15 Work From Home Tips and Tricks To Be Successful
It can be awesome to work from home but it’s not always as easy as it seems. Teleworking has many challenges that don’t exist when working in an office but there are steps you can take to make working remotely successful.
Continue reading for crucial work from home tips and tricks that will keep you productive and effective.
Working from home may not be for everybody so first, we’ll talk about some of the benefits and disadvantages of teleworking.
Benefits of Working From Home
1. Flexibility
Many companies allow you to schedule your hours as long as the work gets done.
2. No Commute
With no commute to work, you save both time and money.
3. Money Savings
We already discussed the savings from no commute but you can also save money by not going out to eat for lunch and you may not need as much clothing since you don’t have to have work clothes.
4. Choice of Office Environment
Many work environments require shared offices but when you work remotely you choose where and how you want your office space to be and there is nobody to object.
5. Not Location Dependent
Working from home does not necessarily mean you have to work from home. You can work remotely from just about anywhere with WiFi and a laptop.
6. Fewer Dealings with Co-Workers
You don’t have all the drama and problems that sometimes comes along with being around co-workers all day long.
7. Relaxed Dress Code
Unless your job requires a lot of video meetings you are free to wear whatever you want to work in.
Disadvantages of Teleworking
1. Communication Can be Difficult
When it comes to effective communication, face-to-face interaction is the gold standard. While video chat can be an option when you’re working remotely, it can still be frustrating and can lack the nuance and depth of in-person conversation. Email and phone calls can also be problematic, as they can often lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.
2. Remote Work Can Get Lonely
When you work from home, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely without the usual interactions with your co-workers. Even if you didn’t think you needed that daily banter, you may find that the lack of social interaction can take a toll on your mental health. It’s important to make an effort to stay connected with your colleagues, whether that means scheduling virtual coffee breaks or using collaboration tools to stay in touch throughout the day. By staying connected, you can help combat feelings of loneliness and keep yourself feeling engaged and motivated.
3. Distractions
When you’re working from home, it can be difficult to stay focused with all the distractions that come with being in your own space. Kids, pets, and other family members can all vie for your attention, while the lure of the television or social media can be hard to resist.
4. Relies on Home Supplies
While some companies may provide work laptops and phone lines for their remote employees, you’re still responsible for providing your own internet connection and workspace. This means that you’ll need to ensure that your home office is equipped with the necessary tools and resources to do your job effectively.
5. Productivity May Suffer
Everyone handles working from home differently. For some people productivity increases, while others have a hard time staying productive at home due to distractions in the house. Luckily there are some great tips below to keep your productivity high.
Work From Home Tips and Tricks
1. Use a Schedule
When you work from home, it can be easy to fall into the trap of procrastination and letting your workday bleed into your personal time. That’s why having a schedule is crucial to staying productive and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Start by setting a specific time when your workday begins, whether that’s 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. This will help you establish a routine and get into the right mindset for work.
Next, schedule your breaks throughout the day, whether that’s a lunch break or a quick stretch every hour. Taking regular breaks can help you stay focused and energized throughout the day. Make sure to step away from your desk and take a break from screens to give your eyes and brain a rest.
Finally, schedule when your workday ends. This is important to establish boundaries between your work and personal life. Without a clear end to your workday, you may find yourself working late into the night, which can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Make sure to stick to your schedule as much as possible, but also be flexible when unexpected events arise.
In summary, having a schedule when working from home is essential to staying productive, and focused, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By setting specific start and end times for your workday, scheduling breaks, and being intentional with your time, you can achieve success as a remote worker.
2. Minimize Distractions
Working from home can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you have the flexibility to work in your pajamas and avoid the daily commute. On the other hand, there are many distractions that can pull you away from your work and make it difficult to stay focused. Whether it’s the television, family members, pets, or household chores, it’s essential to find a way to eliminate or reduce these distractions to maximize your productivity.
One of the biggest distractions when working from home can be family members. While you can’t necessarily tell them to leave, you can establish clear work hours and boundaries. Let your family members know when you’ll be working and ask them not to disturb you during that time. It’s also important to communicate the importance of your work and the impact it has on your career and finances.
Another distraction that can be eliminated is the television. While it can be tempting to turn on the TV for background noise, it can quickly become a distraction. Consider turning off the TV or moving it to another room to eliminate the temptation.
Pets can also be a distraction, particularly if they require attention or playtime. Consider setting up a designated area for your pet with toys and treats to keep them entertained while you work.
Finally, household chores can be a major distraction when working from home. It’s easy to get distracted by a pile of laundry or a sink full of dishes. To avoid this, schedule time for household chores outside of your work hours. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes during your break time to complete a quick task, but try to avoid doing anything that will take too long or distract you from your work.
In summary, working from home can be challenging, but with the right strategies in place, you can eliminate or reduce distractions and stay focused on your work. By communicating with family members, eliminating the TV, setting up a designated space for your pets, and scheduling household chores outside of work hours, you can create a productive work environment and achieve your professional goals.
3. Have a Dedicated Work Space
Having a dedicated workspace is not only a great way to help reduce distractions but it also gets you in the right state of mind to work. The best option is to set up an office in a spare room but this may not be an option for you. If not you can set up space in your bedroom or kitchen just try to make sure there is a clear distinction between the normal use of the room and your work use.
You want to avoid using the living room unless you have a separate space set up from where you lounge and relax. Try to save that room for your scheduled breaks. Using the same space where you relax can make it hard to find the motivation to get to work because your subconscious won’t be able to differentiate between work and relaxation.
For tips on creating a dedicated work space click here.
4. Stick to a Morning Routine
Having a consistent morning routine is an excellent way to set yourself up for a productive workday. It can help you get in the right state of mind, increase your focus and energy, and reduce stress and anxiety. Everyone’s morning routine is different, but the key is to find a routine that works for you and stick to it each workday.
My morning routine starts at 0500. I find that waking up early gives me enough time to complete my routine and feel ready for the day ahead. The first thing I do is make myself a cup of coffee. The smell of coffee helps wake me up and gives me a boost of energy. I take a few minutes to sit down and enjoy my coffee before moving on to the next step in my routine.
Next, I review my to-do list for the day. This helps me prioritize my tasks and mentally prepare for what I need to accomplish. I find that having a clear plan for the day helps me stay focused and motivated.
After reviewing my to-do list, I take a shower. This helps me feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day. I find that taking a shower in the morning is a great way to wake up my body and mind.
Once I finish my morning routine, I’m ready to start my workday feeling energized and focused. I find that having a consistent morning routine sets the tone for the rest of my day and helps me stay productive and motivated.
In summary, having a consistent morning routine is a great way to set yourself up for a productive workday. Whether it’s waking up early, enjoying a cup of coffee, reviewing your to-do list, or taking a shower, find a routine that works for you and stick to it each workday. By starting your day in the right state of mind, you can increase your productivity, reduce stress, and achieve your professional goals.
5. Get Familiar with Team Apps and Programs
Staying connected with your team is crucial for maintaining productivity and efficiency, especially when working remotely. Fortunately, there are many apps available that can help you stay connected, collaborate effectively, and manage your team’s tasks and projects. Here are some great team management apps that can help you stay connected with your team and be more productive:
- Viber: Viber is a free messaging app that allows you to communicate with your team members in real-time. It offers group chat, voice and video calls, and file-sharing capabilities, making it an excellent tool for remote teams.
- Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that integrates with other Microsoft Office applications. It offers video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and project management features, making it an all-in-one solution for remote teams.
- Slack: Slack is a messaging app designed for teams. It offers channels for group communication, direct messaging, file sharing, and integrations with many other apps, making it a versatile tool for remote teams.
- Trello: Trello is a project management app that allows you to organize your team’s tasks and projects in a visual way. It offers boards, lists, and cards that you can use to track progress and assign tasks, making it a great tool for remote teams.
- Asana: Asana is another project management app that helps you track your team’s tasks and projects. It offers a variety of features, including task assignments, due dates, and progress tracking, making it a powerful tool for remote teams.
In summary, there are many great apps available that can help you stay connected with your team and be more productive. Whether you use Viber, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello, Asana, or another team management app, take advantage of these tools to improve collaboration, communication, and productivity among your team members.
6. Take Sick Days When Needed
Working from home has many advantages, including the flexibility to work in your own space and on your own schedule. However, one downside is that it can be tempting to work through sicknesses, especially when you don’t have to leave the house. But just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you should ignore your health. Taking a sick day or two can help you recover faster, prevent the sickness from getting worse, and ultimately lead to better work performance.
When you are sick, your body needs time to rest and recover. Working through sicknesses can slow down the body’s natural healing process, making it harder to recover. If your job offers sick days, take advantage of them. This will not only help you recover faster but also prevent the spread of illness to others on your team.
Stress can also exacerbate sickness. If your job is stressful, then working while sick can be even more detrimental to your health. Stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off sicknesses. Taking a sick day or two can help you reduce stress and allow your body to focus on healing.
Additionally, working while sick can lead to subpar work and results. It’s nearly impossible to give your job 100% when you feel terrible. Working while sick can also lead to mistakes, missed deadlines, and a decrease in productivity. Taking a sick day or two can give you the time you need to recover, so you can return to work feeling better and more focused.
In summary, just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you should ignore your health. Taking a sick day or two when you are sick can help you recover faster, prevent the sickness from getting worse, and ultimately lead to better work performance. Don’t let the flexibility of working from home make you ignore your health. Take care of yourself, so you can continue to perform at your best.
7. Keep Communication Lines Open
Working from home can be challenging, especially when it comes to communication. When you’re not in the same physical space as your colleagues, it can be harder to stay connected and keep everyone on the same page. That’s why it’s essential to overcommunicate and use various communication channels to ensure everyone is informed and on track.
Emails, phone calls, and chats are all great ways to communicate when working remotely, but they aren’t as effective as face-to-face communication. That’s why it’s essential to clarify and make sure you and the person you’re communicating with understand each other. When communicating through digital channels, it’s easy for messages to be misinterpreted or misunderstood, so it’s crucial to be clear and concise.
Overcommunicating can also help prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or provide additional information if needed. It’s better to be proactive and ensure clarity, rather than assume everyone understands what’s going on.
In addition to overcommunicating, it’s also important to establish regular check-ins with your boss, subordinates, or coworkers. This can be done through regular video calls, team meetings, or one-on-one catch-ups. These check-ins can help maintain communication and ensure everyone is up to date on the latest progress and issues.
In summary, maintaining communication when working from home is crucial. Don’t be afraid to overcommunicate through various channels, clarify messages, and establish regular check-ins with your colleagues. By staying connected and informed, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.
8. Keep a Positive Mindset
Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial when working from home. It’s easy to get bogged down by distractions, lack of structure, and the challenges of remote work. However, having a positive attitude can help you stay focused, motivated, and productive.
Your mindset can determine how well you do when working from home. If you approach each day with a negative attitude, you’re more likely to struggle with the challenges of remote work. On the other hand, if you maintain a positive attitude, you’re more likely to find solutions to problems and stay motivated.
Working from home comes with its own set of challenges, such as distractions from family members, pets, or household chores. However, with a positive mindset, you can view these challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. You can find ways to manage distractions, set boundaries, and maintain focus on your work.
9. Enjoy the Perks of Working From Home
Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. There are many perks to remote work that can make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It’s important to recognize and take advantage of these perks to make working from home a positive and productive experience.
One of the most significant perks of working from home is the ability to work in comfortable clothing. You don’t have to worry about dressing up for the office, and you can work in your sweatpants or pajamas if you wish. This can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, which can lead to better work performance.
Another perk of working from home is the ability to take lunch with your family. You can spend time with your loved ones during your lunch break and enjoy a home-cooked meal. This can help you feel more connected to your family and can be a great way to break up your workday.
Depending on the job, remote work may also offer flexible hours, which can be a huge perk. You can work during the hours that suit you best, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night. This flexibility can help you balance work and personal commitments and can lead to a better work-life balance overall.
Perhaps one of the most significant perks of remote work is the time saved by not traveling back and forth to work. Commuting can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. By working from home, you can save a significant amount of time and money that would otherwise be spent commuting. You can use this extra time to be more productive, spend time with your family, or pursue hobbies and interests.
In summary, there are many perks to working from home. By taking advantage of these perks, you can make remote work a positive and enjoyable experience. From working in comfortable clothing to taking lunch with your family, to enjoying flexible hours and saving time on commuting, remote work offers many benefits that can help you be more productive and happy.
10. Don’t Beat Yourself up
Working from home can be a great experience, but just like working in an office, there will be days when things don’t go as planned. You may experience technical difficulties, distractions, or other issues that can lead to a bad day. It’s important not to beat yourself up too much over these bad days and instead focus on finding ways to improve and move forward.
When faced with a bad day, it’s essential to take a step back and assess what went wrong. Did you have trouble focusing? Were there technical issues that slowed you down? Did unexpected distractions get in the way? Once you identify the root cause of the problem, you can start to find ways to fix it.
It’s important to remember that bad days happen, and you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself when they do. Instead, try to learn from the experience and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Tomorrow is a new day, and it’s a chance to start fresh and be better than you were today.
11. Have an Actual End to Your Work Day
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial when working from home. It’s easy for work to bleed into personal time when your office is just a few steps away from your living room. However, it’s important to establish a clear separation between work and personal time to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.
One way to establish a separation between work and personal time is to set a specific end to your workday. This could be a certain amount of work completed or a set time, depending on your job requirements. Once you’ve reached this endpoint, it’s important to mentally switch off from work and focus on your personal life.
Resuming work after your workday is over can be tempting, especially if you have unfinished tasks or a deadline looming. However, it’s essential to resist this urge and instead spend time with family, pursue hobbies, or engage in other enjoyable activities. This helps you recharge, relax, and come back to work the next day feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your work tasks.
Not having a clear separation between work and personal time can lead to burnout and can make you start to despise working from home. It’s important to prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment outside of work.
12. Know the Rules
Working from home can be a great experience, but it’s important to know the rules and guidelines before you start. This includes understanding any company requirements or expectations, as well as setting your own rules and guidelines to ensure a productive work-from-home experience.
Many companies have specific requirements for remote workers, such as being available online during certain hours or having certain programs downloaded on your computer. It’s important to ask what is expected of you as a remote worker and to understand any policies or guidelines that may affect your work.
In addition to understanding company requirements, it’s also important to set your own rules and guidelines. This can include creating a schedule for your workday, setting boundaries with family members or roommates, and establishing a designated workspace. By setting clear guidelines, you can help ensure a productive and focused work-from-home experience.
Creating a work-from-home plan can also be helpful. This plan should outline your work hours, daily tasks, and any other important information related to your job. By creating a plan, you can stay organized and focused, and ensure that you are meeting your job requirements.
It’s essential to stick to your work-from-home plan and guidelines to ensure a successful remote work experience. This means avoiding distractions, staying focused on work tasks, and taking breaks as needed to avoid burnout.
In summary, it’s important to know the rules and guidelines before starting to work from home. This includes understanding any company requirements and setting your own rules and guidelines to ensure a productive and focused work-from-home experience. Creating a work-from-home plan and sticking to it can also help ensure success when working remotely.
13. Discuss Your Requirements with Family
Working from home can be an amazing opportunity to spend extra time with family. However, family members can also be a significant distraction if they don’t understand your work structure. To minimize this, it’s important to have open communication with your family and establish clear boundaries and expectations.
One way to minimize distractions is to discuss your work schedule with your family members. This includes letting them know what times you will be working, where you will be working, and what tasks you will be focusing on. By establishing a consistent routine, your family members will come to understand that certain times are reserved for work and that interruptions should be minimized during those times.
It’s also important to set boundaries with family members to avoid distractions. This may include closing your office door, setting up a designated workspace, or using noise-cancelling headphones to minimize noise distractions. By setting boundaries, you can help ensure that your family members understand that you are working and that interruptions should be minimized.
Another way to minimize distractions is to involve your family members in your work routine. This could include setting up a homework or study area for children in the same room as your workspace or scheduling breaks to spend time with family members during the day. By involving family members in your work routine, you can help them feel more connected and involved in your work life, while still maintaining your focus and productivity.
In summary, working from home can be a wonderful opportunity to spend extra time with family, but it’s important to establish clear boundaries and expectations to minimize distractions. Open communication, setting consistent routines, setting boundaries, and involving family members in your work routine can all help create a successful work-from-home experience.
14. Utilize To-Do Lists
To-do lists are an excellent tool for boosting productivity, whether you’re working in an office or from home. When you work from home, there are often more distractions that can take you away from your work. A to-do list can help you stay focused and on task, resulting in a more productive workday.
Creating a to-do list is simple. Start by listing all the tasks you need to accomplish for the day, week, or month. Prioritize the most important tasks at the top of the list and work your way down. It’s important to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given day or week, so don’t overload your list with too many tasks.
Once you have your to-do list, it’s helpful to review it at the beginning and end of every day. This can help you stay focused on your tasks and ensure that you’re making progress towards your goals. Reviewing your to-do list at the end of the day can also help you plan for the next day, so you’re ready to hit the ground running in the morning.
To-do lists are also helpful for staying organized and keeping track of important deadlines. By prioritizing tasks and scheduling them on your to-do list, you can ensure that you’re meeting deadlines and completing projects on time.
In addition to keeping you focused and organized, to-do lists can also help reduce stress and increase motivation. When you complete a task on your list, you can check it off and feel a sense of accomplishment. This can motivate you to tackle the next task on your list and keep you moving forward.
In summary, to-do lists are an excellent tool for boosting productivity when working from home. By creating a list of tasks, prioritizing them, and reviewing them at the beginning and end of every day, you can stay organized, focused, and motivated.
15. Seek Feedback
Working remotely can be a challenging experience, especially if you’re new to it. However, just like with any new skill, it gets easier with time and experience. The key to success is to be open to feedback and to continually strive to improve.
One way to improve is to seek out feedback from your boss or coworkers. This can be done through regular check-ins or performance reviews. Ask them what you’re doing well and where you can improve. Be open to constructive criticism and don’t take it personally if you’re told that you’re doing something wrong. Use their feedback to identify areas for improvement and make changes to your work habits or processes.
It’s also important to be proactive in seeking out feedback. Don’t wait for your boss or coworkers to offer feedback. Instead, take the initiative to ask for it. This shows that you’re invested in your work and committed to improving.
In addition to seeking out feedback, it’s important to take advantage of training and development opportunities. Many companies offer online courses or training programs that can help you improve your skills and knowledge. Take advantage of these opportunities to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
Finally, it’s important to be patient and persistent in your efforts to improve. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it may take time to see the results of your efforts. However, by staying committed to your goals and consistently seeking out feedback and development opportunities, you can continue to evolve and improve as a remote worker.
In summary, working remotely can be challenging, but it gets easier with time and experience. Seek out feedback from your boss and coworkers, be open to constructive criticism, take advantage of training and development opportunities, and be patient and persistent in your efforts to improve. By doing so, you can continue to evolve and get better every day.
16. Get Out
Working from home can be a great opportunity to avoid the commute and have a more flexible schedule, but it can also lead to feeling isolated or unproductive. One way to combat this is by getting out of the house and working from a different location. Working from a coffee shop, library, or even a park can provide a change of scenery and help boost your mental state, leading to increased productivity.
Many coffee shops offer free wifi and a comfortable atmosphere to work in. Libraries can provide a quiet and distraction-free environment, and many have private study rooms available for use. Restaurants with outdoor seating can provide a pleasant environment to work in, and some even offer free wifi.
Working outside in a park or other outdoor location can be a refreshing change from being cooped up inside all day. Some parks offer free wifi, and many have benches or tables where you can set up your laptop and work in a peaceful environment.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all locations are suitable for work. Some places may be too noisy or distracting, while others may not have a reliable wifi connection. It’s also important to be respectful of the environment you’re working in and not take up space intended for paying customers.
In summary, getting out of the house and working from a different location can be a great way to break up the monotony of working remotely. Coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, and even parks can provide a change of scenery and help boost productivity. However, it’s important to choose locations that are suitable for work and be respectful of the environment you’re working in.
Conclusion
Working from home can be very rewarding but it takes work. It can be very difficult to separate work life and personal life. This advice on working from home is intended to help you be productive while working remotely.
Are you currently working from home? What tips do you have for everybody? Leave a comment below.
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