33%) and diversity scholarships (20%). By prioritizing DEI programs, organizations are taking a crucial step toward creating an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued and respected.

DEI programs play a crucial role in promoting social well-being, and Indian organizations are recognizing the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. 

These programs foster a culture of acceptance, tolerance, and understanding in organizations, which improves employees' well-being in the long run. By focusing on DEI initiatives, organizations create an environment where employees feel valued and supported and build a strong foundation for employee well-being.

Expanding Coverage Beyond Employees

Expanding coverage beyond employees is critical to achieving holistic well-being in the workplace. The survey reveals that companies are already making progress in this area, with 50% of companies including coverage for spouses and 39% covering parents for emotional well-being programs. 

However, more needs to be done to ensure that families are included in financial well-being programs to address the gender wealth gap in India. Covering families under these programs can also help improve financial literacy and promote better decision-making. 

By involving families in well-being programs, companies can improve the overall health and happiness of their employees and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

A Personalized Path to Wellness

According to the survey, companies are now addressing specific conditions and lifestyle risks in order to boost workplace well-being. Indian organizations are increasingly focusing on weight management, healthy sleep, cardiovascular disease management, diabetes management, and cancer management.

In addition to targeting specific conditions, companies are also providing lifestyle risk management programs that focus on healthy habits. These include programs for weight management, healthy sleep, and healthy eating. By targeting specific conditions and lifestyle risks, employers are taking a proactive approach to employee well-being and promoting a healthier workplace.

Moreover, the survey found that many companies are also offering support for family planning, including maternity management and fertility support. These programs are designed to support employees and their families, promoting well-being not just at work but in their personal lives as well.

The Post-Pandemic Reality Check

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the workplace, with many employees facing increased stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. In response to the pandemic, Indian organizations have had to adapt their benefits strategies to prioritize employee well-being.

One way that companies have adapted is by implementing new programs to support remote work and virtual collaboration. The majority of companies allow employees to work from home, so they can remain connected to colleagues while also remaining productive. In order to cope with the stress of remote work, companies also offer mental health programs.

Furthermore, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of prioritizing family well-being in the workplace. Many companies have introduced new programs to support family planning, including flexible work arrangements and parental leave policies. By supporting employees in their personal lives, companies can create a healthier and more productive workforce.

Putting Employee Well-Being First

The pandemic has been a reality check for Indian organizations, highlighting the importance of prioritizing employee well-being in the workplace. Companies have had to adapt their benefits strategies to support remote work, family planning, and financial well-being. 

The pandemic has been a challenging time for all, but by prioritizing employee well-being, Indian organizations can emerge stronger and more successful in the post-pandemic world.

At The Wellness Tribe, we understand the importance of prioritizing employee well-being in the workplace. If your company is looking for assistance in creating a corporate wellness program that prioritizes the well-being of your employees across the four pillars of wellness, physical, emotional, financial, and social, we are here to help.