In the past decade, more workers have transitioned to remote jobs. And since the onset of the global pandemic, even traditional office roles have made the shift to remote work to keep operations running. With the positive feedback from both employers and employees, many businesses are planning to allow employees to continue working from home even after the pandemic has passed.

Remote work has many advantages. No commute, a more relaxed dress code, flexible hours, and the ability to design your own office space, to name a few. But much like anything else, there are also some challenges when making the switch. The most common difficulty is maintaining productivity levels throughout the workday. To help ease the transition, here are a few tips to help boost productivity when working from home: 

1. Set up a designated workspace.

Coming from a traditional office with designated desks, working from your bed or couch might sound like a dream. But it can make it harder to focus and be productive! Creating a designated workspace in your home, even if it’s just a dedicated desk or corner, can help you get into the right mindset for work. It also helps keep work and personal life separate, which can be difficult when you’re working in the same space that you live in.

2. Stick to a daily routine.

Wake up at the same time, take breaks at the same time, and start and end your work day at the same time. Having a set schedule will help your brain know when it’s time to focus on work and when it’s time to relax. Plus, it can keep you on schedule with all your deliverables while still having time to take care of yourself.

3. Take breaks and move around.

When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to just stay glued to your seat all day long. But sitting in the same position for too long can lead to fatigue and make it harder to focus, taking a toll on your mental health. Make sure to take breaks every few hours to move around, get some fresh air, or just take a quick walk around the block. Remember that although it’s important to stick to a daily routine, that doesn’t mean you have to work non-stop throughout the day. 

4. Eliminate distractions.

This tip sounds so easy once you have a dedicated workspace and a fixed routine. Well, think again! One of the biggest challenges of working from home is dealing with distractions. Whether it’s your kids, your pets, or those pesky household chores, it can be hard to stay focused when there are so many things vying for your attention. If a designated workspace is not enough to keep the distractions out, you can try using noise-canceling headphones or taking breaks in a quiet space away from it all.

5. Set boundaries.

Make sure you set boundaries between work and personal time and stick to them. If you are using your own device for work and personal matters, don’t check any work-related emails after your job. When you’re not working, take some time for yourself to relax and recharge.

6. Set goals.

A remote work setup is ideal for those who are self-motivated and can stay on task without constant supervision. But if you find yourself struggling to stay focused, it might help to set specific goals. For each day, week, or month, have a goal in mind of what you want to accomplish. This could be a certain number of tasks, completing a project, or reaching a sales target. Having specific targets to reach can help you stay on track while still giving you the flexibility to work at your own pace.

7. Stay organized.

Things can easily start piling up and getting out of control in a remote work setup. To avoid this, keep your workspace clean and tidy, and make sure you have a system in place for organizing your tasks and projects. Having everything in its place will help you stay on top of your work and be more productive. 

8. Don’t forget to take care of yourself!

Taking good care of yourself is often overlooked when working from home. Make sure you’re eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. If you have a busy work week ahead of you, you can still prepare delicious lunch at home with packed to-go meats. You should also have a water tumbler beside you at all times to avoid dehydration. Exercise is another great way to boost your energy and mood. Taking care of yourself will help you feel your best and be more productive.

9. Make time for socialization.

Finally, working from home can be isolating, so it’s important to make time for socialization. Have regular video chats with co-workers or meet up with friends for coffee. Keep in mind that social interaction is crucial for maintaining your overall well-being! Stay connected with your loved ones to avoid feeling lonely and isolated.

The Bottom Line

Working from home can be a great way to boost your productivity and get things done. Although this setup can take some time to get used to, following these tips can help set you up for success to make the most of your work-from-home experience!