While remote working offers several perks, many employees agree that they struggle with productivity. It’s easy to fall victim to distractions that perpetuate a cycle of procrastination. The good news is that there are ways to address these problems and increase your motivation. Learn how to stay productive working from home to help you meet all your professional goals.
1. Set Up a Functional Home Office
As a remote employee, you have the freedom to work from anywhere. However, that level of independence could compromise your productivity. Having a designated home office with the right desk, ergonomic chairs, cabinet, and office-like features helps reduce distraction, allowing you to focus on your tasks. Lightening up your space also increases productivity, so be sure to brighten up your windowless home office for maximum efficiency.
Don’t have an extra bedroom to turn into a home office? Don’t worry. You can set up your office in the attic space, behind the sofa, at the kitchen counter, corner of the basement, or a summer house in your backyard.
2. Take Regular Breaks
Learn to press pause in between work. Breaks have a direct impact on productivity. Taking some time every few hours allows you to refresh the mind, easing the stress and exhaustion from long working sessions. It can also boost your creativity and decision-making.
You could take a walk, a quick nap, or have some time with your pets, friends, or family. A few minutes of rest, preferably two or three 20-minute breaks, could recharge your mental clarity and make a massive difference in your workflow.
3. Establish Regular Work Hours
Changing schedules every day makes it challenging to set a familiar working rhythm, both mentally and physically. That’s why you need to make an effort to establish regular work hours. Create a list of tasks for each day or week and set a time frame to complete them. It’s alright to give yourself room for flexibility—what matters is finding a structure that works best for you without falling short of targets.
4. Maintain a Morning Routine
If there’s one thing you need to learn about staying productive while working from home, it is creating a routine that prepares you for work mentally. If you have been working in pajamas all along, it’s time to change. Have a morning routine; get up early, shower, and dress up as someone going to a typical office.
5. Improve Your Work/Life Balance
Socialization is essential for your mental wellness, which can, in turn, influence your productivity levels. Have time for your friends, colleagues, family members, etc. Whether you connect with them physically or via Zoom, keeping the connections alive helps beat feelings of isolation, disconnection, and loneliness.
As we continue to adjust to these new circumstances, remaining motivated is crucial. With these tips, you can become a better remote employee and improve your work-from-home experience.