How to Be Productive While Working from Home

Working from home doesn’t have to dampen your productivity. It is more effort to stay on track, but with these tips, you can create a workspace for yourself that helps you get work done without compromising your sanity! We’ve rounded up 8 tips to keep you productive during this time.

1. Designate a work space

The biggest challenge with being productive while working at home is creating a workspace for yourself. As it should, your home is the place where you can release all stresses from the day and relax. The problem arises when we must work at home and those same comforts also hinder our productivity. For example, working on the couch may lead to turning on the TV and avoiding work altogether.

Designating a space, such as your home office, dining room, or guest room will help you feel like you are not in your element of comfort. It will create a barrier to the normalities of being home and allow you to get some tasks done for work. If your family is home, it will also help give you a space to separate from distractions and conversations that could hinder your productivity.

2. Eliminate distractions

Similar to finding a designated workspace, eliminating the distractions of your home can be a challenge. While it may be easy to have the TV on in the background, avoid this distraction as it can be the worst for your productivity. Avoid working in rooms with clutter because that too will serve as a distraction from your work.

3. Set realistic expectations

Wake up at the same time you would if you went into work. Set the same expectations for yourself as you would for any normal day. Get dressed, drink your coffee, brush your teeth. All are very simple but imperative to getting your day started with productivity in mind.

Working from home is a challenge to not only those who need to get work done, but also can be confusing to children. Understand that your children may not see you as “working” since you are home. Set realistic expectations with them about the times you will need to be on your computer or on a call.

4. Play non-invasive background music

Music can be either a distraction or help with productivity. Choosing music that is mood boosting, but not overwhelming can help you stay on task and get work done. If podcasts are interesting to you, try taking 15 minute breaks every two to three hours and listen to your favorite podcast for a mental break. Podcasts can be a distraction though, so set limits on how much time you will spend listening.

5. Use this time to learn

For many people, their jobs require them to be around others. You might be feeling limited on what you can do for your team since you are not in the office. Working from home does not have to hinder your productivity if you use this time to learn. There is an abundance of learning material online that you can access from your home computer. Some examples include: learning a new software (Adobe Creative), learning email marketing, start your personal tax preparation, virtual networking methods, etc.

6. Determine communication preferences for team

It’s hard enough not being in the office, but the added layer of communicating between your employees/co-workers can add more stress. Virtual meetings can still happen via Zoom or Skype. Determining what each method of communication each employee prefers will help mitigate any frustrations with getting tasks done. A company wide directory of emails or phone numbers would be an appropriate place to start for prepping your team when working remote.

7. Hold yourself accountable to deadlines

Although it may be easy to forget a phone call or an assignment deadline, continue the same practices as you would if you were in the office. Refer to your calendar frequently to ensure you aren’t forgetting anything. If you feel like you will be missing a deadline, communicate that early and often to all who are involved.

8. Go outside every couple of hours

Being in your house for work hours and after hours can make anyone go a little stir crazy. Especially if there are multiple members of your family inside. Go outside for a quick walk every couple of hours or try eating your lunch outside for a little break. The activity will refresh your mind and help you be more productive when you return back to your workspace.