Working from home can come with its benefits, allowing you to save both time and money on commuting, cut out expensive lunches, and enjoy a more comfortable working environment. But it can come with its downsides and distractions too - especially if you’ve got family, your partner or flatmates around. If you are struggling to stay motivated and keep your concentration while at home, here are some working from home tips for a more productive working day. Designate a work space Working from home can present the temptation to work from the comfort of your bed, but setting aside a proper work space will help to keep the divide between work and home. Designate a working area in your house, whether it is an office room or your kitchen or dining table, use this as your home office every day. When you have finished for the day, be sure to pack everything away and return to using it as a living space. This will help you to establish a boundary between working hours and home hours. Get dressed Staying in your pyjamas all day may sound cosy and comfortable, but getting dressed as you normally would will help to create a proper working routine. Try and get into the habit of washing and dressing properly before you start work, and it will leave you feeling more refreshed ahead of your working day. Take regular breaks It can be easy to forget to take regular breaks when working from home, or to work longer hours than you normally would. Be sure to take breaks from your screen throughout the day, and enjoy a proper lunch break. Stick to a routine While home working does come with a certain flexibility on how you structure your day, sticking to a routine can help to boost your productivity and help you stay motivated. Aim to start and end your day at the same time throughout the working week, and allocate regular breaks throughout so you can recharge, and avoid burning yourself out. Stay connected Home working can be a lonely task, particularly if you are stuck at home for long periods. Make use of online chat tools, such as Slack and Google Hangout, schedule meetings via video call to stay in touch with your colleagues, and make an effort to pick up the phone where you can, rather than using email. Get some fresh air Taking a short walk during your working day not only allows you time for a break, but it’s a great way to clear your head and stretch your legs. Sitting at a desk and looking at a screen for long periods is not good for your posture, eyes, nor your health. Allowing yourself a brief break and some fresh air will ensure your body and brain have time for a rest, so you can return to your work feeling more refreshed. Cut out distractions Spending the day surrounded by your home comforts can prove to be a distraction, whether it is having to cope with noise from other members of your household, or having to keep an eye on children while you are trying to work. Where possible, make an effort to keep distractions to a minimum. Avoid putting the TV on in the background, and keep music to a low level so you don’t lose concentration. If there is room in your house, try to set up your workstation in a quiet spot, away from other members of your household, to help boost maximum productivity.
