Working from Home: 8 Productivity Tips That Actually Work

Whether you have been working from home for a year or you are new to this setup, there is no denying that staying productive can be challenging.

That said, we are sharing eight effective tips that you can try to stay productive while working remotely:

Have a permanent workspace

The first step to being productive while working from home is to have a dedicated workspace. This could be a spare room or just a nook somewhere in your living room.

Regardless, it should be a space where you can do your work properly and undisturbed.

But more than anything else, it is important that you use this space for work-related activities only. Do not take your lunch or snack or binge-watch in your workspace.

Organize and declutter

Mess and clutter can inhibit you from being productive. This explains why we always emphasize the benefits of a clean workspace with our clients at Maid Sailors Maid Service NYC.

For one, a clean and organized workspace makes it easy for you to look for things when you needed them. This reduces work-related stress, which could hinder your productivity.

So, if you want to be productive, we advise that you take a few minutes of your day organizing your paperwork, throwing away the garbage, and clearing out your emails.

Set specific work hours

Now that you have a clean and organized workspace, the next step is to set specific work hours.

Sure, you can set a flexible schedule, but that does not mean you can spend your day willy-nilly. What we suggest is that you spend the bulk of your workload on times that you feel more productive.

So, if you are a content writer and you deem that you are more creative in the morning, then you should consider writing a lot in the morning. And then you can spend the afternoon on ad-hoc tasks.

Avoid “work creep”

One of the caveats of working from home is that your career can invade your personal life. However, your work can only creep in your personal life if you let it.

That said, it is important that you set and commit to regular work hours as mentioned previously.

On the other hand, it would also help to spend time with your family, friends, and loved ones. This includes communicating with your employers that you want to spend your weekends for rest day and family day.

Mind you, there are remote workers who even impose on themselves monthly night out with friends.

Manage your day

Of course, one of the best ways to be productive while working from home is to update your to-do list every morning. One way to do that is to use task management apps.

This kind of apps allows you to keep track of what you have to do throughout the day. That way, you will not lose sight of your priorities, tasks, and deadlines.

But other than that, a task management app allows you to review what you have to do for the day, as well as manage and organize your to-do list. Doing so ensures your productivity.

However, if you are the kind who prefers to write down your to-do list, we recommend that you practice bullet journaling.

Get dressed

Telecommuting allows you to work within the comfort of your home. However, that does not mean that you should work in your pajamas.

In fact, many freelancers suggest that you get dressed as if you are going to work. That’s because doing so helps you to be in the right mindset. Not to mention that dressing up allows you to look presentable during a video conference.

As the adage goes, “Dress for success” and you will be able to get your work done.

Stand up and stretch

Another disadvantage of working from home is that you tend to sit for long periods of time. This can compromise your posture and productivity. Not to mention that sitting for hours can lead to heart disease and weight gain (especially in your mid-section).

To reduce your risk of heart disease and mitigate weight gain, CUErgo recommends that you use a workspace that promotes good posture (standing desk). It is also advisable to stand up every 20 - 30 minutes to stretch.

Luckily, you can break a sweat and work out at home with the help of at-home workout videos and workout apps.

Take a stroll

If you are not the kind who do strenuous workouts, then consider going out for a stroll.

This is a great idea to unwind and recharge since you will tend to be cooped up indoors when working from home. Not to mention that taking a stroll allows you to stay updated with what’s happening in your community.

According to a 2016 Gallup study, 43% of employees work from home occasionally. Moreover, businesses were forced to adapt to this setup recently because of the current pandemic. So if you are worried that you will be unable to work from home, then make sure to follow the productivity tips we have listed above.