When working from home, it can be challenging to stay productive and be as successful as when we’re working in an office. This blog will provide the reader with five top tips for working successfully from home.
Top Tip 1: Create a Dedicated Workspace
Having a dedicated workspace when working from home is an important factor for success. Rather than working from the sofa, kitchen table or bedroom, it is beneficial to have a specific home office nook to complete work tasks.
Having a designated workspace has many advantages. It can help to boost productivity, motivation, and concentration. It also means there will be a space in the house that sets you apart from home life and provides an area to leave the work for the day.
When creating a dedicated workspace, it is also important to consider what items you need. A laptop or desktop, printer, paper, folders, and stationery may be required, as well as any items specific to your job. Additionally, adding small décor touches can help to create a pleasant atmosphere, such as having plants or artwork. It is also important to ensure that there is enough light and the area you will be sitting in is comfortable.
Top Tip 2: Set a Schedule
When working from home, it is essential to set a daily schedule. This will help you to stay organised, productive, and successful during the day. It’s also important to plan in breaks so that you can relax and let your brain rest before returning back to work.
Setting a schedule is beneficial in a number of ways. As well as boosting productivity and organisation, it also helps you to plan in any ‘non-work’ related tasks that you might want to participate in, such as going for a walk outdoors or making a cup of tea with a colleague.
If mornings are your most productive hours, set aside those hours for focused work and plan in phone/video calls later in the day. Additionally, ensure that you factor rest and relaxation into your schedule, such as having a break from the screen and going outdoors.
Top Tip 3: Set Boundaries
When working from home, it is important to set boundaries when it comes to your job. This can be with yourself, family members and other members of the household.
For instance, it is important to be clear when your work hours and breaks are. Ensure that family members and other members of the household understand when you need to be left alone to concentrate, and when you are available for other activities.
You should also consider setting boundaries with yourself. This includes avoiding social media for private and professional use, leaving tasks such as laundry and tidying until the end of your work hours, and taking regular breaks throughout the day.
Top Tip 4: Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks throughout the day is an important part of remaining productive and staying successful while working from home. Breaks are necessary for your wellbeing and can help to reduce stress throughout the day.
Different people prefer to take breaks in different ways. Some workers may like to get some fresh air and go outdoors, while others may prefer to take a few minutes to meditate or practice a few minutes of mindfulness. You may even want to do a virtual yoga class, have a cup of tea, or chat to a family member or colleague.
It is important to remember to get up from your desk and away from the screen. Separating from work tasks can help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and will leave you feeling reinvigorated to build your focus back up.
Top Tip 5: Stay Connected
Staying connected with colleagues and other stakeholders while working from home can help to keep you productive and focused.
In addition to staying connected with email, phone and video calls, there are other ways to stay in touch. For instance, start a virtual coffee station for colleagues or a virtual water cooler for short conversations. You can use these virtual spaces to catch up on various topics, discuss non-work-related topics or just to check in on how everyone is getting on.
There are also plenty of collaboration tools you can use to stay connected with colleagues. These could include remote working software, online team messaging services or video conferencing software.
Overall, the benefits of working from home can be numerous. Alongside reducing travel costs and carbon emissions, it can help to boost morale, productivity, and creativity amongst employees.
Now that you are equipped with the five top tips discussed, take the time to implement them into your own working from home plan.