Working from Home? Here are Our Top Tips to Maximise Productivity

Whether you’re new to working from home or have been doing it for some time, it can be hard to know where to start and how to focus with added distractions that being in an office or shared environment block you from.

Well, we’re here to help you stay on track with the projects that haven’t stopped just because your workspace has changed. Here are our Top Tips:

It may be bliss to not have to battle with commuters or rush hour traffic each morning but it doesn’t mean you get the extra lie in now your workspace is 2 minutes away. Set your alarm at your normal time and take the time you’d usually have on the train, car or walking to work to prep your day, make your tea or coffee and settle down to work refreshed and ready to go.

It doesn’t take long for habits to embed, so refrain from snoozing that alarm and maximise your day while you can.

With the temptation of extra snacks that you may not have otherwise had at the office, it’s important not to be swayed by taking breaks and moving lunchtimes just because you can. Sticking to you’re the routine of your ‘normal’ day at the office runs will ensure you’re on track to keep productive and distractions are kept to a minimum.

If you normally have breakfast at the office, continue to do so. If you have hot lunches from the canteen, or normally take a sandwich and eat whilst enjoying a book – do it! Your working day is the same, just the surroundings have changed.

Propped up in front of the TV may be the dream office, but does it make for the best working environment? Probably not. Whether it’s clearing the dining table of fruit bowls and piled up mail, or revamping the spare room and setting up a temporary desk, there are places you can set yourself for space to work that allows you to get in the right headspace for eight or more hours.

If you think you’ll be working from home for the foreseeable, think about what your dream desk would be. If you have a clear desk policy at work, now’s the time to have photos, plants and trinkets that you’ve always wanted to make your space the best place to be.

Set up a radio or docking station if you work better with music and blast out whatever songs you may not have otherwise been able to in a shared environment. See this as a time to prepare for any future times that working from home may be required.

For many, working from home isn’t as easy for others. Some feel lost and miss the buzz of an office, but we want to create some comfort that you can make it work for you. With phones, emails, Skype and other means of communication at our fingertips, it’s never been easier to connect with your peers and keep the teamwork going.