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How to stay productive - work from home edition

Working from home can be a daunting and challenging task for many, especially if you’re not used to it. However, with the right tips and mindset it can be done efficiently. We’ve collated the best tips and tricks to help make your work from home experience more manageable and enjoyable.


Working from home gives you greater autonomy and flexibility which can be a wonderful opportunity. However, productivity can decrease when there are distractions and less supervision if you’re not careful. Working from home can also have negative effects on your physical and mental health.


This list of productivity tips is for everyone – it doesn’t matter if you’re a recruiter, freelancer, or a small business owner – these tips and strategies will help you in creating a productive working environment for yourself.


Choose & optimise your workspace


An important component of working from home is having a designated workspace. Whether its your garage, a spare room, or a hanging nest, designate a space for work. Try and pick a spot next to a big window if you can as sunlight can help with increasing productivity and lightening the mood.

Clean workspace with big windows
Keeping your workspace nice and tidy is a key driver of productivity.

Optimising your workplace involves keeping it clean. In a survey conducted by OfficeMax, over 77% of respondents agreed that clutter on their work desk impairs their productivity and over half of the respondents said it also negatively affects their motivation levels. Once you’ve put the clutter away, you can further optimize your workspace with plants or a whiteboard to write down important tasks to complete for the day.


Take breaks...and get some fresh air!


Burnout can be a much bigger problem than rushing through your schedule to meet deadlines, so when fatigue does fit in, take a break!


Taking breaks help with a variety of things – boosting creativity & productivity, improving health and well-being, and even preventing decision fatigue.

Woman meditating in office suit
Research states people who take breaks every 90 minutes are more productive.

Research indicates that employees who take a break every 90 minutes are 30% more productive than employees who take no breaks or just one during the day. They also report nearly 50% greater capacity to think creatively and a 46% higher level of mental well-being.


Stick to a routine


Maintaining a work-from-home routine has multiple benefits – saving time and money, breaking bad habits and reinforcing good ones, and alleviating stress. Sticking to a schedule can be difficult but is possible if you follow these steps:


1. Set your work hours – One of the best things about working from home is that you can make your own schedule.


2. Plan your day – Create a to-do list which includes everything, from your workout plans to going to the shops


3. Block off time in your calendar – if to-do lists aren’t your thing, then try time-blocking to improve work performance and focus.


Set boundaries


When you’re working from home and have family, kids, or other housemates it’s important to let everyone know what times you’ll be working and when you can’t be disturbed. To signal when you don’t want to be disturbed, create a “Do Not Disturb” sign and hang it on your door.


If you have kids, it can be incredibly difficult to be able to work while having to care for your children at the same time. Try and plan your work schedule around your kids schedule and nap times.


Use podcasts or music in a way that helps you


If you enjoy background tunes, we would recommend playing a podcast when you’re doing work which doesn’t need as much focus (data entry, for example) and instrumental music when you want a rhythm to work to (writing emails, researching, etc).

Headphones with phone
Listening to instrumental music can help increase productivity while doing certain tasks.

Use tools


With the help of organization, communication, and project management apps, such as Microsoft Teams & Trello, you can flawlessly organize your day and continue to stay productive.


If you found these helpful make sure to read our 5 ways to save time & become successful.

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