Like everything else in life, working from home also has its advantages and disadvantages. The fact of not having to face traffic to get to and from work, for example, is a way to save time. On the other hand, the lack of social interactions can weigh on the routine of some as a negative factor.
In addition, there is the question of productivity. Some people just can’t work the same way at home compared to how they perform at the office. It doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five tips that can help you be more productive if you’re working from home.
1. Have an appropriate place to work
The first tip for being productive working from home is to have an appropriate place to do it. Yes, we know that with a notebook on your lap you can work on the living room sofa or even in bed. This might work for a few minutes, but by no means should this be your routine.
The ideal is to reproduce an environment similar to what you have in the office: a table suitable for work and a comfortable chair. Make it a habit to always work in the same place so you don’t come to see the whole house as one big office.
2. Get dressed for work
It’s a big mistake to get out of bed and go straight to the computer in your pajamas. As much as you won’t leave the house, it’s important to change your clothes and get into the habit of moving from one environment to another. This will make your brain understand that these are different situations, even though you are in the same place.
In addition, if you need to hold a video conference with your co-workers, you are already prepared. But dispense with the formalities: you don’t have to work in a suit and tie at home; a comfortable shirt is enough to make a good impression and encourage you to work better.
3. Have a fixed schedule
Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can work anytime. It is important that you establish a routine to become more productive and that implies having a set schedule. If you start work at 8 am, turn on your computer at this time. Turn it off after office hours.
It is important to note that the fact that you are at home working does not mean that you are available 24 hours a day. Stick to your schedule and goals, but then switch off and go do other activities. The feeling of spending all day – morning, noon and night – in front of the PC can become a frustration as time goes by.
4. Don’t give in to temptation
When we’re at home, it’s easy to succumb to the many temptations the environment offers. The TV is close by to be turned on, the fridge always offers some after-hours snacks, and even family members can drop by to chat in the middle of the day while you’re working.
You must resist all these temptations. Try to imagine that you are in the office and cannot disperse like this. Forget the TV and let your family know you don’t want to be disturbed during a certain time. Fulfill your work goals and don’t get carried away by the amenities that the residence offers.
5. Organize your routine
When it comes to working from home, it’s very important that you start your day knowing exactly what your tasks will be. Planning and organization are important anywhere, but they are even more fundamental when it comes to doing Home Office. After all, there is no boss personally overseeing your work at all times.
The tip is to use the last few minutes of work at the end of the day to plan what will be done the next day. This will get you up to speed at work faster at the start of the day, helping you to be more productive in your tasks.
