Working from home has become an increasingly common option and, without a doubt, has many advantages: it allows us to have more flexible hours, avoid travel and work from the comfort of home. But it also comes with some challenges, especially when it comes to mental health. While it may seem like working from home is more relaxed, the reality is that many of us experience stress, anxiety, or emotional disconnection. These challenges, if not addressed in time, can negatively impact both our productivity and our overall well-being.

Loneliness and the risk of isolation

When we work in an office, we tend to interact with colleagues, talk face-to-face, and have moments of disconnection that help us maintain a healthy social connection. Working from home, however, can cause a feeling of isolation. Video calls are not a complete substitute for human contact, and sometimes being alone for long periods can increase feelings of loneliness or anxiety. To combat this isolation, it is essential to maintain contact with other people, both for work and personal reasons. Spending time on calls with friends, talking to family, or even interacting with coworkers more informally can help you feel more connected.

Separating work from personal life

One of the great difficulties of remote working is that the line between work and personal life can become very blurred. Without a clear separation, it’s easy for work to creep into times that should be restful. This situation not only generates stress, but can also lead to emotional exhaustion. It is very important to establish clear boundaries between work time and personal time. Assigning a specific space in the house to work can be a good solution. In addition, defining strict schedules to start and end the day will allow you to really disconnect. When you finish working, turn off the computer, collect the work materials and close the day. This routine will help you maintain a healthier balance.

The pressure to always be productive

When we work remotely, we often feel like we have to show that we are productive at all times. This pressure can be overwhelming, especially since we don’t have direct oversight or a team to share the day-to-day with. This can lead us to overload ourselves with work or to extend the working day more than necessary, affecting our mental health. We must learn to be more compassionate with ourselves and understand that productivity is not only measured in hours worked, but in the quality of the work we do. Sometimes, resting or taking a break is the best way to maintain efficiency and take care of our mental health.

Telecommuting offers many benefits, but it also poses challenges, especially in terms of mental health. Therefore, it is essential to be proactive and establish strategies that help us maintain a balance between work and personal life. Remember that taking care of your mental health is not only important for your productivity, but for your quality of life.

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

More and more people are working from home, a model that gives us great freedom and flexibility. However, there is one big challenge that is often not mentioned: loneliness. Spending all day in front of the computer, without the natural interaction that used to occur in the office, can make us feel socially disconnected. If you find yourself working alone and notice this lack of connection, here are some tips to reverse the situation. 1. Establish daily socialization routines When you work from home, it is easy for the days to become long and monotonous. A good way to break this routine is to schedule daily moments to socialize. You can meet for breakfast with a friend, make a video call with a colleague or even go for a walk and say hello to the neighbors. These short moments of interaction can be a great injection of energy.

2. Work from cafeterias or coworking spaces If loneliness becomes too heavy, change scenery. Cafes and coworking spaces are ideal places to find a social environment without the need to actively participate in conversations. Just being around people can help you feel more connected. In addition, coworking spaces usually offer opportunities to meet other professionals with whom you could share experiences. 3. Organize meetings with other remote workers If you know other people who, like you, work from home or in coworkings, organize meetings to share experiences and work together for a few hours in a different place. This can be in a coffee shop, on a terrace, or even in another coworking space that you want to try. Sharing these moments with others can make you feel more connected, and at the same time, discover new perspectives on remote work.

 

4. Use video calls in a more personal way Video calls may seem cold or impersonal, but if you use them well, they can be a great tool for keeping in touch with others. If you work with a remote team, try to make the calls not just to talk about work: ask how your colleagues are doing, share an anecdote or take a few minutes to chat in a more relaxed way. 5. Set boundaries between work and personal life When you work from home, it’s very easy for work to invade your personal space. This can make you feel isolated in the long run. Set clear schedules and set aside time to enjoy activities you enjoy outside of work. This will allow you to disconnect and make time for yourself, which will also improve your emotional well-being. Working from home has its advantages, but it also presents challenges in terms of social connection. It is important to be aware of these effects and take actions to counteract them. With a little organization and willpower, you can create a routine that helps you feel more connected to others, improve your mood, and make your work-from-home experience much more enriching.

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

Effective collaboration is essential for the success of any team. With the growing demand for digital tools, several platforms have emerged to facilitate project management and communication between coworkers. Here are five examples of platforms that can transform the way your team collaborates: Trello, Slack, Asana, Microsoft Teams and Monday.com.

1.Trello
Trello is a project management tool that uses the Kanban methodology to help teams organize tasks visually. Trello boards allow users to create lists and cards that represent specific stages and tasks within a project. Its intuitive interface and flexibility make it ideal for teams of all sizes. Integrations with other applications such as Slack, Google Drive and GitHub facilitate an uninterrupted workflow.

2.Slack

Slack is a messaging platform designed for real-time team communication. It allows the creation of thematic channels, where team members can collaborate and share information easily. Direct messages and integrations with applications such as Trello and Asana improve the efficiency of the equipment. The Slack search feature allows users to quickly find important information, reducing the need for extensive emails.

3.Asana

Asana is a project management platform that helps teams plan, organize and manage their work effectively. It allows you to split work into projects, tasks and subtasks, and to set timeframes and dependencies for detailed planning. Asana offers personalized panels and reports to monitor the progress of the project, facilitating informed decision-making. Its ability to collaborate, including task assignments and comments, makes it ideal for complex projects.

4.Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that integrates chat, videoconferences and Microsoft 365 applications in one place. It allows teams to communicate efficiently through channels, hold virtual meetings and collaborate in real-time documents. Integrations with tools such as OneDrive and SharePoint improve the workflow, allowing teams to easily access and share files. Teams also offers customization options through applications and bots.

5.Monday.com

Monday.com is a work management platform that allows teams to plan and track projects in a visual and collaborative way. It offers customizable dashboards where users can create and assign tasks, set due dates, and monitor progress. The chronogram, calendar and Kanban views provide different perspectives of the project. Monday.com integrates with numerous tools, such as Slack, Google Drive and Trello, improving team coordination and productivity.

Choosing the right platform to collaborate in projects between coworkers can make a big difference in the efficiency and success of your team. Trello, Slack, Asana, Microsoft Teams and Monday.com offer various functionalities that adapt to different needs and types of projects. Taking advantage of these tools, you can create a collaborative and effective work environment that enhances the productivity and cohesion of your team.

We are Centre de Negocis de Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

Productivity is a key objective in both the professional and personal spheres. In the search for strategies to improve it, a technique that has gained popularity is the Pomodoro Technique. This method, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 80s, promises to help you work more efficiently and manage your time better. In this article, we will explore what the Pomodoro Technique is, how to implement it and what benefits it can bring to your daily routine.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that is based on dividing work into short, focused intervals, called “pomodoros”, followed by short breaks. A typical pomodoro lasts 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four pomodoros, a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes is taken. This structure is designed to maintain high levels of concentration and motivation.

How to implement?

Implementing the Pomodoro Technique is simple and only requires a few steps:

1. Choose a task: Select a specific task you want to complete.
2. Set a timer: Set a timer for 25 minutes, the time of one pomodoro.
3. Work on the task: Dedicate these 25 minutes exclusively to working on the chosen task. Avoid any distractions.
4. Take a short break: When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Get up, lie down, or do something that relaxes you.
5. Repeat the process: After four pomodoros, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes to recharge.

Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique

1. Increases concentration

By working in short, focused intervals, the Pomodoro Technique helps you stay focused on the task at hand. Knowing that you only need to focus for 25 minutes can make it easier to avoid distractions.

 

2. Improve time management

This technique forces you to break down your tasks into manageable chunks, making it easier to plan and manage your time. In addition, scheduled breaks help prevent fatigue and exhaustion.

 

3. Reduces procrastination

The structure of the Pomodoro Technique can be an effective tool against procrastination. By focusing on working for short periods and taking regular breaks, you’re less likely to put off your tasks.

 

4. Encourages self-discipline

Consistent use of the Pomodoro Technique can help you develop greater self-discipline. By committing to working in specific blocks of time, you improve your ability to stick to a schedule and meet your goals.

 

5. Increases productivity

The combination of increased concentration, better time management, and reduced procrastination leads to an overall increase in productivity. You will be able to complete more tasks in less time, with a higher quality of work.

 

Tips for maximizing the use of the Pomodoro Technique

– Eliminate distractions: Make sure to work in a distraction-free environment during each pomodoro. Turn off notifications and, if possible, create a dedicated workspace.

– Be flexible: Although 25 minutes is the standard time for a pomodoro, you can adjust the duration according to your needs and the type of task you are doing.

– Use support tools: There are numerous applications and timers designed specifically for the Pomodoro Technique. Using them can make it easier for you to implement this technique.

 

The Pomodoro Technique is a simple but effective strategy to improve your productivity. By dividing your work into manageable intervals and taking regular breaks, you can increase your focus, reduce procrastination, and better manage your time. If you are looking for a way to optimize your daily performance, the Pomodoro Technique may be the solution you need. Try it and see how it improves your productivity!

 

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

In the vast world of the freelance work, classifications are fundamental to better understand how this labour sector works. From those who work exclusively for a company to individual entrepreneurs who start their own business, there are a variety of categories that delimit the different facets of self-employment. Let’s take a closer look at some of these classifications.

 

Dependent self-employed workers

Dependent self-employed workers are those who carry out their economic activity for a single company or client, without having other significant income from other sources. This category implies a close and often exclusive employment relationship with an employer.

 

Main characteristics:

• Dependence on a single client or company.
• Absence of significant income from other sources.
• Subordinated employment relationship with the client or company.

 

Legal and tax implications:

• In some countries, dependent freelancers may receive employment benefits similar to employees, such as paid leave and social security.
• They may be subject to specific regulations regarding the employment relationship and taxes.

Corporate self-employed workers

Corporate self-employed workers are those who work for a company of which they are partners, either as administrators or as self-employed workers. In this category, the self-employed participate in the management and benefits of society.

 

Main characteristics:

• Participation in the management and decision-making of society.
• They share the benefits and responsibilities of society.
• They can act as administrators or work independently within the company.

 

Legal and tax implications:

• Corporate freelancers may have additional legal and financial responsibilities as partners in the partnership.
• They can enjoy certain tax advantages and asset protection when operating as part of a company.

 

Self-employed collaborators

Collaborating self-employed workers are relatives of self-employed workers who collaborate with them on a regular basis, without being considered employees. This category implies a special employment relationship between the self-employed worker and their collaborating family member.

 

Main characteristics:

• Regular collaboration in the economic activity of the main self-employed worker.
• Family bond with the self-employed worker.
• They are not considered employees, but may be protected by certain labour rights.

 

Legal and tax implications:

• Collaborating freelancers may be subject to specific regulations regarding their labour and tax rights.
• They may have access to certain social and employment protection benefits as a result of their collaboration.

Liberal Professionals

Liberal professionals are those freelancers who exercise a regulated profession, such as lawyers, doctors, architects, etc. This category is distinguished by regulation and control specific to the profession in question.

 

Main characteristics:

• Exercise of a profession regulated by specific regulations.
• It requires professional training and qualification.
• It may involve membership in professional associations or regulatory bodies.

 

Legal and tax implications:

• Liberal professionals may be subject to strict regulations regarding their professional practice, including ethical and deontological regulations.
• They may have specific tax and accounting obligations due to the nature of their professional activity.

 

Individual entrepreneurs

Individual entrepreneurs are freelancers who start their own business, either as merchants, craftsmen, etc. This category focuses on the initiative and autonomy of the individual to create and manage their own business project.

 

Main characteristics:

• Individual business initiative.
• Management and independent operation of the business.
• Direct responsibility for business success and failure.

 

Legal and tax implications:

• Individual entrepreneurs can face additional challenges in terms of financing, marketing, and business management.
• They may be subject to specific regulations regarding the creation and operation of your business, as well as tax and accounting obligations.

In conclusion, different classes of freelancers offer a variety of options and opportunities in the world of work. From those who work exclusively for a company to those who venture into the world of entrepreneurship, each category has its own characteristics, challenges and opportunities. It is important to consult local laws and regulations to fully understand the implications of each category and make informed decisions about your career as a freelancer.

 

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.