4 Ways to Improve Your Work From Home Productivity

Do you enjoy working from home? Are you as productive and efficient when working from home as when you are onsite, at your company’s office? Today, the number of remote employees is higher than ever and due to the pandemic, and more employees are willingly shifting to virtual work. While the concept of working from home appeals to many professionals, it’s common for people to feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues.

Working remotely, also known as telecommuting, is often seen as an incentive of organizations who have flexible options. Whether you regularly telecommute 100% of the time, a few times a week, or only during emergencies, significant challenges can arise. What if you need some information right away, but your coworker isn’t responding? Perhaps, you are unsure of how to carry out a task based on an email or other instructions that seem unclear. Miscommunication and lack of communication can cause substantial problems. Here are four ways to improve your work from home productivity!

1. Keep A Schedule

It’s easy to become very relaxed when working from home. Without the routine and structure of waking up, getting ready, and leaving for the office, many people start to do things more randomly. Some professionals might wake up later and start pushing aside other aspects of their regular routine. This can lead to having a lack of focus, once they actually start their job duties online. Maintaining a set schedule during remote work can help reinforce clear boundaries when you are on and off the clock.

2. Designate An Area Or Office Space for Work

As tempting as it may be to sit on your couch in front of the TV, multi-tasking has been proven to reduce your work from home productivity level. Doing your work in an office or other designated workspace improves your ability to focus and brainstorm. This also creates a more professional environment to work in and allows you to have more privacy. Many companies use video meeting technology to enhance communication among teams. When your co-workers can see you recording from a clean, professional looking area it subconsciously lets them know that you are still getting things done.

3. Reduce Potential Distractions

Everything including the people, pets, and things we love can become distractions when working from home. With many schools in the U.S. closed at the current time, many parents are working, while their children are at home participating in online learning. Limiting distractions can be difficult with so many factors involved. Try implementing some boundaries around your established work area. Can you close the door and use a do not disturb sign? Using headphones to drown out noise can also be beneficial.

4. Pick Up The Phone

When you are physically apart from your team members, misunderstandings can happen even when everyone is trying their best, leading to negative energy building up between you and your team. We all have different personalities, preferences, and skill levels. Your email communication is generally geared towards how you personally think and comprehend information. Others might not understand or view things the way that you do. Long drawn out email chains can take up a lot of time for everyone involved. If you are unsure of instructions, plans, or the tone of written communication, pick up the phone and call your colleague.

While many people have regularly worked remotely for years, current global health regulations have forced the vast majority of people to work from home. Keeping a set schedule and working in a designated room or area can help to improve your work from home productivity. Limiting distractions and picking up the phone to call team members can also cut down on wasted time. What have you done in the past to maintain work from home productivity?

Fly High Coaching can help you soar to your full potential and find your dream job. We offer career coaching services, interview preparation and resume makeovers to support your success. Contact us today to get started with our expert career coaches. Check out our Land Your Dream Job 101 course for more information on how you can secure your desired job change.