Working from home can be an incredible method for helping your efficiency. But it can also be a recipe for disaster if you’re not careful. There are a few key things you can do to make sure you stay productive while working from home.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to work from home, whether we like it or not.
And while there are some advantages to working from home – no commute, more flexible hours, etc. – it can also be a challenge to stay productive.
Get Dressed for Work
Assuming you’re not working in your pajamas, getting dressed for work is an important part of the morning routine. It helps you to feel more professional and put together, even if you’re just sitting at your kitchen table.
Choose comfortable, but presentable clothing that you wouldn’t mind being seen in on a video call. And make sure to do your hair and makeup as if you were going into the office – first impressions matter!
Set up a Dedicated Workspace
Assuming you don’t have a dedicated home office, it’s important to create a space in your home that is dedicated to working and nothing else. This could be a corner of your living room or bedroom, or even the kitchen table.
The key is to have a designated area where you can go to work and focus on getting things done.
In the event that you would be able, attempt to set up your work area close to a window with regular light. And make sure your space is comfortable and free from distractions.
No Disturbing Things in Sight
This means no television or other electronics in your line of sight. You might even want to consider investing in a noise-canceling headset if you live in a noisy household or apartment.
Once you have your workspace set up, it’s important to stick to a regular routine as much as possible. That means setting clear boundaries between work time and personal time.
If you can, try to start working at the same time each day and take regular breaks throughout the day. And when you’re done for the day, make sure to leave your workspace so you can relax and enjoy your personal time.
Take Breaks
Assuming you have a traditional 9-5 job, it can be easy to forget to take breaks when working from home. You’re not in an office environment where there are people around to remind you to step away from your desk and take a walk.
It’s important to remember that even though you’re at home, you should still take breaks to stay productive. Here are a few tips for taking breaks while working from home:
- Get up and move around each hour or somewhere in the vicinity. Even if it’s just for a couple of minutes, getting up and stretching your legs will help to rejuvenate your mind and body.
- Take a real lunch break – don’t just eat at your desk while you work. Step away from your computer and take some time to relax and enjoy your meal.
- If possible, get outside for some fresh air during your break. Taking a brief walk outdoors can do wonders for clearing your head and restoring your energy levels.
- Use your break time to do something completely unrelated to work. This will help you come back to your task refreshed and with renewed focus.
- Avoid working through lunch or other scheduled breaks if at all possible. Allowing yourself some downtime will ultimately make you more productive in the long run.”
Stay Motivated
Quite possibly the main thing you can do while telecommuting is to remain persuaded. It can be easy to get comfortable and let your work slide, but it’s important to keep up the good work. Here are a few tips for staying motivated while working from home:
- Set attainable goals for yourself and break them down into smaller tasks. Having something to go for the gold you keep focused.
- Make a timetable and stick to it however much as could reasonably be expected. Having set times for working will help keep you focused and prevent procrastination.
- Take breaks when you need them, but don’t spend too much time on leisure activities. It’s important to take care of yourself, but too much downtime can lead to slacking off on work.
- Find a work buddy or accountability partner who you can check in with regularly. This will help keep you accountable and motivated to do your best work.
- Get out of the house occasionally and mix up your scenery. Working from home can be isolating, so getting out and about will help refresh your mind and give you some new ideas.
Set Boundaries with Family and Friends
One of the most challenging aspects of working from home is setting and maintaining boundaries with family and friends. It can be difficult to explain to loved ones that even though you’re at home, you’re still working and need space and quiet to concentrate.
Here are a few tips for setting boundaries with those closest to you:
- Explain your situation – take some time to sit down with your family or roommates and explain why you’re working from home and what that entails. This will help them understand your needs and why you may not be available as much as usual.
- Establish ground rules – let everyone know what times you’ll be working and when you’re available to talk or take breaks. It’s important that everyone respects your work time so that you can stay focused and productive.
- Set up a dedicated workspace – if possible, try to set up a separate area in your home where you can work without distractions. This way, when you’re in your “office“, everyone will know that you’re not available for conversation or other interruptions.
- Take breaks together – use your break times as an opportunity to connect with loved ones instead of completely disconnecting from them. Maybe have coffee or lunch together, go for a walk, or just chat for a few minutes. This will help everyone feel more connected even when you’re busy working.
Stay Organized
The key to staying productive while working from home is to stay organized. Here are a few amazing tips to help you stay on track:
- Make a day-to-day timetable and stick to it.
- Set up a dedicated workspace in your home and make sure it is well-organized.
- Keep a close eye on your email inbox and only check it a few times per day.
- Make use of productivity tools such as task lists and calendar reminders.
- Take breaks throughout the day to stretch your legs and clear your mind.
- Avoid distractions by turning off your television, social media, and personal phone calls.
- At the end of each day, take some time to reflect on what you accomplished and plan for the next day
Schedule Your Time
Assuming you have the luxury of choosing your own hours, start by scheduling your time in blocks. Dedicate a certain number of hours to work, and make sure to start and end at the same time every day.
This will help to create a sense of normalcy and routine, which can be beneficial for both your mental health and productivity levels.
Daily or Weekly Goals
If you have trouble sticking to a schedule, there are a few things you can do to hold yourself accountable. First, try setting daily or weekly goals for yourself, and make sure to track your progress.
This will help you to stay focused and on track. Additionally, you can tell friends or family members about your goal to work from home and ask them to check in on you periodically to see how you’re doing.
As per my experience, consider investing in some sort of time-tracking software that can help you to stay on task and avoid distractions.
Manage Distractions
If you’re working from home, it’s important to stay productive and avoid distractions. Here are a few hints to assist you with keeping on track:
- Manage distractions by setting aside time for breaks and avoiding social media.
- Get organized by creating a daily schedule and sticking to it.
- Take advantage of technology by using tools like productivity tracking apps.
- Make sure your work environment is comfortable and conducive to concentration.
- Finally, stay motivated by setting goals and rewarding yourself for meeting them.
Set Regular Work Hours
If you want to be productive while working from home, it’s important to set regular work hours. This means getting up at the same time each day and setting a schedule for your work.
One of the benefits of working from home is that you have more control over your time. However, this can also be a drawback if you’re not careful. It’s easy to let work consume your entire day if you’re not careful about setting boundaries.
Home Disturbance
That’s why it’s important to set regular work hours and stick to them as much as possible. If you have young children at home, this may mean getting up early to get a few hours of work in before they wake up. Or if you tend to work late at night, make sure to set an earlier bedtime so you can get enough rest.
The bottom line is that having regular work hours will help you be more productive while working from home. It will also help you maintain a better work-life balance.
Stay Connected With Coworkers
Staying connected with your coworkers is important for a number of reasons.
First, it allows you to stay up-to-date on what’s going on in the office.
Second, it allows you to ask questions and get clarification on projects.
Third, it builds camaraderie and helps you feel like you’re part of a team.
There are a few different ways to stay connected with your coworkers while working from home.
First, set up regular check-ins with your direct supervisor. This can be done via video conferencing, phone calls, or even just a quick email exchange.
Second, make an effort to socialize with your coworkers during breaks or after work hours.
This can be done by attending virtual happy hours or coffee chats, starting an online book club, or playing online games together.
At long last, remember the significance of eye-to-eye connection. If possible, try to schedule in-person meetings or lunches on occasion so you can put a human face to the names and avatars you see every day.
Schedule Your Day
Assuming you’re not one of the lucky few who can naturally wake up at 5 am raring to go, most people need some structure in their day to stay productive.
Trying to stick to a 9-5 schedule can be tough when working from home, but it’s important to give yourself set times for working and sticking to them as much as possible.
Of course, there will be days when you need to take a break or work around other commitments, but having a general plan for each day will help keep you on track.
It can also be helpful to batch similar tasks together so that you’re not constantly switching between different types of work. For example, if you have several emails to write, group them all together and do them in one go rather than stopping and starting every time you get a new message.
Maintain Focus
This will help you maintain focus and avoid getting distracted by other things that need doing.
If possible, try and create a dedicated workspace at home where you can go to work ‘in’ each day. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just somewhere that is separate from the rest of your house so that you can mentally switch into ‘work mode when you sit down at your desk.
Letting family and housemates know that this is your space and should not be disturbed during certain hours will also help reduce distractions.
Connect with Others
In order to stay productive while working from home, it is important to connect with others. This can be done in a number of ways, including joining an online community, networking with other professionals, and attending virtual events.
Joining an online community can help you feel connected and motivated. There are many online communities for professionals, such as those on LinkedIn and Facebook. You can also join forums and discussion groups related to your industry.
Network with Like-Minded People
Networking with other professionals can also help you stay connected and motivated. You can reach out to people you know or meet new contacts through online networking sites like LinkedIn. Finally, attending virtual events can help you stay connected with others in your industry.
These events may include webinars, conferences, or even just social gatherings.
Conclusion
Telecommuting can be an extraordinary method for helping your efficiency, however, it can likewise be a significant test. If you’re struggling to stay focused and get things done while working from home, here are five tips that may help:
1. Set up a dedicated workspace in your home.
2. Get dressed for work each day, even if you’re just working from home.
3. Take regular breaks throughout the day.
4. Set realistic goals for each day and week.
5. Stay connected with your co-workers and boss.
If you can follow these tips, you should be able to boost your productivity levels while working from home. Check them out and perceive how they work for you!
Disclosure: All thoughts mentioned here are our own, and I only recommend things that I would personally use. This article might have affiliate links, from which I might receive a little commission at no extra cost to you.
