How to Stay Productive When Working From Home

While some might think that working from home is full of distractions, plenty of people can improve their productivity when working remotely. Business News Daily, for example, found that 40% of workers reported that their work-from-home productivity is greater than their in-person productivity. 

And with the rise of remote jobs and technological advancements, working from the comfort of your home is more accessible than ever. That doesn't mean it's easy to stay productive, though. It can be tough to maintain a productive mindset when you're surrounded by distractions and in the comfort of your own home (like that cozy bed just behind you).

However, simple tips and tricks can boost your productivity and make working from home a breeze! Follow along as we dive into everything you need to know about staying productive while working from home. From setting up a dedicated workspace to creating a schedule and adopting healthy habits, you'll learn how to set up the most productive home office ever.

Basic Tips for Working From Home

Remote work has benefits such as no commute, more flexibility, and comfort. However, working from home can be a double-edged sword if you're not mindful. Without the proper balance, you may find yourself slacking, procrastinating, or even overworking. To help you maintain productivity while working from home, here are some basic tips you can start practicing today.

Establish a Routine

Having a routine when working from home is important to maintain a sense of normalcy. Try waking up at the same time each day, taking the same lunch break, and logging off at the same time. This way, you're programming your brain into work mode and giving yourself an endpoint to look forward to.

Dedicate a Workspace

If you can avoid it, never work at your kitchen table or on your couch or bed. Instead, dedicate a workspace only for, well, working.

This can be a separate room if you have one, a desk in your bedroom, or even the dining room table. Just make sure that when you're in your workspace, you're in work mode. When you leave your workspace at the end of the day, you can switch into relaxation mode and leave work behind.

Eliminate Distractions

With no supervisor looking over your shoulder, minimizing distractions as much as possible is essential. Turn off the TV, avoid social media, and close unnecessary web browsers. Use noise-canceling headphones, if possible, to eliminate environmental distractions.

 

How to Stay Productive

While the basic tips mentioned above are great for beginner remote workers, you'll need to learn more about managing your time and increasing your focus to ensure you stay productive.

In the previous section, we discussed the importance of setting a schedule, creating a designated workspace, and eliminating distractions. Here are a few additional tips to help you stay productive when working from home.

Keep a To-Do List

Writing a to-do list is a simple yet effective way to keep yourself on track. Write down everything you need to do for the day and prioritize your tasks based on importance and urgency. Having a list to refer to will help you stay organized and focused and give you a sense of accomplishment as you cross items off your list.

Set Boundaries

When working from home, it can be easy for work to bleed into personal time and vice versa. To prevent this, it's important to set boundaries. Establish work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Let friends and family know your work schedule so they can respect your time.

When you're done with work for the day, close your laptop and turn off your work phone if you have one. This can help you mentally separate work and personal time. Over time, this helps prevent burnout, which can, in turn, increase productivity. Remember to take time to "turn off" and forget about work.

Connect With Others

Working from home can be isolating, so staying connected with others is important. Check in with colleagues via email or video conferencing. Join a virtual co-working space or Facebook group to stay connected with other remote workers. Chatting with a friend or family on your lunch break can help you feel less isolated.

Take Breaks

Taking regular breaks is crucial for productivity. It may be tempting to power through and work for hours on end, but research shows that taking breaks actually helps us be more productive in the long run. Try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. Repeat this cycle four times and then take a longer break of 15 to 20 minutes.

Tips for Creating a Home Office

Want to know how to improve your productivity and stay productive throughout the work week? Create a cozy, quiet home office that makes you excited about going to work each day.

This area should be well-lit and comfortable. Choose a room with a door to shut out any noise or interruptions if possible. Make sure that your workspace is clean and organized. A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind.

Next, you'll want to invest in gadgets and home office accessories to help you stay focused. A laptop stand is a great investment to help improve your posture and reduce eye strain. It also helps with airflow, keeping your device cool.

Another must-have is a charging station to keep your devices fully charged and ready to go. This ensures you won’t have any unexpected interruptions due to low battery life.

Finally, ensure your workspace has a good internet connection, office supplies, and anything you may need to do your work efficiently (think practically here, like buying a power strip to ensure you can connect all your devices). This all might sound a bit overwhelming. But it's worth it when you consider the increased productivity and efficiency.

Stock Your Home Office

Ultimately, working from home can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether trying to balance your work and personal life or struggling with distractions, there are plenty of ways to stay productive. From setting up a designated workspace to using helpful tools and accessories, there's no shortage of options to help you maximize your work-from-home experience.

If you're looking for even more helpful gadgets and accessories, browse our work-from-home collection. We have everything you need to create a comfortable and efficient workspace, from cord wraps to laptop stands and more. With our accessories, you'll be able to stay productive and get the most out of your time at your home office.