Tips for Working Productively from Home
Whether it’s because employers are adopting flexible working practices, you need to complete an urgent task in the evening or you’ve ventured into freelancing, more and more of us are choosing to work from home. One of the most crucial aspects of this shift, of course, is ensuring that your workday remains productive.
If you’ve ever found yourself distracted by the TV, caught up in household chores or making yet another cup of tea, you’ll understand that the demon of procrastination can be a major time drain. Without a manager looking over your shoulder, being your own boss comes with its own unique challenges.
Tips for Working Productively from Home
Here’s my guide to help you stay productive and avoid falling into the trap of procrastination:
Set Up an Office
While working from the kitchen table, sofa or even bed might seem appealing, creating a dedicated office environment is a much better way to stay focused. Even if it’s just a small desk, chair and your laptop, investing in a personal workspace helps reinforce the boundary between work and home life. Ideally, set up your workspace in an area where you won’t be disturbed—if you have a spare room, perfect. If not, a designated corner of the living room will do.
Pro tip: Avoid wearing your “comfy clothes” while working. Dressing as if you are going to the office can put you in the right frame of mind and boost productivity.
Keep to Your Hours
One of the biggest perks of working from home is flexibility. However, this can also lead to procrastination. You might decide to pop out for groceries or notice a household task that needs doing and before you know it, your workday is slipping away.
Try to maintain set working hours that suit your routine but also encourage discipline. Whether you prefer an early start or are more productive in the late afternoon, setting consistent work hours helps establish a rhythm. Don’t forget to have a definitive end time to avoid overworking and burnout.
Maintain a Check List
Keep a checklist of tasks you need to accomplish and have it visible—whether in a diary, on your desk or pinned to the wall. Digital task management tools like Asana or Trello can be excellent for organising your workload. Break down tasks into a daily schedule so you can see what needs to be achieved and when. Setting deadlines—whether self-imposed or external—is key to maintaining productivity. Without a clear deadline, there’s a temptation to keep pushing tasks to tomorrow and as we all know, tomorrow never comes!
Get Out
Working from home full-time can lead to feelings of isolation. Even if you have family around, the lack of interaction with colleagues can make you feel disconnected. To avoid this, make it a point to step outside your home office from time to time. Attend a local business networking meeting, take a walk during your lunch break or just step outside for some fresh air. These small breaks help refresh your mind and can boost energy levels for the next part of your workday. Exercise, even if it’s just a 10-minute stretch or jog, is a great way to stay healthy and energised.
However, don’t confuse these planned breaks with procrastination. Schedule these moments into your day, so you maintain a balance between work and taking care of your well-being.
- Sit Down and Start
One of the biggest hurdles for home workers is simply starting work. Once you get going, the day tends to run smoothly, but that initial step can be difficult. Procrastination can build up over time, leading to a backlog of work that results in stress and the dreaded feeling of overwhelm. To avoid this, commit to starting your workday at a set time. It may sound simple, but this habit can make all the difference in ensuring you have a productive day.
Share Your Tips
Working from home can be highly rewarding when done right. Do you have your own strategies for staying productive while working remotely? How do you avoid the traps of procrastination and maintain focus? Share your best practices and inspire others to make the most of their home working experience!
For more advice and support on maintaining productivity and managing work-life balance while working from home, reach out to The Last Hurdle team. Call 01604 654545 or email hello@thelasthurdle.co.uk. We’re here to help you develop strategies that ensure your success.
