Increasing Productivity When Working From Home

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Remote working has increased rapidly over the last few years with many people choosing to carry out their work from home, instead of the office.  Although the idea of working from home might be great, there are many distractions that can arise throughout the day that may affect work productivity such as outside noise, pets, children and household chores that need carrying out.

If you are working from home for the day, or on a permanent basis, there are ways that you can keep fully engaged with your work, which will help towards increasing your productivity levels. Here are some tactics that can be undertaken to get the most out of working this way.

Plan the day

Schedule your day around any chores or commitments you must do – for example, taking the children to school. Plan what you want to achieve by the end of each day, and set personal deadlines of when they need to be carried out. This will provide you with a structured and pro-active day. You should establish a time to wake up each morning, and set a time to finish each afternoon so you are not over exhausting yourself.

Get dressed

Even if you have no intention of leaving the house, lazing about in your pyjamas will not make you feel mentally prepared to work. Instead, set your alarm early, get a shower and get into some fresh clothes. You don’t necessarily have to wear smart work clothes but something comfortable that you can carry out your workload in.

Say no to distractions

There are many distractions associated with working from home; which can include family members, pets making noise, the TV and social media.  It’s important to set up some boundaries around this and making it clear that although you’re present in the house, you are working and have deadlines to meet.

Set up a place to work

It’s important to establish your home life from your work life through creating a space just for your work to be carried out.  Although sitting on the couch with a laptop may be a comfortable choice, chances are it will not keep your organised or put you in the right frame of mind to carry out work efficiently. It will also make you go stir-crazy if this is a place you should be relaxing in during the evening, or the weekend!

Think about what you’re consuming

As you are home, there’s the temptation of making delicious breakfasts or lunches, and easy access to food and drink – especially during the afternoon when you might need a pick me up.  You should prepare what meals you will eat the night before, and avoid foods like chocolate or anything that’s high in sugar as it can make you feel sluggish, reducing the desire to work. Instead, drink plenty of water, fruit and healthy bites to keep you going.

Get out of the house

Working from home can make you isolated, especially if no one else is in the house during the day.  If you do miss the social interaction aspect of the office, head to your local coffee shop or co-working areas.  Here, you’ll be able to grab a drink and set your laptop up in the company of others.  Ensure that you plan breaks in which you can have a break from work too, like you would in work – even it’s just popping into the local shop or taking a stroll around the block; it will do you the world of good.

Keep in contact with colleagues

Make sure that you are always accessible for your colleagues to get in touch with you, whether that’s setting up instant messenger, having a dedicated work number and having your emails on always. This way, you’ll be aware of anything that’s happening within the office, and any company updates.

If those working from home put these tips into practise, it will result in a more structured day which allows them to get their work carried out, as efficiently and effectively as possible.

This article was produced by Hannah Pennell, a content writer for Light Supplier: http://www.lightsupplier.co.uk/

Also read: How to Create a Productive Workspace at Home