5 Ways To Increase Productivity When Working from Home
Working from home is the idea for many people, but a lot of reasons make employers insist on their staff coming in to work every day. Distractions are the number one reason why most people lack the discipline to put in the same amount of time and effort they would if they were at an office. At the office, co-workers, or even your boss, could potentially dent your productivity levels. At home where it’s just you, your worst enemy could turn out to be yourself.
If you’re working from home on an odd day or work remotely, here are some tips to keep you both motivated and productive. Anyone from a freelance writer or an estate lawyer could benefit from them.
- Find your most productive time
The late night and morning hours are the quietest time of the day. You don’t have to commute so you can start working an hour or two before those going to the office. The option of working past midnight is also there should you choose. Pick whatever works for you and set a routine. Only take a break when you feel your productivity declining.
- Go to the ‘office’
Even if your ‘office’ is a desk at the foot of your bed or at a corner in the living room, have the same routine you would if you were working at an office. Sure, you get to wear sweatpants, but getting ready to work signals to your mind it’s time to work. Not doing this increase the chances of going back to be for ‘just five more minutes’. When it comes to what you’d do on a typical workday, set a structure that’ll enhance your productivity and stick to it. You’ll be surprised just how much work you get done when uninterrupted.
- Change up your office
Monotony could drive anyone up the wall. Once in a while, change the location of your office. It could be your local coffee shop or anywhere with tables, chairs and Wi-Fi. Depending on your preference, white noise (that chattersin the background) makes some people more creative. If that’s not for you, plug in some earphones and get to work. In such a place, distractions are limited- a trip to the bathroom won’t tempt you to load up the washer or scrub the walls. Do you have a patio or a garden? You can work from there too.
- Keep off social media
Log off all social media and turn off all notifications. Even when catching a break, choose other activities. You can take a quick walk, read a book or do some chores. These help clear your mind and give you a break from a screen. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube tend to eat up a lot of our time so it’s best to leave them for when you’ve cleared your to-do list.
- Make it clear you’re working
If someone else is in the house with you, let them know when you’re working. Unless it’s urgent ask not to be interrupted. It’s the same thing with your meals- prepare them the night before or make 15-minute meals to have.
