If you are self employed with your own business, work for an employer from home or freelance – these home office productivity tips will help you make the most of your workday, even with the distractions of being at home.
Working from home is a great way to flex your creative muscles and still meet your professional objectives. But, it can be hard to stay productive when there are so many potential distractions – from the pile of laundry in the corner to that next juicy Netflix episode.
That’s why we’ve put together this amazing list of 31 unique and effective productivity tips for working from home that you won’t want to miss!
Packed with helpful advice from experienced professionals, these time-tested strategies will have you soaring past even your loftiest targets in no time! So get ready for an engagement boost with our top working from home tips which will have you working effectively from home.
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How I Turned up the Volume on my Work From Home Productivity
A while back I felt like I was stuck in a rut, not able to focus or get any meaningful work done. Working from home as a freelancer and blogger, I needed to get my mojo up. That’s when I decided to try something different.
I began by changing up my routine, taking breaks throughout the day while also making sure that I took time away from work-related activities and my home office space altogether.
On top of this, I started setting myself small tasks every hour or so instead of focusing on one big project all at once – it helped me stay focused and gave me a sense of accomplishment every time I completed one of these mini tasks.
Another thing that really helped me out was using music as a way to increase productivity – listening to classical music in particular seemed to help keep my mind clear and energized during long stretches of computer work.
Additionally, aromatherapy (yep it’s true essential oils work) proved incredibly helpful; lighting candles with scents such as lavender or peppermint would often provide an extra boost when things got tough!
And when I want to relax after work my favorite scent is sandalwood.
I am also not a morning person so ensuring that I am ready to go in the morning really helps – the coffee is prepared – my designated workspace is clutter free
It may have taken some trial and error but eventually these unusual methods paid off – now, even though I’m still working from home, these strategies have enabled me to be more productive than ever before!
Why are Home Office Productivity Tips Important?
As a remote worker or entrepreneur, being productive while working in the comfort of your home is an essential skill.
Home office productivity can help you finish tasks faster and with better quality, which can consequently lead to increased paychecks, recognition for a job well done and an overall higher chance of promotion or advancement.
Not only does it benefit your own career aspirations, but by being productive at home, you are benefitting your employer as well.
Working more quickly and efficiently means that they can take on more projects without having to employ more people or overwork their current staff.
Therefore, home office productivity is not only important for yourself, but also provides great value to employers by increasing their business output.
What are some helpful Home Office tips?
So an advantage that remote workers have is that you can control your environment.
When I used to work in a commercial office, I had no control over the four walls that surrounded me or to control the noise or the other people around me. Now that I remote work, I can change things that makes sense to me in my own office.
Here are some productivity tips that have helped me stay focused and helped me maintain productivity in the last year:
1. Get Organized
Create a system for organizing your work and make sure to follow it every single day. This can include everything from filing your paperwork in an orderly fashion to setting aside specific blocks of time for different tasks.
In addition, make sure your home office space is well organized as well. A cluttered space leads to distractions. Make sure you have a home office desk, proper office equipment (like a printer) and adequate storage space to keep your essentials.
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2. Block Out Distractions
Planning ahead is key when it comes to staying productive while working from home. Eliminating distractions is the first step, so try making yourself a work-friendly environment.
To reach full concentration, turn off pop-up notifications on your devices and put away any screens that are not directly connected to your task.
You can also take this opportunity to log out of any social media accounts you might be tempted to peek at throughout the day. This way, you won’t risk mindlessly browsing and getting sidetracked.
Are there other people in your home? Do you have a dedicated space and are not working from the dining room or kitchen table? Do you have an office door to keep out background noise?
A disciplined attitude towards focusing on one thing at a time will pay off and so will having a designated work space.
3. Take Regular Breaks
This may see, counter intuitive at first but sometimes working from home can often feel like a marathon. Working from home certainly has its challenges, and it can be easy to slip into hours of endless work without pauses or breaks.
Set mini-goals for yourself throughout the day and take short breaks to stretch or grab a healthy snack to fuel you.
Studies have actually shown that breaks are essential for staying focused and keeping productivity levels high. Taking a few minutes every hour or two to stretch, do some light exercise or simply step away from the desk makes a huge difference for both mental and physical health.
Plus, taking short walks outside can help lower stress levels and give you more energy so that when you come back to work, you’ll be ready to tackle anything. It really pays off to take little breaks throughout your day – trust me!
If you really can’t get outside for fresh air, you are short of time or the weather is bad – you can still get benefits of stretching right from your desk. Check out the video for some ideas:
4. Find Your Focus
If you need help staying focused, try using an app that blocks specific websites or online services when you’re trying to concentrate on a task. This can be a great way to combat procrastination and stay on track.
Another option is to use soundscapes or white noise machines, which can help you concentrate on the task at hand by blocking out surrounding noises and keeping your mind from wandering.
Not only is a cluttered workspace distracting but a cluttered mind can be the biggest distraction of all.
5. Schedule Your Day
Set a schedule and a to do list and stick to it so you don’t waste time on procrastination or get distracted by other tasks. This will help you stay productive and focus on your work.
To make it easier, break down big tasks into smaller ones that can be completed in a certain amount of time. Then prioritize these tasks so you know what to do first and schedule accordingly. Planning ahead is the key to successful home office productivity!
6. Prioritize Tasks
Start with the most important tasks first and work your way down to the more manageable, less pressing items.
By prioritizing you task list by what needs to get done, you’ll be able to increase productivity at home by dedicating more time to the most important projects while still completing other tasks in a timely manner.
7. Communicate With Other Humans
Keep in touch with co workers and supervisors and other remote employees (if you have them) to stay on track and make sure you’re on the same page. Staying in contact and making sure everyone is on board makes working from home much smoother, no matter where you’re located.
Your supervisor and colleagues are there to help you out, so talking to them and letting them know how you’re doing not only keeps your workflows consistent but also builds strong relationships between all parties that can last into the future.
Friendly check-ins go a long way in keeping projects on track while also forming positive working relationships.
8. Take Advantage Of Technology
Working remotely can be a great way to remain productive while having more flexibility in your schedule.
Making use of technology like video conferencing and cloud-based tools can help you stay on top of projects, collaborate with team members, and ensure that deadlines are met – all from the comfort of your home!
Whether it’s using e-mail reminders or implementing a new system for tracking tasks, taking advantage of the technology available to you offers endless possibilities for staying connected and productive.
9. Set Boundaries
Working from home can bring both great rewards and unique challenges. One of the biggest drawbacks is the risk of blurring the lines between work life and personal life, which can lead to feelings of burnout and stress.
To ensure a healthy balance, it’s important to set clear boundaries regarding when you start and finish working.
Make sure that you take regular breaks during the day, don’t neglect your self-care routines such as making time for exercise and proper nourishment, and remember to check out when you are supposed to – especially at night or on weekends.
Even if you have a heavy workload, try not to sacrifice your own well-being for work!
10. Stay Motivated
Break up monotonous tasks with music, podcasts, or even a quick walk around the block to keep your spirits high. Find ways to make work enjoyable, even when the tasks themselves may not be.
Maintaining a positive attitude throughout your day is key to staying productive and motivated and will bring you more job satisfaction.
When you feel drained or unmotivated, try listening to an inspirational podcast or watching an uplifting video to help get yourself back on track.
11. Be Comfortable but still business like
Invest in ergonomic office furniture and other comfortable home office essentials, such as a standing desk or exercise ball chair – whatever works best for you.
Staying comfortable in a relaxed environment while working in your home office space can help you maintain focus and productivity throughout the day.
Try to not let Kitty take the spotlight in every Zoom call!
12. Dress for Your Workday
I know the sweat pants and PJ’s are comfortable but do you really feel your best when you’re wearing them? Clothing can have a positive impact or negatively impact your confidence. They don’t call them “power suits” for nothing!
Dressing for the office, even if you’re working from home, can help increase your confidence and motivation.
Put on a nice outfit (business casual is fine!) to get yourself in the right frame of mind for work. Make sure it’s comfortable enough that you don’t feel restricted but still business-appropriate so you can feel your best while working.
13. Upgrade your Lights
Lighting and especially natural lighting is an important factor when it comes to staying productive and focused. Invest in some good quality lighting for your workspace to make sure that you’re not straining yourself with poor lighting conditions.
Brighten up the space with natural light if possible (open the curtains – move your desk) or add task lights or desk lamps to create a more comfortable working environment.
14. Use an Air Purifier
Did you know that the air quality in your work environment and living space matters? Having a clean indoor air is especially important when working from home.
An air purifier helps to remove allergens and pollutants, making it easier to breathe by improving the air quality.
It can also help reduce the risk of getting allergies or infections. Invest in an air purifier to make sure that your workspace is free of any unwanted particles!
15. Get Greener with Plants
Having plants in your workspace can help make the environment more inviting and productive. Not only are they good for purifying the air, but research has also shown that having office plants can boost productivity and reduce stress levels.
Choose a few low-maintenance varieties like succulents or cacti to add some greenery to your workspace and make it a more pleasant place to spend time in.
Did you know you can get house plants delivered to your door?
16. Join a Community of Like Minded People
Working remotely can be lonely, so it’s important to make an effort to connect with other remote workers. Join a Facebook or LinkedIn group dedicated to remote working and take advantage of the community resources they offer.
Having a network of like-minded people is great for sharing tips and advice, as well as providing moral support and to feel connected with others.
18. Use White Noise
White noise can help to reduce distractions and make it easier to focus. Whether it’s the sound of waves crashing or a fan blowing, white noise can help create an atmosphere that is more conducive to productivity.
If you don’t have a sound machine handy like I do, there are plenty of free apps and websites that offer white noise and other sounds to help you focus.
19 Get some fresh air and natural light
Taking regular breaks throughout the day is important for staying productive. Take a short walk outside, get some fresh air and sunshine to clear your head and come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your next task.
Even a few minutes makes a big difference.
20. Invest in some productivity apps and tools
From managing tasks and tracking deadlines to having a longer-term overview of your workload, investing in productivity apps can help you get organized and make the most of your day.
Popular tools like Clickup and Air Table are great for simplifying how you go about completing projects.
Both are easy to set up, so switching over from other organizational methods can be done quickly; plus, their user-friendly interfaces make getting up to speed effortless.
With the click of a button, you’ll have robust platforms that take care of everything from scheduling meetings to setting reminders—allowing you to focus on what really matters: getting things done!
21. Keep your passwords organized
Keeping track of passwords for all your accounts you have can get really tricky really quickly. Luckily, with a few simple steps and some time invested, you can easily organize your passwords so that you can access them without trouble.
Whether it’s basic password protectors or a more complex system of codes and numbers, having an organized system will save you time and stress in the long run.
It may take some effort initially to set up the system, but once it’s established, everything will be properly taken care of and saved safe.
Curating this type of system is doable with a few quick clicks so why not start today before you forget that next password?
22. Stock up on Office Stationary
Working from home can be an interesting but a productive home office does require having the right supplies. It is important to stock up on the essential office supplies and office stationery that you need in order to work efficiently.
Stocking up means keeping a backup of reams of printing paper, backup ink, memo pads, sticky notes, folders and other supplies that you might need.
It also means ensuring that your printer cartridges are full and all set to go when you’re ready to print out documents. You know there is nothing more annoying than running out when you don’t have ink to replace it with.
Taking the time to ensure that you have all that is needed to make working from home a seamless process will help make your days easier and more enjoyable as you tackle tasks that come your way.
23. Invest in some blue light glasses
Many of us are spending long hours looking at a computer screen due to work or school requirements. This can cause eye strain, which leads to headaches and insomnia for many individuals.
Investing in a pair of blue light glasses is an excellent way to reduce this discomfort and improve your overall eye health. Not only do many blue light glasses filter out the harmful blue light wavelengths from screens, but they also have a stylish design that will enhance any look!
Plus, most people find that their eyes feel better after wearing these glasses while they’re on their devices.
I have a blue light tint on my regular glasses and even though the science is still not clear on this, I have found it helps with my eye strain. The best part is I ordered my prescription glasses online!
24. Stay Hydrated
Working from home comes with many benefits – improved focus, no commute, and the flexibility that a 9-5 job sometimes can’t provide. But while having your laptop set up in the living room may be convenient, it’s important to remember that you still need to take care of yourself!
Staying hydrated while working from home is essential for your cognitive and physical health. Not only does drinking enough water help keep you alert and energized throughout the day, but it can also lead to reduced stress levels and better digestion.
So I am not good at drinking lots of water but what works for me is drinking some herbal tea throughout the day. In the warmer months I might sip on ice tea or a cold glass of fizzy water.
Whenever you’re feeling a bit sluggish or distracted, reach for some water for an instant pick-me-up! Whatever your workday has in store, make sure to stay hydrated and keep yourself at optimum performance.
25. Listen to Inspiring Talks/Podcasts
To help keep you inspired while working remotely, why not treat yourself and have a listen to some of the uplifting talks and podcasts available?
There are so many amazing stories out there from inspiring people who will leave you empowered, motivated, and full of ideas; plus the speakers often come from diverse backgrounds making sure everyone can access unique views and experiences.
By having something interesting to focus on, working from home days become much more enjoyable and empowering.
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26. Have a Vision/Goal Board
Make sure that you are setting yourself achievable goals each day, but also challenge yourself by reaching for the stars. One of the best ways to keep yourself motivated and inspired is by having a vision/goal board.
This can be done digitally, or with physical photos and notes on wall space in your office space. It’s fun to look at each day as it reminds you of what you’re working towards, while also encouraging you to take small steps each day that will eventually lead to big accomplishments!
This is a great way to kick start your workdays and help you remain focused while working from home.
27. Make use of voice assisted technology i.e Alexa for setting reminders and alarms
Working from home doesn’t have to be a hassle if you take advantage of voice assisted technology, such as Alexa. Alexa can help you stay organized and never miss an appointment by setting alarms and reminders. AI tools are growing in popularity and are very helpful for small business growth.
It’s a user-friendly, convenient way to manage your schedule and make sure things get done. It can even make phone calls for you. Plus, it’s a great way to add a little bit of fun into otherwise mundane tasks. So why not give it a try?
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28. Use online tools like ‘Trello’ or ‘Asana’ to plan and manage tasks more efficiently
Dealing with multiple tasks can often seem overwhelming and unmanageable. A great way to make your tasks more organized and keep track of them in this digital age is by using online tools like Trello or Asana.
These platforms are user-friendly, have numerous features to assist you in managing your tasks, and can be accessed from anywhere!
With Trello or Asana you can break down complex tasks into smaller steps, help prioritize important tasks, get a better overview of due dates, assign people or teams to certain workflows, collaborate remotely with others, improved tracking of progress and achievements – the possibilities are endless
29. Recharge your mind and spirit by taking up a hobby or activity that you enjoy
After working all day, at-home hobbies or activities can be a great way to rejuvenate and unwind. From painting or writing to streaming or gardening, there is no limit on the kinds of hobbies you can take up.
Participating in an activity that brings you joy can help to flush away stress from the workday and refresh both your body and mind.
Hobbies also give you an outlet to tap into your creative side and engage with something enjoyable -all with the bonus of feeling accomplished when it’s finished! Some hobbies might even turn into your next side hustle!
Taking time out of your day just for yourself is important not only mentally, but physically as well and important for that work life balance. So why not pick up a hobby or activity to fill that time?
30. Set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself in order to stay motivated
Setting realistic goals and deadlines for yourself is essential for staying motivated when working from home. It’s important to create concrete goals with measurable outcomes – this helps to stay on track when it comes to projects, tasks, and other responsibilities.
A goal that is too broad can leave you feeling unfocused or unmotivated in comparison to one that has very specific objectives.
When setting deadlines, aim for one that will keep you on track without putting too much stress or pressure on yourself; the right balance of pushing yourself without going overboard will help you stay organized and on top of the things you need to complete.
Remember, being realistic with both your goals and timeframes will make it easier to stay motivated while working at home.
31. Reward yourself once tasks are completed, this will help keep the momentum going.
Last but not least, as I think this is super important and something most people forget about is to keep yourself motivated why not practice self-rewards?
Keeping your dedication to completing the tasks on time could give you the unnecessary push needed to brighten up the day and boost morale. Treating yourself to an extra cup of coffee or an afternoon walk can be just as satisfying as a bigger reward!
What I do is put some cash into my piggy bank and then treat myself to an indulgence I have been wanting. No guilt!
The idea is to positively reinforce daily habits so that meeting your goals becomes easier and more enjoyable over time.
So listen to your own needs, celebrate your achievements, and don’t forget that self-care is sometimes necessary in order to stay productive while working from home.
Follow these tips to ensure that you stay productive and organized when working from home. With the right strategies in place, you’ll be able to make the most of your time and accomplish your goals without feeling overwhelmed.
Benefits Of A Home Office
Working from home has its unique advantages, one of them being the potential to set up an office home office space with your desired materials, equipment and atmosphere.
A home office gives you the freedom to design a workspace that is comfortable and efficient for you, allowing you to achieve maximum productivity.
If tailored correctly, it can help improve your focus and concentration while allowing you to save time and energy on commuting or working in a noisy environment. Furthermore, having a dedicated workspace makes it much easier to separate work hours from leisure time.
Not only do you get focused working hours within the comfort of your own home, you also get more time for activities outside of work hours. All in all, setting up a home office is worthwhile investment that pays off both professionally and personally.
Best Home Office Gadgets
Working from home can be a great experience, and having the right gadgets can make it even better. From gaming chairs to laptops, document scanners to monitors, there are so many amazing products on the market that make it easier to stay productive and comfortable when dedicating time to getting work done.
Investing in high-quality items such as a good noise-canceling headset or a fast multi screen setup will increase efficiency and enable you to remain focused while multitasking.
Purchasing these types of items up front will save you time and headaches in the future. With countless functional gadgets tailored for home offices, no matter the size of your workspace or budget, there’s something out there that will improve your day-to-day productivity and help you get more organized.
How to Stay Motivated in Your Office Space?
Working from home can be a highly productive and enjoyable experience, but staying motivated can present a difficult challenge. To remain motivated while working remotely, create a schedule that includes both work and leisure activities.
When it’s time to focus on work tasks, give yourself small breaks throughout the day to help refresh your energy levels.
Additionally, setting specific goals for each day or week can provide a greater sense of accomplishment and give you an incentive to stay on track with your responsibilities.
Finally, make sure you establish boundaries between your home life and office environment.
Dedicate one room in your house solely for work, such as a designated office space away from the dining table or in the living room, to make sure distractions like TV or family members don’t interrupt your concentration during work hours.
Conclusion
By following these home office productivity tips, you can create a space that works for you and helps you to be your most productive self.
Having a proper home office setup is essential. Whether it’s setting up a standing desk, getting more natural light, adding some greenery, or using Blue Light glasses to reduce eye strain, there are plenty of ways to make your home office work for you.
Do you have any other productivity tips? Share them with us on our Facebook page!
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