5 Ways to Maximize Productivity While Working from Home
I’ve been working from home for almost 3 years now, and as working from home starts to become the new normal for many, I remember the uncertainty I felt when I made the switch.
Would I ever get out of pajamas? Would I miss “water cooler” interactions with coworkers? Could it actually be possible to find a balance between work and personal life?
I, like many others, was worried my productivity would be negatively affected by the comforts of working from home. But, fear not! I’m sharing 5 easy ways to maximize productivity and master working from home.
1. Get Dressed
There’s a reason this simple statement is found on every “how to have success when working from home” list. It’s because it’s true.
In the early days of working from home, I loved not getting dressed. Working in pajamas, not worrying about fixing my hair or putting on makeup—it was the best! I was able to maintain my productivity levels while working from home during this phase because I was actively choosing to not get dressed. I was a rebel with a cause and I wore my sweatpants like a victory medal.
But after a few weeks had passed, I felt my productivity slipping. I was less eager to get work done ahead of time, I wasn’t sticking to my schedule, and I definitely wasn’t prepared to jump on impromptu client calls. Overall, I just felt off.
Getting dressed was a needed part of my routine to ensure productivity. It doesn’t matter what you decide to wear to work, I personally am a big fan of yoga pants. But, I highly recommend wearing something different from what you slept in. I promise not only will you feel better, but your productivity will increase too!
2. Set a Schedule (& Follow It!)
Another seemingly simple recommendation, but an important one. If you’re new to working from home, the lines between work and personal time can start to blur. Having a schedule in place not only protects your productivity but your personal time, too. Especially since your once-personal space has become dual-purpose, you can find yourself falling into the “always working” trap.
My calendar has become my saving grace for scheduling all the different things I need to do in a day. I schedule everything from “working hours,” which include my availability for meetings, to the time I spend working on miscellaneous projects, and any other housekeeping-type tasks like email and bookkeeping. I also make sure to use the reminders feature for things like errands, working out, and eating lunch.
Some of my favorite tools to help you set (and keep) your schedule include Todoist, Asana, and Google Calendar.
3. Create a Work Space
I’ve always advocated changing up your workspace throughout the day/week when you’re needing a change of scenery or to inspire creativity. I love sitting in coffee shops and visiting different coworking spaces but setting a dedicated workspace in my home, boosts my focus and productivity.
Create a space that works for you and be intentional about the time you spend in your “working zone.” Having space solely dedicated to working allows you to be able to put work down at the end of the day. Simply put, when set up at my desk, I’m able to turn off my computer and walk away. I don’t try to sneak extra emails or look back at a project. When I’m done, I leave the “office.”
4. Don’t Stop Communicating
When working from home, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. Keeping regular communication with your team or coworkers can help your productivity. By letting your team know what you need, you can work more efficiently and make sure nothing gets missed.
By sharing what you need, your team and coworkers can keep you accountable. Don’t be afraid to hop on a quick call or video chat to discuss your upcoming projects or just to mimic cooler talk. Accountability helps productivity.
5. Take Breaks
No one can be productive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Taking time to reset throughout the day can actually enhance your productivity. You’ll feel recharged and excited to come back to whatever you were working on after you’ve stepped away for a little. Even if you don’t think you need to, you should still take regular breaks.
It’s also important to remember to plan for time off like you would if you were going into an office. Planning mental health days or days off just because, can keep you from feeling burnt out.