Working From Home and Staying Productive
Working from home sounds appealing to everyone. The idea of being in your pajamas all day and not having to sit in traffic is enough to make anyone want to work remotely. As someone who occasionally works from home, I will be the first to say it’s very easy to get distracted.
This is why it’s so important to set boundaries when working from home. Not only will setting boundaries help you stay focused on your tasks, it will also keep you productive. And being productive keeps your boss happy.
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Here are some of my top tips for staying productive when working from home.
Set a Schedule and Stick to It
Setting a schedule before your day starts will help you stay productive when working from home. Take 10 minutes and schedule the tasks you need to get finished before the day ends. This will help you stay on track and when you complete a task you can mark it off your schedule. Don’t forget to schedule your lunch break, too! And yes, you really should take a lunch break when working from home. More on that below.
Stay in Touch with Your C0-Workers
Being at home all day can get a little boring. Even when you’re working from home. It’s so important to stay in touch with your co-workers throughout the day. I find it easy to communicate via Skype, Zoom, and even text messaging. A simple “Hi, how are you today. What can I help you with” goes a long way. It shows your co-workers you’re a team player, but will also make you feel like you’re in the office instead of home by yourself.
Get Out of Your Pajamas
I know how awesome it feels to work in your pajamas, but you need to make yourself get dressed. Trust me. You’re going to feel more like yourself and like you’re actually working if you force yourself to get out of your pajamas.
Have a Designated Work Area in Your Home
You need a space that’s strictly dedicated to working. Preferably a spare room in your home where you can close the door and really focus on work. If that’s not possible (I don’t have a spare room in my home), a section of your dining room table would work. You just need somewhere that you can sit everything out you need for work and keep it organized. Try to stay off your couch or other places that are too cozy. You will end up getting a little too comfortable and it could decrease your motivation.
Take a Lunch Break
This tip probably sounds silly, but it’s one of the most important things to do in my opinion. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in work when working from home. Taking a lunch break forces you to “put a pin it” and step away from your computer for an hour. Even if you don’t leave your house, you will appreciate the time away from work and will be more productive when it’s time to get back to work.
What are some of your top tips to stay productive when working from home? Do you practice any of these habits? Leave me a comment and let me know!