How to Work From Home Effectively

Working from home is a polarizing activity. While some people enjoy the time away from a busy office, others struggle to get motivated. With more people choosing or being obligated to work from home, it is useful to think about your approach. Developing a set of methods will ensure you remain productive and make the most of the environment. The following tips should set you up for a productive experience away from the office.

1. Create a Schedule

A routine is one of the keys to working from home. Most work environments have expectations for how you conduct yourself. Outside of this space, though, you can fall into bad patterns. You may be tempted to sleep late and indulge in distractions. Try to create a schedule that is realistic and achievable. Complete the most important tasks first and assess your achievements at the end of the day.

2. Set Aside a Workspace

Your workspace should ideally be an office where you can separate from your daily life. For many people, though, it won’t be possible to have a designated room to work in. You can still achieve a similar feeling by setting up a small area for working. It is then possible to separate the times you are working from relaxation time.

3. Take Scheduled Breaks

Scheduled breaks are an essential part of maintaining motivation. Working for long periods will eventually lead to a lack of concentration and burnout. When you schedule short breaks during the day, you can recharge your batteries and regain focus. One approach to productivity is the Pomodoro Technique, which punctuates your periods of activity with short breaks away from your desk.

4. Use Software

Software can streamline many of the processes you carry out daily. It is important, however, not to add excessive numbers of tools that only distract you. A notes tool like Evernote ensures you capture ideas and plans in one location. Slack can be used to communicate with colleagues and organize your work. Trello is effective for project management and to-do lists. Zapier is useful for automating tasks and workflow that follows consistent patterns.

5. Speak to the People You Live With

If you live with other people, it can be hard for them to distinguish when you are working. You may find yourself getting distracted by long conversations and requests to do various activities. Have a conversation to explain your need to focus on your work during scheduled working hours. Most distractions from others will be unintentional and can be improved with effective communication.

6. Leave the House

Working from home can often lead to the entire day being spent in a single location. Try to get out at least once each day, separating yourself from the work. You could go for a walk, go grocery shopping, or work out in the park. Any activity that helps clear your mind is a positive way to take a break from home and work.

7. Communicate With Colleagues

Working from home will mean you are separated from work colleagues. You may find it difficult to be removed from the bonding that occurs in a working environment. You could also feel a lack of direction and purpose in the work. Maintaining communication with colleagues can help you feel part of the company and ensures you are up-to-date with any work processes and information that makes the job easier.

It is natural to struggle when you first start working from home. The location you live in is often not designed for working, so you need to adjust the environment. A large amount of self-discipline is important for keeping productivity levels high, while those you live with are usually more amenable when you have a discussion first. After a period of adjustment, though, you often find your productivity can reach entirely new levels.