Four Ways to Stay Productive When Working From Home

For many professionals, it is difficult to stay focused when working from home. Whether the laundry needs to be done or the TV is calling your name, it's easy to find distractions to keep you from working. To avoid wasting the day, it is important to find ways to stay productive.

Set Working Hours

When you are working from home, it can be tempting to get work done whenever the mood strikes. In doing so, however, you run the risk of avoiding work entirely. Even if you are working from home to avoid the rigidity of the office, it's important to create structure. The easiest option is to set working hours. Experiment to find the best fit; try working for four hours in the morning and four hours in the evening, for example. If you have trouble focusing for long periods of time, work for an hour and take a 30-minute break. Consider the factors that will affect your productivity. If your kids get back from school at 3 p.m., you might schedule a break then.

Set Boundaries

If you live with other people, it can be particularly difficult to be productive when working from home. Whether it's a spouse that needs assistance or a roommate who wants to chat, personal interaction can eat into your work time. To avoid getting caught up in conversation, set clear boundaries. Make it known that if your door is closed, you are not to be disturbed. Let the people who share your house know your schedule so they can avoid contact during working hours.

Stay in Touch

For people who are working remotely, it is common to feel disconnected from colleagues. To reinforce your position as part of the team and to help stay on task, increase communication with your co-workers. Start an instant messaging conversation with your closest colleagues and keep it running during the day. Make phone calls or hold video meetings for updates. Send texts frequently. Regular communication can remind you that you are part of a team, which can be motivation to stay focused and keep working efficiently.

Leave Work at Work

One of the biggest challenges of working from home is creating distance between work and your personal life. After all, when your laptop is in the next room, it's easy to sneak in an hour of work in the evening or on vacation. Unfortunately, this practice leads to burnout, which kills productivity. When working remotely, find ways to leave your work behind when you finish for the day. Start by shutting your laptop and put it in a drawer and closing your office door. Don't leave your work papers on the dining room table or near the couch. By removing all signs of your professional life, you'll be better able to focus on your personal life.

With a bit of effort, working from home can be as efficient — if not more so — than working at the office. By taking the time to plan your day and reduce distractions, you can make the process more enjoyable and productive.

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