How to Work Productively at Home

According to the State of Work Productivity Report, 65% of full-time employees believe working from home would increase their productivity. This belief is supported by the Forbes article, “Benefits of Telecommuting for the Future of Work”, which reports that two-thirds of managers noticed an increase in overall productivity from remote employees. 

However, If you’re new to remote work, you may find yourself struggling to establish a routine. While remote work does boost productivity long term, there might be an adjustment period of trial and error. Here are five quick tips for improving your productivity while working from home:  

1. Limit your distractions

From the Internet to your phone to your TV, there are infinite distractions to help you procrastinate. To limit your distractions:

• Set a timer: Whatever you’re working on for the day, set a timer or a goal for what you need to finish. Once you’ve accomplished your goal, take a well-deserved break.

• Use a website blocker: These will help you avoid visiting frequently distracting websites during working hours.  

• Move your phone: Your phone is one of the easiest ways to procrastinate, whether it’s scrolling aimlessly through social media, answering some messages, or jumping from app to app. 

2. Set tangible goals for the day

Set reminders on your computer or even write a list down on paper to set realistic goals for your day. Once you accomplish the small goals, make sure to reward yourself with breaks.

3. Choose a designated work space

It’s important to choose a location in your house where you feel most productive. Try not to select a spot you associate with leisure time, like the couch or your bed. Designate whatever location you choose as your “office.”

Without others nearby to remind you when lunch rolls around, it’s easy to forget to take a break from work. Make time to stand up, walk away from your desk, make yourself a snack, and go outside for some vitamin D.

Whatever method your company uses, make sure you have some way to stay connected with your coworkers. Direct messages, emails, and video calls will likely become important components of your workday. Figure out which methods work best for your team. 

In a 2019 survey from Buffer, 19% of respondents said that loneliness was the biggest challenge they’ve faced while working remote, and 22% said “unplugging” after work was their biggest challenge. Stay aware of these potential issues and use the tips above to establish boundaries and routines that work for you. 

If you’re looking for online spaces to solve problems and collaborate, read more about what Experts Exchange has to offer. Learn new skills and solve problems faster with unlimited access to training courses, valuable articles, and the support of a collaborative community of subject-matter experts. These fellow IT professionals can provide insight and an outside perspective as you work from home.