Many people believe that working from home is the Holy Grail of employment. No commute, no office distractions, and the freedom to design your own schedule sounds like a dream come true. But the reality is that working from home can be quite difficult, especially if you’re not used to it. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining productivity.В
Here are a few tips to help you boost your productivity as a remote worker:
Stick to a schedule
This is by far the most important tip. Working on a random schedule will make it feel like you are always at work, when in fact your productivity is not that high with long breaks, interruptions and ramp-up times.В
It can be tempting to sleep in now that you don’t have to commute, but resist the urge! Try to stick to a similar schedule as if you were going into an office every day. Wake up at the same time, take breaks at the same time, and most importantly, clock out at the same time. This will help create a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout.В
Set up a dedicated work space
Working from your bed or couch might seem like a good idea at first, but it’s not sustainable in the long run. Also, your home may quickly start feeling like an office.В
Dedicate a specific area in your home as your “office” so you can get into the right headspace when it’s time to start working. This doesn’t mean you need to build an entire home office—a small desk in a quiet corner will do the trick.В
Limit distractions
When working from home, it can be easy to get distracted by things that aren’t work-related. Whether it’s laundry that needs to be done or dishes that need to be washed, there are always things around the house that need attention.В
To combat this, try setting aside specific times for dealing with these tasks so they don’t interrupt your workflow. And when possible, close doors and put up “Do Not Disturb” signs so family members and roommates know not to bother you while you’re working.В
Don’t be consumed by social media
As more time is spent on devices, one of the most popular sources of distraction comes from an increase in social media use, which can become addictive without the usual boundaries that limit access in an office environment. If you’re losing too much time to social media, our team suggests logging out of your accounts during working hours or turning off notifications, especially on mobile devices. In addition, removing social media links from your desktop browser can help to reduce temptation and encourage you to make a more conscious decision about when you would like to browse and publish updates there.
Get dressed for workВ В
It may seem like there’s no point in getting out of your pajamas when you’re just going to be sitting at your kitchen table all day, but trust us, it makes a world of difference. Getting dressed for work will help you get into the right mindset and make you feel more professional. You don’t need to suit up—just put on something that makes you feel good and ready to work.
Take breaks oftenВ
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you should be working all the time! Make sure to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. When a break begins, one of the most beneficial actions you can take is simply moving away from your desk. Remaining in the same workspace all day can become tedious while stepping away during break times allows you to take stock and return with a fresh perspective. Making a healthy lunch or drink, reading your favourite book or catching up with a friend are all great options for making the most of your time out. However, with more time spent at desks, carrying out physical activity is fast becoming a crucial part of the working day. Activities like stretching can reduce aches and pains, while attending a virtual fitness class or going outdoors for a jog or brisk walk can raise energy levels while reducing feelings of stress and loneliness.
Working remotely can be a great perk of many jobs these days—but it takes some adjustment to get used to it! By following these five tips, you can learn how to boost your productivity as a remote worker in no time flat.”
