Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas
Working from the comfort of your own home offers a wide range of different benefits, such as flexibility, cost savings, and no need to worry about the commute. However, the issue is that it also brings plenty of problems with it, with distractions lurking around every corner, meaning no matter how much you try, you might not be as productive as you want to be. Read on to find out how to eliminate as many of these distractions as possible so you can boost productivity and enjoy remote working much more.
Have Different Workspaces
Creating a few different workspaces in your home might not be the first thing you think of (you’ll probably work hard to create one dedicated space where you can keep all your things and know precisely how to be comfortable there), but for some people, it can work wonders when it comes to maintaining focus and productivity at home. When you’re able to move to a different spot to distance yourself from distractions, it can help hugely.
No matter where you are, you’ll need to find quiet places to work from, as noise can be a big distraction, and the spaces should be away from high-traffic areas in your home. Plus, wherever you might be, you’ll always need to have a comfortable desk and chair to work from.
Deal With Home Emergencies Quickly
When you’re working from home, unexpected home emergencies can arise and disrupt your workflow. However, with proper planning and quick thinking, you can minimise these issues, which not only means you can get back to work sooner, but also that your home isn’t too badly damaged or disrupted.
Create an emergency contingency plan so you can prepare for potential disruptions, such as power outages, plumbing problems, or an oil tank emergency. Keep a list of emergency contacts on hand so you can get expert help as soon as possible if you’re not able to deal with the issue yourself, and let other people in the household know what to do if they’re the ones who find the problem.
Take Breaks
Regular breaks, ideally ones that allow you to do some exercise, are vital if you want to keep your focus and productivity levels high. Try to do regular physical activity throughout the day to keep your mind sharp and to keep your body healthy – this doesn’t have to be a lot of work, just a brisk walk around the garden or down the street and back can be enough (although of course, you can do a lot more if you want to).
One good way to remember to take more breaks is to practice the Pomodoro method, which means working for twenty-five minutes and then taking a five-minute break. After you do this four times, take a longer break of as much as half an hour. It’s said that using this technique can really make you a lot more productive and much less distracted. At the very least, take a short break every hour and move around, as you’ll be much more able to concentrate on your work.