With no one monitoring your every move, working from home can prove to be a challenge when it comes to productivity. The main problem is that there are too many distractions around: the TV, pets, video games, other family members…
When this starts affecting your deadlines and messing up your sleep schedule, it is time to take a step back and ask yourself how to improve the home office to boost productivity, while also keeping a comfortable YOU vibe.
Tip 1: How to Eliminate Common Distractions
To cut distractions and improve your efficiency, you must first identify said distractions. Make a list and tackle each item, but don’t be too hard on yourself. After all, office You wasn’t exactly free from distractions either.
One of the most effective ways to block distractions is to set physical boundaries. If having a room to yourself isn’t an option, then isolate your working corner with whatever you have available: room dividers, cabinets, shelves, or even a curtain.
Next on the list would be disabling social media notifications and only allowing phone calls and messages from important people, with the help of the customized Do Not Disturb feature of your smartphone.
Tip 2: How to Personalize Your Home Office
Keep your workspace clutter-free and surround yourself with personal items that put you in a good mood. Feel free to add motivational quotes, photos, cheerful notes, as well as a little greenery. This will help you increase focus and be more willing to dedicate time to pesky work tasks.
Make comfort a priority and choose a desk chair that offers enough back support. Add a lumbar pillow if necessary, decorate with a throw blanket, and remember to get up every now and then and stretch.
Tip 3: How to Make Video Calls Efficiently
Ensure that making video calls doesn’t take up too much of your time and let the other family members know when your next video call is going to take place so that they don’t interrupt you.
Remember that it is very important to invest in reliable technology to avoid interruptions when working remotely. Each time your video meeting freezes or disconnects, everyone in your team wastes precious time.
If you know how to set up video calls and how to stay clear of slow internet issues, video conferencing will be a breeze.
Tip 4: How to Further Improve Productivity
Consider installing a productivity app if you don’t have one already. While premium subscriptions can get you better features, there are many free options out there that still do their part pretty well. Try several apps and choose the one that is most suitable for your needs.
While digital Kanban boards can be very helpful, sometimes what you need is to have everything right in front of you. Go ahead and create a physical Kanban board, tracking your progress on it with Post-it notes.
Take organizing to the next level with folders, calendars, and color-coded labeling, and maximize your home office space by using the walls as much as possible.
Are You Ready to Be More Productive From Home?
Once you mold these tips to your particular style, you will find your own creative and unique ways to create a dedicated remote workspace that feels like your own while keeping you productive.
Most importantly, keep in mind that it is worth investing in the necessary products and services to create a personalized and productive remote work environment. After all, you are doing it for the long term.
