If you’re like most people, working from home is a dream come true.
No more long commutes, no more annoying coworkers – you can finally work in peace and quiet!
But just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean that the rules change. You still need to be productive and focused if you want to be successful.
In this article, we will discuss 21 working-from-home tips that you can implement today!
So What Are The Worlds Best Working From Home Tips?
- Choose a Dedicated Work Space
- Start Your Workday Early
- Go to a Coffee Shop
- Have Structure To Your Day
- Use Tech to Connect to Your Colleagues
- Set a Timer on Social Media
- Do More & Impress Your Boss
- Keep a Clean Space
- Schedule a Time to Look at Your Emails
- Plan Your Day Ahead of Time
- Keep Regular Hours
- Create a Great Morning Routine
- Set Ground Rules With Your Boss
- Take a Break Every Few Hours
- Ask Work For What You Need
- Use a VPN
- Use the Phone More With Colleagues
- Use Facetime or Skype
- Still, Take The Sick Days You Need
- Have an End of Day Routine
- Learn In Your Downtime
Choose a Dedicated Work Space
If you’re working from home, having a dedicated workspace is crucial. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
Your workspace doesn’t have to be fancy – a simple desk in a quiet corner of your house will do. But it should be separate from the places where you relax and unwind.
That way, when you’ve finished working, you can physically leave your work behind and relax in the rest of your home.
Start Your Workday Early
Working from home has a lot of perks:
You can take breaks whenever you want, work in your PJs, and make your own schedule.
However, all that freedom can make it challenging to stay focused and productive.
One way to combat this is to start your workday early. Getting a jump on the day can help you get more done before midday when energy levels tend to dip.
And starting early also means you can take a break in the afternoon and still feel like you accomplished something.
If you struggle to focus when working from home, try rising with the sun and getting a head start on your to-do list.
Go to a Coffee Shop
It’s become increasingly popular to work from coffee shops. And it’s easy to see why:
Most coffee shops have free Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets, and a relaxed atmosphere conducive to productivity.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of working from a coffee shop:
- Make sure you have everything you need before you head out. That includes your laptop, charger, and other work essentials.
- Choose a comfortable spot with plenty of space to spread out.
- Pay attention to your surroundings and be respectful of other people working nearby.
- And finally, don’t forget to enjoy the experience! Working from a coffee shop can be a great way to mix up your routine and treat yourself to some delicious coffee at the same time.
If you’re looking to break up the monotony of working from home, Coffee shops are the way to go!
Have Structure To Your Day
Letting the days start blurring together when you work from home can be easy. Before you know it, you’re working at all hours and not taking much time for yourself.
That’s why it’s essential to have some structure to your day:
- Start by setting a regular wake-up time and stick to it, even on weekends.
- Take some time to do something you enjoy before you start work. This can be anything from reading the news over breakfast to going for a walk around the block.
- Once you sit down to start work, make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day. Get up, move around, stretch, or grab a snack, so you don’t get too bogged down.
- And finally, when the workday is over, take some time to wind down before bed. This could mean reading, taking a bath, or watching your favorite show.
By following this routine, you’ll ensure that you have some balance in your life and avoid burning out from working too much.
Use Tech to Connect to Your Colleagues
In today’s modern workplace, staying connected with colleagues is more critical than ever.
There are several ways to use tech to connect with your workplace:
- Email or instant message one another with questions or updates throughout the day
- Schedule regular check-ins via video conferencing software (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, etc.)
- Share documents and files via a cloud-based storage system (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
- Create a group chat on a messaging app ( WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, etc.) for quick conversations
- Use project management software (Asana, Trello, Basecamp) to assign tasks and track progress
- Post updates and announcements on an intranet or company social network (Yammer, Chatter, Jive)
Whatever method you choose, staying connected with your team is essential for maintaining a productive and cohesive work environment.
So don’t be afraid to embrace technology in the workplace – it can be a powerful tool for keeping everyone on the same page.
Set a Timer on Social Media
Working from home can make it difficult to resist the siren call of social media. Many of us get caught up in scrolling our feeds and lose track of time.
Setting a timer is a good tip for staying focused and avoiding social media distractions.
For example, you might give yourself 15 minutes to check your favorite sites at the start of the day and then set the timer for another 15 minutes later in the afternoon.
That way, you can stay connected without letting social media take over your workday.
Plus, once the timer goes off, you’ll be satisfied knowing that you stuck to your plan and focused on your work.
Do More & Impress Your Boss
When you work from home, it can be easy to get lost in your own world and forget about the rest of the office.
However, there are a few simple things you can do to make sure you’re still impressing your boss, even when you’re not in the same room:
- Over-communicate: Send regular updates on your progress and ensure your boss is always in the loop.
- Be available: Always respond to emails and phone calls during work hours.
- Go above and beyond: Take on extra assignments and put in extra effort to show that you’re still dedicated to your job, even if you’re not physically present in the office.
Following these simple tips ensures you’re still top of mind for your boss, even when working from home.
Keep a Clean Space
It’s easy to let things slide when you work from home. After all, who’s going to know if your living room is a little messy?
But the truth is, working in a cluttered or chaotic space can have a tangible impact on your productivity.
When your environment is cluttered, it can be harder to focus and stay on task. You may also find yourself feeling more stressed and anxious.
On the other hand, working in a clean and organized space can help you to feel calmer and more in control.
It can also help you to be more productive, efficient, and creative.
So next time you feel overwhelmed by work, take a few minutes to tidy up your space. You may find that it makes all the difference.
Schedule a Time to Look at Your Emails
Letting your email inbox become a never-ending to-do list can be easy.
You might feel like you need to check your email every time a new message comes in, but this can quickly lead to interruptions and distractions.
Instead, schedule a specific time to check and respond to your emails daily.
This will help you stay focused on your work and prevent your inbox from taking over your schedule.
By taking control of your inbox, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and effectively from home.
Plan Your Day Ahead of Time
There’s nothing worse than starting your workday without a plan.
You sit at your desk, ready to start, but you don’t know what you should do first.
Suddenly, the day feels overwhelming, and you find yourself wasting time scrolling through social media or reading articles that have nothing to do with work.
That’s why it’s imperative to take some time each evening to plan out your next day.
Here are some quick tips for planning your day ahead of time:
- Make a list of the things you need to get done that day.
- Break your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks.
- At the end of the day, review your list and see what you need to carry over to the next day.
If you need more guidance about getting the most out of your remote workday, Can I Work From Here offers actionable advice and informative blog posts to help you achieve a successful work-from-home career.
Keep Regular Hours
It’s essential to stick to regular working hours as much as possible, even when working from home.
First, this will help you to maintain a healthy work-life balance. If you’re always working, you’ll never have time for other vital things like family, friends, and hobbies.
Second, sticking to regular hours will help you to be more productive. If you allow yourself to work whenever you feel like it, you’ll quickly find that you’re procrastinating more than actually getting work done.
Finally, setting working hours will make it easier to utilize opportunities to network and socialize with other people in your field.
So even if it feels tempting to turn your home into a 24-hour office, remember that it’s important to stick to regular working hours.
Create a Great Morning Routine
Without a set routine, spending the day in your pajamas, watching TV, and eating junk food can be all too easy.
Creating a morning routine that sets you up for success is essential to be productive and successful when working from home.
Here are some ideas for a successful morning routine:
- Make your bed as soon as you get out of it: This simple task will help you to start the day feeling accomplished and put together.
- Take a shower: A hot shower can help you to wake up and feel refreshed for the day ahead.
- Get dressed for the day: Even if you’re not leaving the house, it’s important to get dressed for work. This will help you to feel more professional and ready to work.
- Eat a healthy breakfast: Eating a nutritious meal will give you energy and focus for the day ahead.
- Set aside time for exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and increase your energy levels.
By taking the time to establish a good morning routine, you’ll find it easier to stay focused and motivated throughout the day.
Set Ground Rules With Your Boss
Even if your boss is okay with you working from home, it’s important to establish boundaries so that they know when you’re working and when you’re not.
- First, agree on what hours you’ll be working. This will help ensure that you’re getting your work done in a timely manner.
- Second, agree on how often you’ll be available for communication. This will prevent interruption and help you stay focused on your work.
- Finally, agree on what tasks can be completed at home and what tasks need to be done in the office. This will help to keep your work life and home life separate.
By setting these ground rules, you’ll be able to work from home effectively and efficiently.
Take a Break Every Few Hours
If you’re anything like me, then you’re probably guilty of working straight through lunch most days.
But when you’re working from home, it’s important to take a break every few hours to avoid burnout.
Not only will a break help to improve your focus and productivity, but it will also give you a chance to move your body and get some fresh air.
Even if it’s just a quick walk around the block, getting out of the house for a few minutes can make a world of difference.
Ask Work For What You Need
If you’re working from home, it’s important to ask your employer for what you need in order to be successful.
This might include:
- a dedicated workspace
- a new computer
- additional software
- anything else that will help you do your job better.
By asking for what you need, you’re showing that you’re committed to your work and that you’re willing to invest in your own success.
So if you’re working from home, don’t be afraid to ask for what you need – it’s essential for doing your best work.
Use a VPN
VPNs have become increasingly important in recent years as more and more businesses allow their employees to work remotely.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that helps to protect your data and keep your online activity private.
When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is encrypted, making it difficult for anyone to snoop on your activities.
This is especially important when you’re working from home, as you may be sharing a connection with other people.
Using a VPN can help to ensure that your data remains private and secure, even when you’re working on a public Wi-Fi network.
Use the Phone More With Colleagues
When you’re working from home, it’s easy to get wrapped up in your own work and let communication with your colleagues fall by the wayside.
However, there are actually quite a few benefits to picking up the phone more often when you’re working from home.
- It can help you build better relationships with your colleagues. Spending more time on the phone can help you get to know them better and build a stronger rapport.
- It can help you communicate more effectively. When you’re working on a project with someone, it’s often easier to explain things over the phone than it is through email or instant messaging.
- It makes working from home feel a little less isolating. Hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the line can help you feel connected to your colleagues, even when you’re not in the same room.
So next time you’re working from home, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone a little more often.
Use Facetime or Skype
Many people who work from home find that they are more productive when they use video conferencing tools like Skype or FaceTime.
These tools allow you to see and hear your colleagues, which can help to make working from home feel less isolating, as well as improve communication amongst team members.
And if you need to collaborate on a project, video conferencing makes it easy to do so.
You can share your screen, exchange files, and even use brainstorming tools like whiteboards.
So if you’re working from home, be sure to take advantage of video conferencing tools to stay connected with your team.
Still, Take The Sick Days You Need
There’s one downside to working from home that people don’t often talk about:
The temptation to just power through when you’re sick.
After all, if you’re already in your pajamas and don’t have to leave the house, what’s the harm in working?
The problem is that this can quickly lead to burnout, both physically and mentally.
When your immune system is already compromised, trying to work can make you even sicker and end up taking even longer to recover.
So next time you’re feeling under the weather, resist the urge to work and give yourself a chance to rest and heal. Trust us; your body will thank you for it.
Have an End of Day Routine
When you work from home, it can be easy to let work bleed into your personal life.
Before you know it, you’re working around the clock with no clear division between your work life and your home life.
This is why it’s so important to adopt an end-of-day routine that helps you to transition from work mode to relaxation mode.
For example
- Set a timer for the last hour of work and use that time to wrap up any loose ends. Once the timer goes off, stop working.
- Take a few minutes to stretch or take a quick walk around the block just to get your body moving and help you transition out of work mode.
- Make a cup of tea or put on some soothing music to help you wind down for the evening.
The important thing is that you do something to signal to your brain that the workday is over and it’s time to relax.
By taking a few conscious steps to end your work day, you’ll help your mind and body relax so you can enjoy your well-earned free time.
Learn In Your Downtime
When you’re not tied to a specific office or a 9-5 schedule, you can use your downtime to learn new things that can help you in your work.
For example, you can take an online course to improve your skills in a specific area or read books and articles about subjects that interest you.
Learning in your downtime can help make you more well-rounded and knowledgeable and ultimately make you more productive and successful in your work.
Did We Miss Anything?
Do you have any working-from-home tips that you swear by? Share them with us in the comments below!
Working From Home Tips FAQ
Do:
Set up a dedicated workspace. It doesn’t have to be a whole room, but it should be a specific area where you can go to work and focus. This will help you get into the right mindset and avoid getting distracted by household chores or other activities.
Stay in touch with your colleagues. Working from home can sometimes be isolating, so make sure to schedule regular check-ins with your team members or friends from work. This will help you stay connected and motivated.
Don’t:
Forget to take breaks. Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you should work all day without a break. Taking regular breaks will help you stay fresh and focused.
Forget to schedule time for yourself. Working from home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all of your personal time. Make sure to schedule breaks for yourself, just like you would at the office.
The hardest part about working from home is maintaining a work-life balance. It can be easy to get sucked into work and forget to take breaks or schedule time for yourself.
That’s why it’s important to have a routine and stick to it. Make sure to set aside time for breaks, exercise, and personal errands. This will help you avoid burnout and stay healthy and happy.
• Take breaks throughout the day to move your body and get some fresh air. This will help to clear your mind and give you a new perspective.
• Set aside time each day for brainstorming and exploring new ideas. This can be anything from sketching out potential designs to researching new concepts.
• Establish a regular working routine that works for you, and stick to it as much as possible. This will help to keep you focused and on track.
• Create an “inspiration board” with images, quotes, or anything else that helps to motivate and inspire you. Refer to it whenever you need a boost.
There is no clear answer, as creativity is subjective, and everyone works differently.
However, working from home can give you the freedom to take breaks whenever you need them, which can help to increase your overall productivity and creativity.
Take breaks to do something enjoyable, like reading or taking a walk.
Schedule time for socializing, whether it’s video chatting with friends or going for coffee with a colleague.
Get out of the house for lunch or work in a different room for a change of scenery.
Use fun desk accessories or workspace decorations to brighten up your space.
