Working from home might seem like a dream solution to the problems caused by the current lockdown. However, for all the benefits that come with it, there are a ton of problems that come with working from home. From challenges due to motivation to technical hitches, different issues might hinder productivity while attempting to run your business remotely.

This article will discuss some of these problems that are most likely going to be encountered and how they can be solved or their effect reduced at the very least. This list of challenges has been culled from previous experiences of business owners who have come across these challenges and have successfully navigated their way across them. Let's get right into it, shall we?

Finding the Right Balance of Work Intensity
It is generally believed that when one is not under supervision, they tend to slack off. However, the reverse could also be the case in some instances. How so?

When a person feels comfortable with her/his work and workspace, they tend to keep at a task for long stretches at a time. Often, such ones spend hours in front of their screen without having a sense of time. While this might seem like an ideal situation especially if there is a lot of work to be covered (which there almost always is, sadly), it could end up being counterproductive in the long run. Overworking will lead to quicker burnout, and may reduce the accuracy of work done. Hence, the need for the right balance to be found.
Make sure to give yourself compulsory breaks at intervals. This will keep you refreshed to tackle whatever tasks are in front of you. Try to rest your eyes as well. It is a scientific fact that excess screen time damages the eyes so be wary of that. While you try not to overwork, make sure you do not waste time on mundane activities.

Distractions
This might be the biggest challenge faced by all who attempt the remote working system. Distractions might come from individuals (family members, friends, or other visitors), chores, entertainment (movies, video games, recreational activities, etc.) among others. It might not be possible to eliminate these distractions, but they can be reduced to a bare minimum.
One of the first things to do before you begin to work from home is to inform the people around you. You might find it helpful to inform possible visitors that you would be unavailable to entertain them within a given timeframe. Once the people around you are aware that you are not taking a holiday rather working, they would be less likely to pose distractions to you. You can also use noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions from others.

It is advisable to use a different PC for work and play. If this is not possible, create multiple user accounts on your PC. You can remove any possibly distracting files from your work account, including movies, video games, and others. It reduces the temptation to "quickly peep that movie" and helps you focus. You won't get much work done otherwise.

Communication Breakdown
When members of a team do not see regularly, it is easy for a member to be left out of the communication loop. This will affect getting a job done within a set deadline. Thus, EVERY member of a team should be made aware of the progress report of a given task while receiving feedback on each activity carried out.

Keeping in touch remotely has gotten very easy these days. There are a plethora of platforms where virtual meetings can be held. Make sure everyone is on the same page at any given point in time. This helps to make sure all the efforts are coordinated to achieve a given task in the most effective way possible. Note that individual communication might work better in some cases than a general meeting.
Scheduling Working Hours

The best part of working from home is that you are afforded the freedom to set your working time. This freedom, however, does not always work out for the best if extreme care is not taken. There are a couple of factors that should be taken into account before your working schedule is set:
Consider your productive hours. What time do you do your best job? How long can you stay productive?
Consider your team members. Do you have to be in constant communication with them while you try to get some work done? If so, when are they likely to be available and be at their creative best?

Your clients should be considered the most. At what time of the day are your services most required by the client? Can I make arrangements for them before when they might need said product/service, or do I need to offer it on request?

Try as much as possible to have well-defined periods that count as your working hours. It helps keep you organised. Do not forget to also add time in-between for rest.

One good way to keep to the time set is by dressing up for work. It creates a degree of seriousness and reminds you that you're not on a holiday. Also, create a workstation and be there for the allotted period required.

Motivation and Performance Metrics
While it may not be an accurate measure of productivity, there is an eye test used to measure how much each member of a team puts forth to the collective. Things like coming to work early and leaving late, dressing up for the job, charisma and social skills, which might not be important to the job per se, might have helped some not so productive members of a team skate by. Working remotely, these definitely cannot be used to measure their importance.
Analyse key performance indicators (KPI) for each individual/department. For instance, a social media team might be appraised on the number of engagements for a given period. Identify these KPIs for each department and be eager to evaluate how much has been done by each individual.
Motivation is also important to productivity. So do not be afraid to offer incentives for the completion of tasks. Set realistic targets for yourself and others.

Technology Issues
Issues could arise due to intermittent electricity supply, data or airtime shortage, or faults with your computer system. You must make plans ahead of time to cope with these issues before they arise, or else they would negatively affect your business.

Get a backup power source. This could be in the form of generators, inverters, power banks, etc. Make sure that your phone has surplus airtime at any given time. Depending on your data consumption rate, you might be better served by getting a Wi-Fi device loaded with a reasonable amount of data. Having a backup PC will also mean that damage to the main PC will not put a halt to your work.

Challenging, Not Impossible
Despite the challenges that come with it, working remotely can be extremely rewarding. Countless examples have shown it, and countless more will go on to cement this truth further. Proper planning is what it takes. So stay home, stay safe, and run your business!

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