There are a lot of benefits to having a job that allows you to work from home every so often. Folks with a particularly long commute, for instance, can avoid a rush-hour headache while also saving money on gas or public transit. Plus, research has shown productivity may even increase from home in some cases because of the quieter environment with fewer distractions. However, working from home isn't necessarily productive for everybody. It can be difficult to focus on work if you feel like you have a lot to do at home or don't have anyone keeping an eye on what you're doing. To that end, check out these tips for boosting your at-home productivity:
Get Ready
One of the top ways to get down to business is by making yourself feel like you're actually going to work. In other words, don't forfeit all of your morning ritual because you aren't going to be in public. Rather than rolling over in bed and starting to check your email, make yourself get up, take a shower and change clothes (even if it means just changing into sweatpants). You'll feel refreshed and ready to go.
Create a Work-Only Space
Speaking of feeling like you're going to work, working from your bed or couch may not be the most effective way to get things done. Separate your relaxation space from your work space so you can then differentiate between work time and break time. Set up a desk or table and keep it fully stocked with anything your work desk may have, from business cards and pens to legal pads and Post-it notes.
Build a Deadline-Driven Schedule
If you're the type of person to dilly dally on Facebook, make yourself a bagel and check your inbox all while you're supposed to be working on a client's account or troubleshooting a website issue, scheduling your tasks may be the best way to boost productivity. Most people work well under defined deadlines, so give yourself a reasonable amount of time to complete each task you need to accomplish, and dedicate your energy to meeting those goals.
Take Breaks
Nobody can be productive for hours at a time without taking breaks every now and again. Allow yourself five minutes between finishing a task and starting a new one, and make sure you're taking a real lunch break that can get you rejuvenated for the rest of the afternoon. If it's warm enough, take your dog for a walk around the block or head to your favorite lunch spot to get some fresh air.
Get Out of the House
Even though it's called "working from home," there's no rule that says you have to be chained to your desk all day. Pack up your laptop and some other necessities and do some work at your local Starbucks or a neighborhood cafe. Sometimes a change of scenery (and a little caffeine) is all you need to give yourself a great productivity boost.