If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re one of the many people who are now working from home thanks to the global pandemic. Congratulations! You’ve joined the ranks of remote workers, a growing population of people who are able to do their jobs just as effectively, if not more so, from the comfort of their own homes.

But for many people, working from home can be a challenge. It can be difficult to get into the right mindset and stay productive when you’re not in an office environment. In this post, we’ll share some tips for how to successfully work from home and stay productive and sane!

Working From Home Tips

It’s no longer necessary to be in an office all day long to be a productive member of the team thanks to ever-changing technologies like Microsoft Team, FaceTime, Slack, Zoom, Google Hangouts, authenticator apps, and cloud computing—not to mention texting and email. In fact, many types of work can in fact be accomplished better from a home office than from an office.

How To Work Effectively From Home

Whether you’re a remote worker by choice or necessity, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success.

First, it’s important to have a dedicated space for your work. This doesn’t mean that you need to have a separate room in your house that you can close the door to (although that’s ideal if you can swing it). But it does mean finding a place where you can sit down and focus on your work without distractions. It could be a corner of your living room, the kitchen table, or even just your laptop at the coffee shop. Wherever it is, make sure it’s somewhere that you feel comfortable working for extended periods of time.

Second, establish some ground rules with your family or housemates. Let them know when you’re working and when you’re not, and ask them to respect your work time. This is especially important if you have young children at home. You might need to get creative with childcare solutions, but it’s important to make sure that you have uninterrupted time to focus on your work.

Third, create a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. Wake up at the same time every day, take regular breaks, and set a schedule for when you’ll start and end your workday. This will help to keep you focused and prevent burnout.

Finally, remember to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Working from home can be isolating, so make sure to schedule regular social activities and exercise. Eating healthy meals and getting enough sleep will also help you to stay focused and productive.

By following these tips, you can successfully work from home and maintain your sanity!

What Are The Pros and Cons of Working From Home?

Working from home is great, but it comes with some challenges.

The Pros:

• You can design your home office however you want.
• No need for expensive business clothes or to do your hair and makeup every day.
• More relaxed dress code in general.
• You can take breaks whenever you want, take a nap in the middle of the day if you need to, and make your own schedule.
• Eat whatever you want for lunch instead of going out or eating unhealthy vending machine food.
• Spend more time with family, pets, and loved ones.
• Potentially save money on gas, dry cleaning, and child care.

The Cons:

• It can be harder to stay focused and avoid distractions at home.
• You may feel isolated from colleagues and miss the social interaction of working in an office.
• Working long hours can lead to burnout.
• It can be difficult to draw a line between work life and home life.

11 Tips For Working From Home Success

There are certainly more ‘pros’ than there are ‘cons’ to working from home, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. It’s important to be aware of the potential challenges so you can set yourself up for success. Here are a few tips to help you stay productive and sane while working from home.

1. Set up a dedicated workspace

It’s important to have a designated space in your home that is just for work. This will help you get into the right mindset and avoid distractions. If possible, try to set up your workspace near a window with natural light.

2. Get a standing desk

If you have the space, a standing desk is a great way to get moving while you work. If you don’t have room for a dedicated desk, try setting up a TV tray or using a countertop. This keeps your blood flowing and prevents you from getting too comfortable.

3. Invest in a good chair

You’re going to be spending a lot of time in your chair, so it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable. Look for a chair with good back support and adjustable height. You may also want to consider an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to help reduce strain on your wrists and hands.

4. Get dressed for work

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you should stay in your pajamas all day! Getting dressed for work will help you get into the right headspace and be more productive.

5. Make a daily schedule

One of the benefits of working from home is that you have more control over your time. But this can also be a downside if you’re not careful. Make sure to schedule your work time and take regular breaks throughout the day.

6. Stay connected with your colleagues

It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re working from home, but there are plenty of ways to stay connected with your colleagues. Use video conferencing for team meetings, have virtual coffee breaks, or just shoot them an email to check-in.

7. Take advantage of technology

There are a number of tools you can use to make working from home more productive and efficient. Utilize project management tools, time tracking software, and virtual private networks (VPNs) to stay on top of your work.

8. Stay organized

If you need to stay on track, it’s critical to develop a new organizing method or begin using a day planner. To ensure that you remain on schedule, make a weekly work plan and list the activities that must be completed. Consistency and routine will emerge if you stick to the schedule.

9. Commit to shorter, though more intensive work periods

You will be more successful when you concentrate for longer periods of time. Keep track of how long you can work before being distracted for a few hours. If you can work for 30 minutes uninterrupted before being distracted, keep it up throughout the day. Set an online timer and work for the next 30 minutes without stopping after each break.

10. Set boundaries with family and friends

Your family and friends should know when you are working and should respect your privacy during these times. Let them know when you are available and when you are not. Establishing these boundaries will help reduce interruptions and increase your productivity.

11. Take breaks

Working from home can be draining, both mentally and physically. It is important to take breaks throughout the day to rejuvenate yourself. Get up and move around, stretch, or take a quick walk outside. Taking a break will help you refocus and be more productive when you return to work.

12. Eliminate the digital distractions

Limit the amount of time you spend on social media, checking your email, or browsing the internet. These activities can quickly derail your productivity. If possible, turn off notifications for these sites and apps so you are not tempted to check them every time you receive a notification.

13. Plan your day

Start each day by creating a to-do list of the tasks you need to accomplish. This will help you stay focused and on track. As you complete each task, be sure to check it off your list so you can see your progress. Prioritizing the most important tasks first will help ensure they get done even if other items on your list fall by the wayside.

The Bottom Line

Working from home doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following these tips, you can create a productive and sane working environment in your own home. You might even find that you prefer it to the office!