6 Tips to Effectively Work from Home

For many people, the past few weeks have been marked by significant change in schedules and routines. The practice of social distancing has required many to avoid communal office spaces and conduct work remotely from home with many new distractions. Transitioning to working from home or remotely can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that you can implement to ease this transition and create an environment that is conducive to productivity. Here are six tips on how to increase your productivity when working from home.

1.  Choose a Dedicated Work Area

When working from home, you may be tempted to work from your bed or couch. This may be a mistake, because these locations are associated with relaxation and leisure. Designating a separate workspace will help you to be more productive, even if there is only one quiet spot- try scheduling “office hours” for everyone who needs to use it.

2.  Establish a Routine 

How you start your day will inform how the rest of your day pans out. Research indicates that, for most people, energy and motivation are at highest during the morning hours. The important thing to remember when working from home is to establish a routine and stick to it. If you normally wake up at 7:30 to be at the office by 9:00 AM, consider keeping your alarm set for 7:30 and complete whatever morning routine you need in order to be at your workspace ready by 9:00 AM. While this will be challenging with children home-once you get them started set yourself up as well.  

3.  Take Breaks

During a typical workday, you likely take breaks for meals or to stretch your legs. Working from home doesn't change your need for breaks. Take a walk, join an online program to be with other women, get some chores done, log onto an online exercise or meditation class. It is hard to be scheduled during chaos but everyone will benefit.

Plan Ahead

Planning your day, the night before, may be helpful in keeping you on track. At the end of each day (or in the beginning of each day) outline the next day’s objectives. Create a to do list and map out your day so that you allocate time to each of the tasks on the list. Schedule the most essential tasks/items at the beginning of the day and less urgent matters for the afternoon. Use this page from my  PlanHer to map out your goals for each week and break them into small, manageable tasks.

4.  Stay Connected

One positive result of the quarantine is that there are so many engaging online opportunities to connect with other women and have great conversations, get expert support and have some fun.  I have created some free opportunities during the month of April, BUSINESS BOOSTS. Try something new and ask for what you need, so many of us are willing to help during this unusual work environment.