Productivity is an ongoing project for many of us. Whether in the office or at home, we tend to go through phases of having cracked it, and of having crashed back down into procrastination and delay.
The remote working revolution has been incredible to workers for a great number of reasons, but productivity issues have been a concern since day one – and a reasonable concern in certain cases. If you are worried about your own productivity when working from home, what are some simple things that you can do to redress the balance?
1. Create a Routine – and Stick to It
The single most impactful way to impact your own productivity is to create a routine that works for you. Different people will respond differently to different styles of routine, but there are some solid options that are well worth exploring.
One option is the “pomodoro technique”. This productivity technique splits your working day into 25-minute chunks, or “pomodoros”, appended with 5-minute breaks and a half-hour break every four pomodoros. Time is kept with an egg timer; while a pomodoro timer is ticking, you are required to focus entirely on the tasks at hand – and can only divert to check emails or phone notifications during break times.
2. Clear Away Distractions
Distractions are the natural enemy of productivity, so your work environment should be rendered free of distractions before you sit down to start your day. If you have a home office, this might involve tidying your desk and organising yesterday’s work, or otherwise clearing away unnecessary clutter.
This point is especially important if your home working space is a temporary one – i.e.: if you do not have a home office from which to conduct your business each day, and instead rely on a bedroom desk or even the dining table. Any extant house clutter should be removed from your workspace; clothes should be tidied back away in your wardrobes, and surfaces wiped clean before you set yourself down.
3. Use Concentration Aids
This tip is a particularly subjective one, as many of us differ in the way we prefer to work. For example, some find it stimulating to listen to music while they work, while others find it limiting. Still, there are different ways you might explore aiding your concentration at home. Even if listening to the radio or your favourite music doesn’t work, you might still find yourself benefiting from sound in the form of white or pink noise.
4. Separate Work and Home
Whether you have a private office space or utilise a shared living space for your work, home life can find a way of seeping into your work schedule. Compartmentalising your day, and ensuring the line between work and home remains defined, can be crucial to keeping you on-task. You might find it beneficial to use break times to prep housework for later or to set aside time in the morning to plan your personal time more efficiently.
