Working from home gives you the flexibility to do your job. However, it can also be your Achilles’ heel. With multiple distractions and household demands you need to cater to, we say good luck to getting work done. But, this doesn’t need to be black and white. If you plan things correctly, home can be a source of productivity too! Here are some productivity tips while working from home.
Productivity Tips while Working from Home
Working from home can be a big productivity killer. There are no big bosses around so it can be very tempting to watch TV or even scroll down Facebook while you work. Not to mention, house obligations that’ll keep you distracted until all your work motivation dies down.
But we’ve rounded up the best productivity tips while working from home for you!
Arrange a schedule
One of the biggest distractions while working from home is your very own kids, especially school-aged children. They require care and this act alone takes up so much time and effort, that it will eventually kill your motivation and productivity.
If this is the case, it’s best to arrange a schedule for the whole family. Coordinate a schedule that works best for you, your spouse, and the kids. Perhaps one can work during the morning shift and the other on an afternoon session. You can also try waking up earlier than usual to get some work done while the kids are still sleeping.
Build a Workspace
Working from home means being able to work anywhere you want, either on the bed or on the couch. Some find this extremely comfortable and boosts their productivity but for some, this is setting up themselves to fail.
That’s why it is recommended to designate a specific workspace at home where you can focus on doing your work. Make sure you have an actual desk and chair, and it is ideal to stay in a room where you can close the door to rid of any distractions.
Get ready for work
Sleep in and work in your pajamas. That’s the usual scenario when working from home. Since there are no superiors around to boss you, you can pretty much do whatever you want as long you want to get the job done. But this can be a huge obstacle for productivity as well.
To condition yourself, wake up early and dress as if you are going to the office. One advantage of waking up early is to get some time for yourself and get some emails and work done before the kids wake up.
Take a break
Working can burn you out, even if you are working from home. So if you feel exhaustion seeping in during work hours, take a break. Get some sun and fresh air outside, stand up and walk around the garden for a few minutes, or maybe walk your dog for some brisk walking and quick exercise. Taking short breaks every few hours can help clear your mind and in turn, improve your productivity.
If none of these are possible, even a simple lunch by the window can help.
Eliminate technological distractions
When you are in the office, you avoid checking your phone often, in fear that a supervisor might be lurking around. In turn, you are more focused on work. The same should apply while you are at home. But this is easier said than done, but still, try your best and you’d see how much work you’ve done without social media distractions.
There are applications, both mobile and computer, that help you stay focused. You can temporarily block social media websites on your browser during working hours, disable notifications on your phone, or go the extra mile and put your phone away from you.
Treat social media as a prize for when you are done with work.
Make a To-Do list
Keep yourself accountable by making a daily to-do list. At the end of each workday or before starting another workday, list down all the things you need, including important details, meetings, or calls you need to attend. Having a to-do list serves as a reminder of the things that need to be done.
Creating a to-do list is up to your preference. You can list down randomly if you want or list the tasks depending on their urgency and priority. You can color code, write it on a digital planner or a paper.
Maintain work hours
Like how you would in an office, maintain work hours even at home, if possible. Consistently work at designated hours, no matter how much you want to sleep in or stay late. If you’ve decided on an 8-5, make sure to get things done during those times.
Of course, only if this is possible. With multiple distractions at home, like kids and household chores, you need to work with what’s best for you.
