Working from home is a dream for many freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in many industries, alike. The idea of being able to set your schedule and work in the comfort of your own home with none of the distractions that come with working in an office sounds like a perfect formula for success, right?
In this blog, we’ll myth-bust common misconceptions about working from home and share real-life advice from seasoned remote workers to help you boost productivity and maintain balance when working from home.
Does Working from Home Make Us More Productive?
Working from home has always had a bit of a stigma attached to it. Many people don’t take it seriously and think that remote workers are less productive than their in-office counterparts.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Studies show that working remotely can increase productivity by as much as 13%. The tools of the trade have changed greatly over the past few years, giving remote workers some significant advantages over those who work in an office full-time.
According to a report by Apollo Technical, working from home can lead to a major boost in productivity. Employees often report higher focus levels when working remotely, which makes sense when you think about the lack of office distractions like impromptu meetings and water cooler chats.
Moreover, a CNN Health article pointed out the paradox of our attention span. You might think that being home with all your favorite distractions around would hinder your productivity. But, the lack of strict office rules and rigidity can make us better at managing our attention, leading to increased efficiency and performance.
However, remember that while these statistics provide some reassurance, your personal experience might vary. The key is to find what works best for you and your unique work style. That’s the real beauty of remote work – the freedom to create your optimal work environment.
Top 8 Work-From-Home Tips From Remote Workers
1. Create a Dedicated Workspace
2. Equip Yourself with the Right Tools
A productive day often hinges on the quality of your equipment. A comfortable chair, a standing desk, a powerful laptop, and high-quality headphones to drown out distractions can make a big difference. Also, remember to have a reliable and fast internet connection – it’s a non-negotiable for effective remote work (find out your internet speed).
3. Mimic Your Office Setup
Strive to make your home workspace nearly identical to your office setup. If your office has a dual monitor setup, try to replicate that at home. The more your home office mimics your real office, the easier the transition to remote work will be.
4. Start With a Clean Slate
One remote worker suggested checking things off the personal to-do list before starting work hours. By getting these tasks out of the way early, you can focus better on your work tasks.
5. Take Breaks and Get Moving
Remember to take regular breaks to recharge. Step outside, get a breath of fresh air, play with your pet, or even do a quick workout. Short breaks can work wonders for your concentration and overall well-being.
Matthew uses his breaks as motivation for checking things off his list,
“If I finish x, x, and x by 10 am then I can play with the dog for 15 minutes”.
6. Utilize a To-Do List
Break your large tasks into smaller, manageable tasks. There’s a satisfaction that comes from checking tasks off a list. This method keeps you motivated, gives you a sense of progress, and helps with managing time.
7. Let Music Be Your Companion
Many remote workers find that having music in the background helps to increase focus. However, everyone is different, so find the right type of music that helps you stay in the zone.
8. Coffee and Rest
Good ol’ coffee can be a remote worker’s best friend. But equally important is getting a good night’s sleep. Remember, a well-rested brain is a productive brain!
In conclusion, being effective at remote work involves a balance of creating a conducive workspace, equipping yourself with the right tools, and practicing self-care. Remember, what works best for others might not necessarily work for you, so be sure to experiment with different techniques until you find your optimal rhythm. And don’t forget to save this blog post for future reference!
Happy remote working!
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