Remote work is a new concept for many. Therefore, more and more people are adjusting to this new way of working and trying to create the right work-from-home routine. Often through setbacks and late-night work, and even more often through frustration over blurred lines between work and home life. But fear not, with the right tools and strategies in place, working from home can be just as productive as being in the office. This article will provide you with ten actionable tips for working from home. Read on to learn how to navigate the world of remote work and create a healthy work-life balance.
Pros and cons of working from home
While this Depositphotos blog article shows an average work-from-home routine, this section will attempt to list all of its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of remote work
A study conducted by Stanford University found that remote workers are 13% more productive than office workers, disproving the common misconception that they misuse the system and get less done. Yet, working remotely has even more benefits, such as:
- Greater job satisfaction;
- Increased happiness;
- Better work-life balance;
- Increased flexibility;
- Cost savings;
- Less time spent commuting;
- Geographic independence.
Cons of remote work
According to Forbes, 41% of remote workers experience stress, compared to 25% of those who continue to work in the office. Yet, there are even more cons of working from home:
- Increase in work-to-family conflict;
- Blurred work-life lines;
- Distractions at home;
- Increased social isolation and loneliness;
- Lack of access to office resources;
- Risk of overworking;
- Threat to career growth.
10 tips on productive work from home routine
1. Create a dedicated workspace
Working in spaces associated with leisure time, such as couches or beds, can make it difficult to stay focused. On the contrary, a dedicated workspace will help you get into the right frame of mind and inspire work. So, create a work-only zone to mentally separate your work life from your personal life and create a more productive environment.
Ask yourself, “What do I need to work from home?” This will help you come up with a list of essential items for your workspace. This can include a comfortable chair, a desk, good lighting, desk plants, sticky notes, and any necessary technology. However, make sure your workspace is free from distractions to boost your productivity while working from home.
2. Dress for success
It’s no secret that a morning routine can help set you up for the day and direct you to your desk. Yet, many home-based workers skip one of the most important steps—getting dressed. This is a simple yet powerful trigger that signals to your brain that it’s time to work.
While working in pajamas is a convenient work-from-home option for some, it can be a terrible choice for others. Dressing as if you were going to the office might help you switch from relaxation mode to work mode. As a result, increase your motivation and productivity.
3. Stick to your schedule
Not everyone who works from home follows a nine-to-five schedule. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a schedule. Having a consistent schedule, whether it’s traditional office hours or a personal schedule, can help you stay organized.
It is crucial to establish clear guidelines for when to work and when to end the work day. This way, your day will have more structure and it will be easier to set yourself up for work.
4. Set ground rules with other people in your space
No, this guide won’t advise you to write a ‘working from home’ essay. However, writing some ground rules for people you live with might be useful. First, let them know when you will be working and when you need quiet time. Second, set clear rules about what they can and cannot do during your working day. This can help minimize distractions and create a more conducive work environment.
5. Take breaks just like you would in the office
It’s simply impossible to work for several hours in a row in the office; nevertheless, home-based workers do it all the time. However, taking breaks throughout the day is important for both mental and physical health. If you work at a computer or do other sedentary work, it is advised to move once an hour, ideally for ten minutes. Use this time to stretch, walk around, or grab a snack.
6. Work when you are most productive
Nobody works nonstop from dawn to night. It’s not productive or healthy. Instead, figure out when you are most productive during the day and schedule your work accordingly. Take on the most challenging tasks when you know you’ll be at your best. Schedule less demanding tasks for other times of the day when you are slower.
7. Socialize with colleagues
Increased social isolation and loneliness are common issues for remote workers. Many companies recognize this problem and offer various solutions to help combat it. From various chats to virtual team-building events, there are numerous ways to socialize with your colleagues. Use them to avoid feeling disconnected and alone.
8. Get out of the house regularly
Remote work can take a toll on your overall health simply because you spend so much time indoors. People need fresh air, sunlight, and constant movement. Otherwise, we’ll develop a chemical imbalance in our bodies, which can lead to a depressive state. It’s important to find a reason to leave the house and do it at least every two days. Sign up for a dance or yoga class, plan a bike tour, or just organize a picnic with friends.
9. Make after-work plans
It is always nice to look forward to something. Plus, after-work plans can push you to complete tasks faster and finish the working day on time. By making plans immediately after work, you’ll have something to motivate you to leave the house and break up the monotony of working from home.
10. Take sick days
For some people, working from home is a reason to keep working at all times, even when sick or on vacation. All because they feel guilty for not being in the office. However, a home office is not an excuse to keep working when you’re sick. You must prioritize your health and take time off if you’re not feeling well.
Closing notes
Switching from suits and ties to pajamas and hoodies can be a challenging transition. But with the right strategies in place, it can also be incredibly rewarding. All you have to do is to set up a work-from-home routine that works for you. After that, you’ll be able to take advantage of all the benefits that remote work offers.
Andrej Fedek is the creator and the one-person owner of two blogs: InterCool Studio and CareersMomentum. As an experienced marketer, he is driven by turning leads into customers with White Hat SEO techniques. Besides being a boss, he is a real team player with a great sense of equality.