The popularity of working from home has increased exponentially in the last few years. In fact, according to Forbes in 2023, 12.3% of full-time employees only work from home, with a further 28.2% working with a hybrid model.Â
Most businesses that have the ability to allow their employees the freedom of hybrid working are now doing so. This is helping to lower the commute time for employees, reduce the need for office space, create better work/life balance and so much more.Â
While these models work for many and have a huge amount of benefits, a lot of people struggle to stay productive with the distractions that being at home brings. Whether that be their dog, constant coffee breaks, house chores or anything else that could take the mind away from work.Â
In this article, we will look at the different ways in which you can ensure that you stay as productive as possible when working from home.Â
Why Has Working From Home Become So Popular
The insane growth of working from home and hybrid working schemes is largely down to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced us all to stay at home. This period allowed businesses to understand that their employees could be just as effective and just as productive while working remotely.Â
This, along with many people still being very cautious of the pandemic, meant that remote working became the new norm, and has stuck ever since. A Forbes study showed that a staggering 98% of workers want to work remotely, whether full-time or hybrid.
Tips To Stay Productive When Working From Home
While the majority do love working from home and still feel like they can be very productive, many people also struggle to avoid the distraction that home brings. If you are one of these people who love the idea of working from home, but cannot seem to be as productive and as dedicated as is necessary then read these tips carefully.Â
Designate Your Own Workspace
One very unproductive routine that people fall into when they begin working from home is either working on their bed or on the couch. This is highly dangerous for your productivity. How is your brain ever going to switch on and engage when you are in a relaxed and cosy environment?
When working from home it is extremely important to set up a designated workspace. Whether it be on a desk, dining room or any other makeshift workplace, having this space that is dedicated to working will help you to block out all distractions and focus on work while occupying this area.
This will also help to keep space in your home that should be dedicated to relaxing and switching off such as your bed or couch for out-of-work hours. This will allow you to keep a much better work/life balance and allow you to have areas where you can switch off and relax outside of your work hours.
Keep A Routine
One of the most invaluable benefits of working from an office is the routine it creates. When working remotely, too many people fall into the habit of abolishing and neglecting any kind of routine. They sleep in and then wake up and jump straight into work or they scroll through their phone all morning and then jump straight into work.
These are very poor habits to get into, your mind will not have fully woken up, which will most definitely have a negative impact on your productivity. Instead, you should set your alarm and give yourself a good amount of time to wake up and get a few tasks, even if it is just having coffee and breakfast.
Manby people who work from home see a huge difference in their productivity if they do some form of exercise in the morning to wake up their brain. A simple walk whilst you sip on your morning coffee can be hugely beneficial. These routines will help you to feel more like you are working and will therefore positively affect your productivity throughout the day.
Take Breaks
If you are trying to work for 7 hours straight then it will almost be impossible to be that productive. Your mind can only focus on a task for so long without losing concentration, that is why it can be very beneficial to take regular very short breaks to allow you to stand up, stretch and refocus.
The breaks can be simply making a brew, petting your dog, filling up your water bottle or they can be slightly longer like going for a walk or talking with your partner. While you may feel unproductive during these breaks, the time to let your brain rest will help you to be productive for much longer throughout the day.
Putting too much pressure on yourself and overworking your brain is one of the most common ways that people burn out and then become unproductive. However, it is important to make sure that you do not take too many breaks or stop to have a break in the middle of an important task to avoid losing your train of thought.
Get Rid Of Any Digital Distractions
If you are sitting in the office at work, it is very rare that you will start scrolling through social media and texting your friends. However, when you are working from home you feel like you can scroll as much and as often as you want.Â
This is a huge distraction that can have a hugely negative effect on your productivity as it takes your mind off your work and onto less important things. Getting rid of your digital devices from your desk is the only real way that you can ensure that you avoid mindlessly scrolling during your work hours.Â
Another mistake that is commonly made when working from home is turning on a TV for background noise. It is almost impossible to turn on a TV programme or film and not get distracted and engrossed in whatever is shown. Keeping your workspace away from all digital devices will hugely minimise the risk of distraction and keep your productivity on track.
Utilise To Do Lists
One of the best ways of ensuring productivity is to consistently hold yourself accountable. By creating a to-do list at the start of every day that details everything that you need to get done and by what time, you are setting yourself deadlines that you need to work towards.Â
Most people who struggle with productivity, work much better when they have a timeline that they must stick to. These to-do lists ensure that individuals can hold themselves accountable and set out a much clearer plan and structure for their day.Â
You can even create your next-day to-do list just before you finish each evening. This will then allow you to jump straight into tasks and also ensure that you know what exactly needs to be done. This can help massively reduce any potential unproductivity at the start of your work day.
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