Working from home is the dream, isn’t it? Forgoing the commute in favour of more sleep, quality time with family and no distractions. No need to get polished, put on makeup, or even get dressed for that matter – what’s not to like? But working from home isn’t as easy as it looks.
Sure, you get to stay at home, but it can be harder to focus on your work. Whether it’s the TV calling your name, a bundle of clothes sat on your bed, or a walk with the dog, staying productive at home is a struggle. Suddenly that drawer of binge-worthy boxsets is looking more appealing than your to-do list. Plus, those used to socialising at work can find the isolation of working from home a real downer.
First things first, get up and get dressed – sorry, no pyjamas. Prepare for a day at work as if you were going into the office. How else are you expected to stay productive and get into the mindset to work? Here are our top five tips to increase productivity while working from home:
Remote working productivity tips:
1. Find a dedicated workplace
Find a space in your house that can be dedicated to work tasks. Make that a space to concentrate and shut out any distractions, instead of spreading notes out on the kitchen table or accidentally drifting off on your sofa. A separate room or study is perfect as the door to these rooms can be closed at the end of the working day.
2. Be sociable
If you are the kind of person who enjoys the buzz of the office, then set time aside for communication with your colleagues. Working from home does not mean shutting off from any form of human interaction. In fact, keeping in regular contact with colleagues can aid productivity and leave you feeling positive.
Make sure you have your company’s communication software – such as Teamado – hooked up and ready to go, so that you can stay connected with others. If you are feeling lonely or would like some support on a task, then create a Teamado Card with your team. Using Teamado brings your team closer together no matter where they are in the world.
3. Select the right tools
Working from home does not mean balancing your laptop on the edge of your bed. You can maximise productivity by having the right tools for the job. Start with a clear workspace including only the essentials you need to work. You will need to sit upright at your desk with your screen at eye level and your feet on the ground. It is worth investing in a comfortable chair to ensure your back is supported, instead of arched over your laptop.
There are many tools that can be used to support those working from home. From socialising and social media to security and spell checking, don’t limit yourself to the tools at hand. Do some research into the best tools for home working and perhaps suggest them to your boss to ensure that you are well equipped to work to the best of your ability.
This subject is far-reaching enough to warrant a separate article (and we’ve written one on the 5 technologies for remote working.)
4. Find motivational triggers
At the office, you can rely on your colleagues to motivate you and keep you going. You are surrounded by others who are working toward a collective goal. However, at home, your surroundings are a little different. You associate home as a place of relaxation where there are no reminders of work – and rightly so!
To stay motivated at home, why not add in some motivational triggers? Motivational triggers are anything that motivates you, from an inspirational quote to a photo of your family who you are working hard to provide for. These kinds of motivational triggers will remind you of the importance of your work and kickstart productivity.
5. Practice self-care
Last but not least, it’s so important to take care of yourself when working from home. Many home workers don’t take sick days, often choosing to work through feeling unwell. While this may be a testament to their hard work and dedication, working in isolation can result in feelings of stress and exhaustion. Don’t let guilt stop you from looking after your physical and mental health.
- Go outside. Working from home often means that you’ll spend days on end trapped inside, which is no good. Getting some fresh air and breathing in some vitamin D not only does wonders for your health but will also clear your head and motivate you.
- Exercise. You have ample opportunities to exercise at home. When you take a break, roll out the yoga mat, Google ‘home workouts,’ or nip out for an afternoon run. It’s a lot easier to squeeze in a workout when working from home.
- Take a nap. We said it, take a power nap. There’s no harm in a quick nap during the day if it boosts your energy levels. Some people feel groggy following a nap. However, others feel energised and refreshed. Obviously, this will only work for those who fall into the second category.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many ways to keep productive while working from home. We’d love to hear some of your suggestions. What do you do that leaves you feeling positive and proactive at home? Please share your thoughts in the comments.