My tips for working efficiently from home
Whether by choice – wanting to be self-employed – or by obligation – health restrictions – working from home is not a given for everyone. Some people suffer from isolation, others thrive in this particular setting.
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I personally have worked from home for almost two decades, partly or full-time. In the beginning, I only teleworked on Wednesdays, which was very convenient with a pre-teen who was in school until 1.30 pm! This meant I could spend most of the afternoon with him and finish my work in the evening once he was in bed.
Now that he has left the nest (a while ago), my teleworking days are more structured in terms of hours and more like office days, with a few exceptions.
I have found my feet, set up a fully equipped "office" area, and learned to cut myself off from distractions.
It didn't happen overnight, I tried several techniques and eventually, I understood my needs and found my own rhythm.
Here are some of the techniques and tips that have helped me be as productive as possible.
1. Create a working environment at home
If you have a spare room that you can use as a workspace, keep everything work-related in it (a computer, printer, video conferencing equipment, paper, pens, etc.). Creating a work environment can put you in the mindset you need to work productively.
2. Set your timetable
Without a structured working day, time can get away from you. You may find that you start shifting your working days later and later as you sip an extra cup of coffee. Then your working hours extend into the evening, causing you to stay up later.
This is why it is important to have a clear schedule; to have a fixed time to start and finish your work. Try to stick to it as much as possible.
It is best to approach your work as the creature of habit and routine that all humans are. Work out when you work best and then build a regular work schedule around that time.
By setting up your routine, you will find that it is much easier to stay motivated and meet your goals.
3. Organise your day
If you set clear goals for the day ahead, you're more likely to stay focused and meet the deadlines you've set for yourself. Use a paper list or an app like ClickUp or Trello to create a list of the tasks you need to complete, and check them off as you do them throughout the day.
4. Take breaks
Breaks are important to boost productivity. If you don't give yourself time to rest and recuperate during the day, you may burn out in the afternoon. Taking a proper lunch break and trying not to touch your computer during this time can help you feel refreshed when you return to your desk to face the rest of a full working day.
5. Change your scenery
If you feel a lack of inspiration, change your surroundings from time to time.
If the company you work for is local, take the time to drop in and meet people who are working on the same projects as you. This is particularly useful if you feel a lack of motivation and need human interaction to get you motivated again.
If the company you work for is too far away, at least get out. You can recharge your batteries by taking a walk, going for a delicious drink, or even working for the day in a shared workspace.
When you're feeling exhausted, sometimes the best remedy is to get some fresh air.
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There are countless other tips that you can easily find with a simple internet search. Among them, here is an overview of some that I find interesting and that I have also been able to test:
Dress as if you were physically going to work! It seems that staying in a jogging suit is not a source of inspiration and that wearing a more professional outfit can help boost your self-confidence, increase your ability to think and synthesize while allowing you to see the big picture.
Silencing your phone, especially notifications.
Only check your email once an hour, at the most.
Limit your social networking, which is incredibly time-consuming, especially as you don't always realise it at the time!
I'd be curious to know if you have any tips that are (have been) useful to you! Feel free to comment and let me know!
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