Here’s How you can Improve your Efficiency if you are Working from Home

8 Tips to Boost Productivity

• Wake-up on time: The first step to ensure productivity is by following your normal morning routine. Set an alarm and wake-up at a time you usually do. Though it can be tempting to turn that alarm off and continue sleeping, refrain from doing so. Use this time to shower, run chores, exercise, meditate, or cook a meal. Setting a consistent routine will make you feel more accountable to yourself.

• Keep regular working hours: Though most companies want their employees to login and logout as per their respective schedules, there are some companies that are lenient in their approach for people working from home. However, we would suggest that if the latter is the case, consider setting a work from home schedule which you can adhere to. Speak to your boss and ask him/her when he/she needs you to be available. Besides this, check your email regularly and communicate with partners and clients. 

• Don’t take long breaks: Taking regular breaks can become a habit. Though it’s important to leave your screen and move around as you would at the office, don’t do that every little time. It can hamper your productivity. Instead, keep work and personal time separate. Utilize lunch breaks, tea breaks and post-works hours to catch up with family, a friend or a hobby.

• Dedicated workspace: A lot of people misunderstand ‘work from home’ as ‘work from bed’, *giggles*. Don’t let that happen to you as it can take a huge toll on your productivity. If you can manage a makeshift, a dedicated workplace, and a desk and chair, nothing like it. We promise you’ll feel more alert, productive and organized.

• Dress like you’re going to work: Ditch the jammies and put on your regular work attire. If you feel funny wearing formals at home, how about jeans and a tee? Though comfort at home is important, it can make you feel sleepy and sluggish. When you’re dressed appropriately, psychologically you will be more prepared to start work.

• Use technology for meetings: Owing to a myriad of software options available, virtual meetings are a thing now. Instead of postponing meetings that were already scheduled, run them, as usual, using Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom or GoToMeeting.

• Create a to-do list: A sure-shot way to keep productivity throughout the day is by planning your work. List the things you plan to do and tick them off at the end of the day. This will not just give you a feeling of accomplishment before you go to bed but will also boost your morale to take on the next day. 

• Childcare: With schools declaring holidays as well, your kids are likely to be home too. While you don’t want them to be a distraction amidst your busy schedule, don’t isolate them completely. Stock up on books and puzzles to keep them educated and entertained throughout this period. 

Making a transition from office to working at home is something that usually takes time. However, if you replicate everything you do at work at home, each day will be more productive than the other.