How to Work More Efficiently from Home

Working from home is fantastic until your cat pukes on your computer. And across the street, your neighbor, who you can only guess is creating a time machine, begins firing up all kinds of power equipment and deafening gear.

For many professions, COVID-19 has made remote work a necessity rather than a luxury. But which setting, the home office or the business office, helps us to be more productive?

Your coworkers are often the greatest threat to preventing you from getting some meaningful, heads-down work done in the office. They come to your desk, strike up a discussion with you, and invite you to lunch, or so I’ve heard.

The social benefits are good to have, but if you’re easily distracted, they can become a challenge.

While family members might be a distraction in the home office, I’ve found that it’s all too simple to become your own worst enemy. Because you’re not surrounded by employees, you’re free to let go of those bothersome inhibitions. No one is watching at the home office. You aren’t under the same peer pressure or sense of collective need to get things done. (You’re also not required to wear pants.)

The following are tips for working from home:

1. Set expectations with anyone who will be staying with you at home.

Of course, even if you work from home, you will still have “company.” During working hours, make sure any roommates, family members, and dogs (well, maybe not dogs) respect your space. Working from home does not imply that you are at home.

You may need to establish ground rules about meeting hours, shared desks and chairs, and quiet times if you share space with another work-from-home adult.

2. Take frequent, well-defined breaks.

As a telecommuter, it’s all too easy to become distracted, so you avoid taking breaks completely. Allowing yourself to relax for five minutes should not be hampered by the guilt of working in the same building where you sleep. Instead of just accessing YouTube and viewing some comfort videos, take advantage of your breaks to walk away from your workstation. Take a step outside to get some fresh air, or spend time with others who may be in the house.

3. Communicate with other people.

You’ll probably miss the informal social connections with colleagues you’re used to when your workplace starts working from home. You don’t have the small conversation and other activities that make each day at the office different when you work from home.

4. Plan your meals for the next day the night before.

When you’re at home, it’s easy to get carried away and spend hours chopping and cooking a great breakfast and lunch for yourself. Don’t waste time preparing your food on the day of work; prepare it the night before.

Preparing food ahead of time means that you can eat during your meal times and that you aren’t wasting energy on non-work duties.

5. Decide on a specific end time.

Working from home may give you the sense that you have a better work-life balance, but this is not the case.

Working from home might also feel like being in a casino – you can lose track of time since you’re so engrossed in your activity in a relaxed environment.

6. Eat and sleep regularly.

What is the most advantageous aspect of working from home? For some people (like me), having complete access to the kitchen is one of the most important advantages.

When I take a break, I instinctively head to the kitchen for some munchies.

A poor diet can reduce productivity and deplete energy. I was able to perform better and get more out of my routine after switching to a healthier diet.

So, if you’re working from home, eat healthily.

7. Speak with your boss.

If you don’t want to leave your existing job, the apparent next step is to figure out how to pivot it.

Folding the prospect of going remote into your next promotion cycle is one of the recommendations for doing this. Discuss your plans to pivot with your supervisor on a regular basis.

Also, if you’re not sure if your boss will agree to work totally remotely, discuss the possibility of working remotely.

8. Work for a company that allows you to work from home.

If your work can be done from home but your current supervisor or company won’t let you, you may need to look for new employment.

You can use the same strategies you used to get a traditional office job to find a work-from-home job. This includes job boards, classified ads, and social media networks.

9. Begin working as a freelancer.

If your present employer does not allow you to work from home, you can work from home as a freelancer or consultant.

You may be able to establish your own freelance business while still employed, depending on the nature of your existing position.

Starting an independent business while still employed has the advantage of reducing the financial strain that any new firm faces.

10. Establish a home-based business.

One option to enjoy remote work is to start a home business. Certifications and education are not normally required in this sector, unlike in other fields. Instead, research, a well-thought-out business plan, and picking the correct company are more important.

References

Devaney, E. (2021). How to Work From Home: 24 Tips From People Who Do It Successfully. [online] Hubspot.com. Available at: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/productivity-tips-working-from-home  [Accessed 7 Sep. 2021].

Duffy, J. (2015). 20 Tips for Working From Home. [online] PCMAG. Available at: https://www.pcmag.com/news/get-organized-20-tips-for-working-from-home  [Accessed 7 Sep. 2021].

Harvard Business Review. (2014). 5 Ways to Work from Home More Effectively. [online] Available at: https://hbr.org/2014/10/5-ways-to-work-from-home-more-effectively  [Accessed 7 Sep. 2021].

Krasna, H. (2021). Questions to Ask About COVID-19 in Your Next Interview—During the Pandemic and Beyond. [online] The Muse. Available at: https://www.themuse.com/advice/questions-to-ask-about-covid-19-during-interview  [Accessed 7 Sep. 2021].

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