5 Fantastic Working From Home Productivity Tips

Looking for working from home productivity tips?

If you’ve never worked from home before, you probably don’t know what to expect. But that’s okay – everyone starts somewhere. Remote employees can experience unique hurdles, so it’s essential to build a plan ahead of time. This opportunity comes with many perks that you’ll want to capitalize on as well.

It’s all about balance. Take a look at these tricks so that you can make the most of your workday.

1. Create a Designated Workspace

Many first-timers want to work from bed. In some cases, that’s not a terrible idea. But for the most part, you’ll want to choose a designated workspace. Leave your bedroom and search for a different area. Settle down at the kitchen table or find space in your basement. Don’t work outside for more than an hour or two – loud noises can hinder your progress.

It may help to start the day in one room and then move to another after lunch. A change of scenery is always beneficial. But no matter what, choose an area that won’t impact your workflow.

2. Stick to a Schedule

In an office, everyone follows a routine. You arrive before eight, grab lunch at noon and depart at five on the dot. Between those times, you work on projects and meet with co-workers. But at home, there’s no real set of rules to follow. As long as you turn in that presentation by midnight, you’re good, right? Wrong. The flexibility of telework can cause you to avoid responsibilities. Then, you scramble to finish them at the last minute.

That’s why a schedule is absolutely necessary. Try to replicate your usual methods when working from home. Wake up early and see what needs to get done. Then, use your time wisely – focus on the substantial tasks first so that you can round out your day with more manageable assignments. Block out breaks as well.

3. Get Rid of Distractions

At home, it’s far too easy to check your phone or pull up a show on Netflix. Beyond that, outside interruptions play a significant role. Find a quiet space in your house and set up shop there. Play instrumental music to drown out those noisy neighbors and switch off device notifications. Make sure that your environment allows for adequate concentration.

Your computer may be another distraction. Website blockers are incredibly useful for productivity because when you can’t access YouTube, you can focus on your work. Do your best to nip those disturbances in the bud.

4. Dress for Success

A fantastic way to stay motivated is to dress as you would in the office. Skip the hoodie and sweatpants. Put on a pair of jeans and a blouse instead. This effort may seem a bit silly, but it makes a huge difference psychologically. When you wear an outfit that reflects success, you’re more likely to accomplish your goals. You don’t have to go over the top – a casual version of your typical professional self is perfect.

5. Communicate With Your Team

Maybe you only work from home a few times a month. That time away from your team can be useful for personal growth. That said, it’s still important to maintain open lines of communication – for everyone’s sake. Many remote employees can’t speak with co-workers throughout the day – this reality can lead to isolation. You can replicate an office-like atmosphere with a few tricks.

Make it a point to email people with questions and comments. Keep your supervisor updated throughout your day. You can even notify them when you get a little extra done – your work at home is praise-worthy, too.

Get the Most Done When You Work From Home

The next time you find yourself working from home, use these working from home productivity tips. They should boost your energy levels and increase your productivity in no time!