While the idea of working from home (WFH) may be appealing to many, the harsh reality is that it's not all that easy and you'll need to follow some basic rules to help you overcome the many challenges to being productive.
7 Ways To Help Promote Productivity When Working From Home
1) Set Up A Work Area!
One of the biggest challenges to working from home are all the distractions that you might not get in your regular office environment. Sure you have associates and co-workers in the office but it's a different situation when it's a life partner or room mate that is also working from home, or kids that are not in school.
If you can set up your work area in a separate room, that's ideal, but even if you designate an area of a room or a section of your kitchen table as your "office", it will establish this as the place where work is taking place. That "office environment" not just sends a signal to your brain that you are here to work, but also signals those around you that you should not be disturbed.
2) Use Work Triggers!
When you head to the office your brain begins to prepare for what needs to be done that day and you start getting into "work mode". This may not be as easy to do when you don't actually leave your home or do a commute but it's not impossible to get some triggers in place.
Following your usual morning routine of having a shower, getting dressed for work, and/or having a coffee and some breakfast, is one way to get your mind set. If it's possible, go for a walk around the block or up and down your apartment building stairs as part of your commute, then when you re-enter your place you've arrived at work and will be ready to go!
3) Set A Schedule
Just like your office environment, there's a routine that you would normally follow during the day. Whether it's taking the first hour of your day to check and respond to e-mails or attend a team meeting, establishing a time line for your work day will keep you moving in the right direction. You may also have obligations and committments during work that need to be dealt with during the day, especially if you have children. Scheduling them in to the day will allow for the time they require and get you back on to the work routine in an efficient manner.
4) Make A List
Just like the idea behind #3, creating a to-do list helps you stick to your work plan! Whether it's to help you get organized, prioritize tasks, or just make yourself accountable, a list is a great way to mark progress and prepare for the next task. And hey, who doesn't love the satisfaction of crossing things off a list as they are accomplished?
5) Stay On Task!
While it may be convenient to toss a load of laundry into the washing machine or whip up a batch of cookies before lunch, it's best to avoid any chores that will sidetrack you and disrupt your "work mode". Save non-work related tasks for after hours, even if that's during your lunch break. If it is a must do chore, put it into your schedule and give it a time line.
6) Avoid Electronic Isolating
While it's a great thing to be able to rely on modern technology and communicate with clients, managers or co-workers via e-mails, there's nothing like having an actual conversation with someone, be it on the telephone or in a video-conference. Keep in touch with people on an "ear to ear" or "face to face" basis, even if that's not physically in the flesh. There are plenty of free apps and other platforms, like Zoom and Webex, for holding virtual meetings.
7) Be Prepared For Glitches
Despite your best efforts, there will be impediments to having a good work flow when working from home. Knowing that this is always a possibility and not allowing yourself to get rattled by these sorts of hiccups will save you some stress and ultimately help you get back on track quicker.
Some people adapt more easily to a work from home environment but by using the aforementioned guidelines anyone can be more productive and achieve success in these types of scenarios.
