HappyLifestyleJournal
These days, work doesn’t always have to be done in a traditional office set up. Just ask single mom, Gemma. Four years ago, she was working as a corporate trainer for an electronics firm. After she gave birth to a daughter, she took time off. Unfortunately, having a new baby dampened her appetite for climbing up the corporate ladder. She resigned and decided to teach English online instead. Her friends thought she was nuts. Fast forward to today, 3 of her 4 closest friends from work are all working remotely. Working from home has become a major trend.
Unfortunately, it’s not always roses working away from the main office. Many remote workers find that working from the comfort of their homes isn’t a guaranty that things will get done. The usual office distractions may be absent, but they’ve only been replaced by a different set.
The good news is it’s possible to stay on top of tasks with a little practice. Want to be more productive while working from the house? Here’s how.
1. Recognize your best work habits.
Working from home allows you more flexibility in getting tasks done. But it also lets you procrastinate for as long as you want (and then cram like crazy later on). However, what you can do to avoid this is to organize so that you work during the time you feel most motivated.
2. Get rid of distractions.
So many things to do, so little time. There’s a whole cake in the fridge that’s just begging to be eaten. The new video console needs to be broken in. The kids just got home with fantastic tales to tell. Oh, and there’s the presentation to finish for work.
Working from home is ripe with distractions. If you want to be productive, and stay that way, you have to get rid of the things that distract you. That could mean setting up a home office that’s quiet and letting the kids know that they mustn’t bother mom while she’s working. Turn off the TV. Go where you can concentrate on your work.
3. Keep strict hours.
One of the greatest perks of working at home is not having to follow the usual 9 to 5 grind. Unfortunately, all that leeway also makes you procrastinate. You don’t have to follow the usual work hours, unless your employer specifically demands it. But make sure that you know what you need to get done within the day and as much as possible, work within a timeframe. This will breed discipline even while away from the office.
4. Stay away from social media!
Facebook can be a huge time drain. Actually, any social media site can. You’d be tempted to take a break and log in to your profile. The next thing you know, your 15 minute break has turned into a 2-hour session and you’re way behind your work deadline. So resist the temptation. Or if you’re really weak, download some apps that would lock you out of these kinds of sites within previously set hours.
5. Leave the house.
Sometimes, working from home can be counterproductive. If you’re feeling lazy or uninspired, considering stopping for a while and taking a quick walk outside to refresh yourself. Gemma actually takes one day every two weeks to work from a nearby coffee shop for a change of surroundings.
Working from home is one of the great perks that technology has allowed workers. Do not take it for granted and keep being productive by following the above tips.
