When you make the switch to work from home, it can be both freeing and frustrating. You may be able to set your own schedule, work from bed or the couch or somewhere else, and take your lunch break whenever you feel like it.
On the other hand, you may have pets, children, roommates, or other distractions that demand your attention when you’re at home. While it can be difficult to transition to working from home, it can be a very rewarding way to work.
These tips will help you to be productive working from home.
1. Create a dedicated workspace
The biggest challenge you’ll face with working from home will be all of the distractions. Your pets, your family, the dishes – all of these things can distract you from work.
Perhaps the most important tip to help you work from home is to set up a dedicated workspace. This could be a spare room that is converted to an office, or it could be a desk in a room where you can close the door.
If neither of these are possible in your space, set yourself up at a desk or even a corner of the kitchen table, and invest in some noise-cancelling headphones so you can focus on work. Alternatively, there are also wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation for those looking for something less bulky or obtrusive to wear.
Having a dedicated workspace also allows you to “leave work” at the end of your day. Being able to physically walk away from your desk or table is a good cue for your brain to move out of work mode.
2. Take breaks
Being focused on work is important, but you also need to remember to schedule breaks for yourself. Though there is a lot of research and strategies on how long you need to work before taking a break, the truth is that it varies from one person to the next.
You’ll know when you are becoming less focused and need a break. Take five to fifteen minutes to get up, stretch, walk around, and drink some water. Remember to give yourself a proper lunch break, too.
Try to take a walk every day. Whether you’re taking your dog out or just going around the block, fresh air and a change of scenery can help clear your mind and allow you to regain your focus when you return to your work.
3. Schedule your work time
A major perk of working from home is the ability to control your own schedule, at least to some degree. If you’re able to work whenever you’d like, find out when you’re most productive.
Do you do your best work in the morning, or are you more of a night owl? It may take some practice before you know what schedule works best for you.
Take this a step further and schedule focused work time as well. Silence your phone and your notifications so you can concentrate without interruptions.
Not only should you plan when you’ll start work, but also when you will stop working. When you work elsewhere, the end of your day is when you go home and are finished with work for the day.
When you work from home, it’s much harder to step away from work and continue with your personal life. Maintain a good work-life balance by knowing when you will step away from work for the day.
4. Set aside time for emails and meetings
Rather than being constantly available for meetings and emails, create a set time where you will be able to respond to messages and accept calls. Use this as your downtime, when you are between more complex tasks.
Knowing you have specific times for emails and other notifications helps to prevent you from constantly checking for these things during your focused work hours.
Working from home can be challenging, especially if you have other distractions at home. Follow these tips to make your work life easier and more productive.