Now that most people are working from home increasing productivity can be quite a challenge especially when you’re not used to it.
However, your employer still expects their work done and on time regardless of your work environment. One of the biggest challenges when working from home can either be the number of people around you or entertainment. It takes a certain level of commitment and discipline to actually work from home especially when you’re not accustomed. But these tips will definitely help you if you’d like to limit distractions.
1. Create a Dedicated Office Space
You might not have an office in your house but you can definitely create one. It could be on your bed or a small corner in your sitting room but all in all you need to have a space that is dedicated to just working. If your home is big enough to accommodate an entire room dedicated solely to work, you’re one of the lucky ones. If not, simply establish an area where you can use your computer, talk on the phone, and keep important documents stored.
2.Create a Daily To-Do List
Setting priorities is important at the office and infinitely more so when working from home. Without a boss peering over your shoulder or colleagues to bounce ideas off of, it’s up to you to put your to-do list in order. It can help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Quickly jot down what needs to be done during a particular workday, then number each item in order of priority. When the day is done, immediately transfer anything you didn’t accomplish to the next day’s list to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
3. Explain to your family
Even if you don’t have kids, you may have to communicate your need for a quiet working environment to your significant other. If your spouse or partner works in a more traditional setting, the idea of a home office may seem casual to them, resulting in noise and disruptions when you’re trying to concentrate. Set ground rules for your workspace, such as knocking before coming into your office or respecting quiet time between certain hours.
4. You need to stay on task
Keep your phone away and only look at it when need be. Keep relevant tabs open on the computer and everything else that needs to be closed never open it.
Checking your email is a necessity when you’re telecommuting, especially if it’s your colleagues’ favorite method of communication. However, constantly clicking on that email tab can impede your own projects and disrupt workflow.
5. Be very organized
When you’re working from home, your job can actually become more stressful. Suddenly, you’re battling between home and work life, and a cramped schedule can disrupt your workflow. That means you have to do everything you can to optimize and organize your home office. Structure your day like you’re at the office and give yourself deadlines to complete your projects.
6. Set Office Hours
Use your office hours to guide you. This means that you should still wake up early enough and end your day when you’ve actually completed your tasks which greatly depends on you.
7. Use earphones
Earphones are great for limiting distractions. Think of all the at-home noises that can disrupt your concentration. A ringing phone, a loud TV, kids playing, the doorbell, and even regular conversations can cause you to lose your train of thought or become frustrated. And, since it’s not feasible (or fair) to expect all noise to simply stop when you’re working, earphones are the next best thing.
