Working from home gives you a lot of flexibility. The comfort of your home gives you opportunities that work in an office simply doesn’t. The flexibility of the arrangement gives you space to take on more projects, or have more time for your family/hobbies/etc.
However, this can easily turn against you if not handled correctly. Here at AlphaGamma, most of us work from our homes in different parts of the world. This means that we might know a thing or two about the effectiveness of the arrangement and how to improve the process.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to work from home like a pro.
How to work from home: 4 time-tested tips
4. Take care of your environment and workstation
Taking care of your environment and workstation is essential. While a sofa may seem appealing (and sometimes necessary for completing tasks), having a dedicated workspace is much more beneficial. Firstly, it enhances productivity, allowing you to complete tasks more quickly and move on to enjoyable activities.
To start, create a designated area where you can be ‘at work’. In this space, focus solely on work, shutting out all distractions. This separation helps you mentally switch into work mode.
Additionally, consider the layout of your workspace. Use natural light as much as possible and include a small green plant. It doesn’t have to be large—just something to rest your eyes on occasionally.
Moreover, set up your desk and chair ergonomically. Ensure your screen is at eye level to keep your neck straight. Place your feet flat on the floor and adjust your chair to support a straight spine, avoiding slouching. A lumbar support tool can also help maintain proper posture.
3. Create a routine
Working from home often allows for a flexible schedule, which can make it tempting to squeeze in house chores throughout the day.
However, this can lead to constant distractions, reducing overall efficiency. Ideally, you should sit down to work without getting sidetracked by household tasks, but sometimes the dishes are hard to ignore.
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Establish a clear start time for your workday to maintain focus and create a clean space.
Plan and complete necessary activities, like loading the dishwasher or starting the washing machine, before you begin working. Remember not to overdo it, as some chores can definitely wait. This approach helps you maintain a balance between work and home responsibilities, ensuring a more productive day.
2. Take breaks
Use them! When you’re super-focused, it is easy to forget to take a stretch, or simply stand up for a few minutes. Your eyes need a break, your body needs a break, and your muscles need to move. Your brain needs the blood to flow. I’m not talking about doing a fitness class during your break, but if it’s what you do, great, more power to you!
However, some of us will already benefit just from standing up, doing a simple stretch, and looking out the window (it is good to change your sight to a distant scene, so your eyes can take a break from the screen).
I like to use my breaks to do light house chores, for example, I set 10 minutes when I can do some things and then I return. It keeps me from overdoing and getting lost in chores instead of focusing on work, and at the same time, it gives me a break from the screen and sitting down.
1. Set boundaries for friends and family
Here is a tough one. After all, some people think that if you’re home, you’re actually not that busy. It helps to have a conversation with your family members, or friends that might be calling you at all hours, that you do work at certain times and wish not to be disturbed.
Pro-tip: you can create a space on your desk for family members to leave their notes, or indicate that they need something and assure them that you will look into their requests at your earliest convenience.
Which of those tips was your favourite? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below, or fill in the contact form to suggest any tips that we should list here.
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