improve productivity while working from home

Many of us have been working from home for almost a year now due to the COVID-19 productivity. 

In this post I'll share 3 tips to boost your productivity while working from home.

remove distractions

Think about what your work day used to be like at the office. When did you get most of your work done? When did you take breaks? What did you dread? What did you look forward to? Now look at your current schedule working from home. Compare the two and see how you can optimize your productivity and incorporate socialization. 

Ideas include:

• Minimizing distractions from social media - use a browser blocker, flip your phone over, turn it on silent, or leave it in another room; schedule time during your day where you are "allowed" to consume social media
• Zoom with friends or coworkers over lunch
• Block off chunks in your day (2+ hours) for work that requires your full attention 
• Organize your meetings so they are back-to-back rather than spaced throughout the day
• Keep email closed or turn off notifications

You can learn more in my blog post on avoiding distractions when working from home.

If it's difficult getting things done while also having your kids at home, consider having a conversation with your kids (depending on their age) to talk about school and work. How would they describe what you do for work? What do they think is important about work? How do they feel about schooling at home, and how do they focus best when working on their homework? Help them make connections between your situation and theirs, and come up with solutions that everyone agrees on.

create the best set-up for you

The right furniture and accessories can make a difference in your productivity (and your kids, if they are virtual schooling at home). Make a corner of the den, living room, or play room into their 'classroom' with educational furniture or hacked kids furniture so they have a dedicated space to learn.

Ergonomic furniture and accessories are important. You may have had your desk at work set up the best way but your at-home workspace was just 'making do'. Plug your laptop into a larger monitor to reduce eye strain. Elevate your laptop or monitor so it is in front of your eyes, and tilted at about 10-12 degrees. 

Purchase or make a lumbar support cushion for your chair, or a seat cushion if your hips are bothering you.

Don't forget about cyber security! Your company might have certain requirements you need to meet to be able to work from home. But if your company doesn't have any guidance, or you work for yourself from home, be sure to check out this article on Home Office Security Tips.

dress for work

Dressing for the part can help boost your productivity, too, by creating a more professional headspace. Maintaining a least some of your morning routine, such as showering, shaving, putting on makeup, etc. can help you get into the same headspace that you used to be in when you went into work. 

These are just some suggestions to try out. Find out what works for you by identifying your issues, and digging down to the root cause, and then brainstorming solutions to fix it. 

What have you found challenging in working from home? Comment below.