10 Tips for Productivity When Working From Home

Simple techniques to enhance efficiency and well-being when working from home.

Reviewed by Michelle Quirk

Key points

• Working from home offers flexibility but also presents unique challenges that can impact your productivity.
• A routine that marks the start and end of your working day helps you to feel in control.
• Taking regular breaks will help your focus, motivation, and creativity.

Working from home offers flexibility, but it also presents unique challenges that can impact your productivity. Whether you're new to remote working or a seasoned pro, maintaining efficiency and focus can be tricky without the right strategies in place.

Here are 10 actionable steps you can take to not only get more done but to also create a healthy work-life balance:

1. Have a clear beginning and end.

A routine that marks the start and end of your working day helps you to feel in control. Start every working day with a positive note and create a clear end so you can relax guilt-free. The start could be as simple as making tea or coffee, taking it to your laptop, and reviewing your priorities for the day. The end could be writing down what you've achieved (no matter how big or small) and/or setting your priorities for the next day. This way, you end the day with a mini celebration and can switch off completely, knowing what you need to get started on the next day.

2. Have a short list of top priorities.

This is just as important when working from home as when working from the office. But for some reason, when you work from home, you think you can achieve more. Whilst research has shown that you can be more productive from home, it's still important to have a clear, short list of top priorities to avoid overwhelming yourself. You can have a second list of secondary priorities that you can go to should you finish your top ones. If you do, you know your prioritization is working.

3. Uni-task.

Do one thing at a time. If you don't know what to start with, start with any one task. And stick to it. There are an infinite number of things you could do, but if you try to do them all at once, you'll end up finishing none or finishing them poorly. Close all tabs or windows that aren't related to the task at hand and turn off notifications for your messaging services.

4. Communicate.

When you're not in the same physical space, you might assume things from each other that aren't necessarily true. Don't be afraid to reach out with a quick call, email, or message. It's better to be crystal clear about what is expected from you or others. It's OK to ask for guidance or help when needed. At the same time, if you have something urgent you need to get done, let your team know you will be unreachable for a few hours, and ask them to contact you with potential questions before or after that.

5. Create a workspace.

Create a space in your home where you can 100-percent focus on work. This can be a corner of a room or even the corner of the kitchen table, albeit temporarily. When you're in work mode, clear that space from distractions as much as possible. Only have what you need for work in front of you.

6. Test different approaches to find what works best for you.

It's going to take some trial and error to figure out how you best like to work from home. This applies to your routines, how you approach your to-do list, and how you communicate with your colleagues, bosses, or clients. Don't be afraid to test different approaches. We are all unique and we all work in different ways. You've got to discover what ways are the most effective and enjoyable for you.

7. Take plenty of breaks.

Just because you are working from home doesn't mean that you have to be glued to your laptop and phone for 12 hours straight. Taking regular breaks will help your focus, motivation, and creativity. Get some water—it's important to stay hydrated for your brain power. Watch what's going on outside the window—it's important to give your eyes a break from focusing on the screen(s). Get up and walk around your space—or, if you can, go walk outside. A lunchtime walk would be gold. Moving your body regularly, even with slight stretches, a few jumping jacks, or a little boogie to your favorite song, will keep your energy levels good.

8. Stay in touch.

Just because you're not sitting next to people doesn't mean you shouldn't interact with anyone. Don't let working from home make you lonely. Have calls with your colleagues or connect with other people in the industry. Talk to people and arrange some real face-to-face time when possible. As a human, you need connection and interaction not just to survive but to thrive. Just because you're working in isolation doesn't mean you should disconnect. Instead, you should connect more than ever.

9. Place realistic expectations on yourself.

Don't expect to have the same level of productivity all day, every day. We all have ebbs and flows; that's only natural. Some days you'll be more productive in the mornings, other days the afternoons, and some magical ones you might be productive all day. On the other hand, you'll also have days when you feel like you've got nothing to give, and that's OK, too. That's a part of being human. You're not a robot programmed to perform perfectly every day.

10. Practice self-compassion.

Be kind to yourself. Working from home can be a real challenge on some days, and that's OK. Remind yourself that you're doing the best you can with the knowledge you have.