Having worked from home for over 12 years, I’d like to share some tips with you. Feel free to adapt them to your WFH life.
1. Have a routine
Starting when you wake up all the way until you logout for the day.
2. Dress for success
Even if you don’t have any video calls that day, the act of getting presentable shifts your mindset into a working mode.
3. Prep for today
At the start of the day get a full perspective for what’s on your agenda.
4. Prep for tomorrow
Stop working 30 minutes early so you can make notes and plan what you need to continue with tomorrow.
5. Start with an easy win
Start with a small task that you can complete in under 30 minutes. This will give you a positive boost before returning to a continuing difficult task.
6. Dedicated workspace
If your home can accommodate it then I recommend having your desk be in a room with a door so that you can close yourself off from distractions, and also this should not be your bedroom. You don’t want the temptation of an easy nap. Having a dedicated work space helps with the mindset of feeling like you have arrived at work. If you live alone then don’t worry about this being a separate room. That is more for when others are home for them to respect your time that you are at work even if you are at home.
7. Take movement breaks
If the weather is nice, go for a walk. Regardless, stand up and move around at least once an hour.
8. Wake up earlier
My most productive hours are before everyone else is awake. Plus, getting started early allows me to have either an extended lunchtime or end my day earlier.
9. Correct the misconceptions
Working from home is still real work, for a real company, with real clients. Too many people don’t realize that when they assume we just do what we want all day, or that they can call on us because they think WFH people are not busy. Also, no, I cannot care for my children while I WFH. Childcare is full-time work, and my job is full-time work. Both need my 100% attention.
10. Get back to work!
It is very easy to get sidetracked by looking for helpful articles online. I appreciate you taking the time to read through mine. Save it, give it a like, and have a productive rest of your day.
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