Working From Home Tips On Being Productive
With everything going on in the world, I am so glad that there are several companies and jobs that are allowing their employees to work from home. But one thing I noticed is that this is new to so many of you. Which probably made sense why on Instagram, several of you suggested I write a post on how to be productive when working from home.
I’m always working remotely. Aside from this blog, my previous corporate job allowed us to work from home as often as we wanted. They recognized that being in the office was not always necessary. Especially after my cancer diagnosis, I was working from home 90% of the time. So to me, working from home (and anywhere) is the norm and I recently learned that a lot of companies don’t see it that way. From what I hear, working from home is another word for taking time off from work plus answering some work emails. For instance, my husband’s job has work from home but people use it sparingly.
Before I give my working from home tips on being productive, I will say that I am aware that there are jobs out there that can’t work remotely. And with everything going on with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), I just want to thank everyone who works in service. During uncertain times, they are the ones that still have to get up and leave their house to go to work. So thank you to all the people who work at grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, restaurants, security guards, delivery services, etc. Thank you so much for helping us through this. Your service definitely does not go unnoticed.
Working From Home Tips On Being Productive
One thing I noticed when I was working from home (from my previous job) is that I ended up working more hours than I did when I was in the office. I felt like I didn’t have an excuse as to why certain things couldn’t be done, and I would be stuck working until it was time for bed. It also gave my job a reason why we should all be constantly working. I truly hope that most companies do not see it this way. We need that separation of work and life.
Get Up The Same Time
That’s right. While you do not have to commute anywhere, it is important that you still have your body recognize that it still has to get up for work. So whatever time you normally get up to get in the office. Make sure you don’t remove that alarm.
Continue Your Morning Routine
Definitely continue your usually morning routine. So if that’s showering first, do it. Again, you are still acting as if you are getting to the office.
Get Dressed
It’s so easy to want to wear your pjs or comfy clothes, but it really makes a difference with how you approach your day if you dress up. You don’t have to get super dolled up. But put on a nice pair of jeans and a nice top. You’ll be surprised how you will most likely stay on task. Whenever I work in my pjs, I’m less productive and more prone to do other things (like sit on the couch). Put it this way, if someone had to unexpectedly video conference you, how would you like to look.
Turn Off That TV / Other Electronic Devices
It’s so easy to have the TV or other electronic devices on in the background. But they will be so distracting and give you the vibe that you’re home versus working.
Take Breaks
So so important and trust me I learned the hard way. Get up and stretch. Go out for a quick walk. It helps keep you and your mind fresh. Plus, you are less prone to make mistakes if you take breaks.
Have A Start and End Time
Start work the same time and end the same time every day. Again, I learned this the hard way and it made it easy for my previous job to make it a norm for me to work this much. You need boundaries. Have a hard end time and shut the computer off.
Create A Dedicated Work Space
Make sure you have a dedicated space for work. You don’t necessarily need an office room, but make sure there is a spot in your home where you only work. I don’t have an office room, but I have a corner in one of our rooms where I place my desk and computer.
Favorite Home Office Accessories
Final Thoughts
I hope I am able to help you with these working from home tips! It may take some adjustment and I’m sure it will be tempting to do things around the house versus work, but trust me if you follow these tips, you’ll be surprised how productive you will be.
Also, stay safe out there. Make sure to only go out when necessary and wash your hands. While most people will be fine if infected with the coronavirus, there are individuals out there who will be compromised (such as the elderly and those with medical conditions, like myself). This time is not about you, it’s more about being mindful about others and their safety.
xo RD
These are indeed great tips for working at home which more of us will be doing. My new years resolution was to put myself on a fairly strict schedule. Though I have yet to do this LOL as some things came up but I will do it. I think writing things down and having a schedule does help one to be more productive.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
It definitely helps! I highly recommend using a weekly desk planner. I shared it as one of my recommended items!
I was homeschooled and did my master’s online so I’ve got a good groove when it comes to working from home! I need to send this to my husband, he has such a hard time working from home!
Oh wow, no way! Hope this helps your husband!
I appreciate this post. Thank you for the tips.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
You’re welcome!
Getting dressed and doing my hair is a big one for me! Thanks for sharing this babe. XO, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
You’re welcome!
Great tips, Rach! Totally agree that getting dressed in the AM helps being productive quite a bit!
Be well & healthy!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Definitely makes a difference!
Getting dressed and not having the TV on are so important, if you ask me. And I always have to have a planner with me as well so I can mark off what I do as the day goes on. I love time-blocking! Awesome tips, girlfriend.
I swear by my planner too! So helpful!
I’ve worked from home a few times in the past, but I’m mostly in-office Monday-Friday so this change of pace has been quite the adjustment for me! It also doesn’t help that Chris and I are both WFH in a *very* small apartment! Love these tips so much and can’t wait to adjust my routine tomorrow!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
It is definitely an adjustment! Hope this week goes well for you!
This is such a great post! Love all of these tips. I feel like I’m super productive when I work from home but it’s definitely easy to get distracted sometimes.
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
For sure! Hope this helps!
These are awesome tips on being productive when working from home! I find that when I get ready for the day, it’s a total game changer!
Kileen
cute & little
It really is a game changer!
I work from home and am in field too so am not too worried about being quarantined. Though for the most part the work from home is freelance and all my work has been cancelled since. My other job I’m awaiting to hear what the next steps will be so I guess if work gets suspended, will have more time to blog (that is me, looking at it as the glass half full)
Sxx
daringcoco.com
Definitely you are looking glass half full! Best of luck to you!
It’s crazy how something like this can all of a sudden grant all this “time” we didn’t have before. Think I’ve been more productive in the last week than in the last month! Great post, xoxo Sarah
100% with you!
I have to get dressed! Cannot work in my pajamas!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Same! I end up getting really lazy haha.
Definitely agree with these tips! I do need to do better at getting dressed though – I’m typically in my PJs until I go to the gym #whoops haha.
xo Laura Leigh
http://louellarese.com
Haha that’s ok. I sometimes am too!
It is so hard to be productive at home sometimes! These really help!
Glad I can help!
Great tips! Treating it like a work day schedule is definitely the way to go.
Still have to work on the getting dressed part
XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com