Working from home does have its perks. You don’t have to get stuck in traffic, there will be less expenses since you won’t have to buy gas all the time, and you can watch over your kids too, just to name a few. But there are downsides to this as well such as constant interruption to your work, less accountability, and minimal communication too. These factors can affect your productivity levels which can take a toll on your work. How then will you be able to become efficient in your work when you are at home?
Follow regular work hours
Just because you are working from home, it doesn’t mean that you should start any time of the day. This is a common mistake that many work-from- home individuals make at the start. If you want to be able to do your work at home, make sure that you follow regular work hours. Take breaks as you would when you are at the office and end your day at the right time. This way, you will be able to have more time to care for your family.
Consider your workflow
Another tip that can help you become more efficient at work is to consider your workflow for the day. Planning your day by starting the more important tasks can help you manage your work better compared to just spending more time on one project while forgetting the rest. Spend at least 10 minutes of your morning to review your tasks for the day and make a plan of attack.
Separate your work and personal time
It’s good that you got the hang of working at-home already, but as you have made an effort in your work, you should also set aside time for your personal life. Don’t extend your work hours as much as possible so that you will be able to pay attention to the needs of your family too. Remember that you need to maintain a balance between your work and personal life.
Break up your work day
You should also take planned breaks in your daily work schedule so that you will be able to get up and walk around. You can also unplug for a bit so that you will be able to clear up your head for a while. Keep in mind that you will need to take breaks from your work so you will be able to remain efficient.
Dress up
If you really want to feel like you are working in an office even when you are at home, you might want to consider dressing up in your office attire. Even if you aren’t using your video while at work, wearing office clothes, brushing your teeth, and even wearing make up can make you feel that you are in an office-based set up. Another plus to this is that you can still check out new outfits!
Set boundaries
Another tip that you should consider when it comes to being efficient at-home while you work is to set up boundaries as much as possible. This is important especially when you have kids or pets at home because they can be a source of distraction. If you have an office space, tell your kids to avoid disturbing you while you are working, or put your pet in their cage for the meantime. You can discuss your work schedule with the rest of the family or hang a sign on your door that you don’t want to be disturbed so others will know.
