There are a lot of reasons why people work from home; it could be that they do not like their daily commute, their company encourages it, or they may be sick. Regardless of the reason, a lot of people find it hard to be productive when working from home. There are usually so many different things happening that make it a lot more challenging.
That said, there are a few things that can help improve your productivity when working from home.
Set up a Specific Work Area.
Most people who work from home do not have a designated area where they can work. They just pick up their laptops and start working. This is the wrong approach. If you want to increase your productivity, you have to simulate a working environment so that your brain is able to switch to work mode when you need it to. The best way to do this is to set up a dedicated working area.
This could be a desk at the corner or even a whole room. When you do this, it also helps eliminate interruptions because when people see you sitting at your designated work area, they know that you are working and they should leave you alone.
Talk to Your Family Members.
The biggest source of distractions and interruptions when working from home is family members or other people who may be living with you. It is beneficial to talk to them and let them know that you work from home. Let them know the hours you work and when you take breaks so they know when to and when not to distract or interrupt you.
If you struggle to remain focused on your work because you’re addicted to social media and other non-work sites, try downloading a site blocker. This will help you focus on being productive during work time.
Plan Your Day.
Jumping into work is never a good idea. You need to know what you will be doing and when. To do this, it is vital that you map out your day. This not only lets you stay organized, but it allows you to stay productive.
Try to plan your day early in the morning or late at night before you get to bed. It would also be beneficial to plan your hours, such as when you start and finish work so that you still have some semblance of normalcy even when working from home.
Dress for Work.
Working in your pajamas is never a good idea. This is because you might get too comfortable and not do enough work. Always dress up, especially if you have important tasks to complete. This will make you feel like you are working and not fooling around.
Start Working Early.
If you have a commute, you can take that time to think about the day ahead. But if you work from home, you do not have the luxury and might let yourself slip by wasting time in the morning. If you want to get more things done, get to them as soon as you wake up and are ready to go. A good practice is to have a cup of coffee when you wake up, go to work, and then make breakfast when you feel tired or need a break. This way, you can even get a lot of things done before other members of your family wake up, as they could be a source of distraction for you and this might make it harder to get started with work.
Try to Connect with Others.
Working from home can be lonely, and this can cause your productivity to plummet. If your office allows it, you can use communication applications that help you feel like you are not alone. These applications are also a good way to collaborate with other people if you ever feel stuck.
Working from home can be both fun and challenging. If you want to improve your productivity while working from home, ensure that you plan things right, avoid distractions and most of all, ensure that you are in communication with others to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation.
