Working from home may eliminate many of the common distractions of a standard office environment, but it can bring about its own challenges to productivity. It requires more self-motivation to keep yourself on track and able to focus on work when you don’t have the accountability of a boss in the next office. Check out these five ways to stay productive while working from home:   

1. Establish a Routine

Structure is crucial when working from home, since you don’t have the defined parameters you would if you go to a physical workspace. Establish a routine of your start and end times each day and when you will work on particular tasks. Maintaining a consistent schedule helps you stay focused, while also making it clear to anyone else who is at home with you when you are unavailable. 

2. Set Up a Designated Work Space 

There is so much freedom with working from home, as you can work from your couch or even bed if you want. However, it can be challenging to get your mindset into productivity mode if you’re trying to work in the same spots you normally relax in. Set up a designated workspace, so there is a clear separation between work and leisure. 

3. Overcommunicate Progress Updates 

To keep your work tasks and projects on track while working from home, err on the side of overcommunicating when it comes to progress updates. Since you don’t have the opportunity for the organic, impromptu status updates with your boss or coworkers that you would in an office, it’s crucial to be proactive at conveying key information every step of the way. 

4. Create Boundaries 

A common productivity issue when working from home is actually the tendency to work too much, which can lead to burnout. Create boundaries to separate work time from personal time, so they don’t blur together. Get ready for work each day like you would if you were leaving home, such as showering and getting dressed at a set time. Designate a replacement for the commute home that would typically signify the end of the workday, such as by putting your laptop away and then going for a walk. 

5. Reach Out to Colleagues  

Connecting with your colleagues, even if you’re not necessarily discussing work matters, can significantly boost your productivity when working from home. It helps create a stronger sense of teamwork so everyone works more effectively together. Reaching out to your colleagues for a chat session (or even virtual happy hour) regularly also prevents feelings of isolation that can affect your emotional well-being and make it harder to maintain motivation. 

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