Working from home is an ideal scenario for many professionals and entrepreneurs, but if you’ve worked from home you know it’s not as idyllic as it sounds. There’s the dog barking at the mailman and last night’s dishes sitting in the sink. There’s your bed right there, all cozy and warm, and you’re feeling a little sleepy so why not take a nap?
The problem with working from home is there’s not a lot of structure and it can be challenging to stay motivated, productive, creative, and inspired. You might be an entrepreneur, freelancer, remote worker, or a professional with a side gig. No matter your situation, if you work from home you can benefit by improving your work habits.
01. Dedicate your workspace
Working from couch is tempting but it’s destroying your work-life balance and your productivity. When you have a dedicated space to work it’s easier to get in the zone with your work and stay on task. Having a dedicated workspace also helps your brain take a break from working when it’s time to stop working. A dedicated workspace can also signal to everyone else in the household that you’re working and not to interrupt you with questions about laundry or what’s for dinner.
Your dedicated workspace might be in your home office, or at a desk or table that is used only for work. Avoid handling personal matters at your dedicated workspace- this space is for working.
I even recommend having a dedicated workspace for clients working on a job search. This allows time spent on your job search to be targeted and focused so you apply for the best opportunities and reflect your best qualities when you apply.
02. Consider coworking
Coworking spaces are popping up all over the world because coworking offers motivation, collaboration, community, and other resources you won’t find working at home. Most coworking spaces have access to printers and other office equipment you may not have at home, along with fresh coffee, work sprints, accountability groups, social events, and more. Some people suggest hearing the sound of typing around you can help you be more productive. I have a private office in a coworking space to enjoy all the benefits of a traditional workplace while working on my independent business.
You can get a coworking membership for one or more days per week, and you may decide to alternate working from home and coworking, or get an unlimited coworking membership and cowork every day.
03. Set work hours
Your work hours may be directed by your employer, but if you have some autonomy over your schedule it’s just as important to set working hours—and stick to it! Having a set work schedule helps you manage energy throughout the day, create clear boundaries between work and personal time and activities, and helps boost innovation and creativity.
Sticking to your work hours means no phone calls, text, or email outside your work hours. Think about what you’re doing when you have your best ideas; most people say they are most inspired when they are showering, driving, or getting ready to fall asleep at night. That’s because taking a break from working helps you creativity problem solve in ways you can’t when you’re thinking about work directly. So give yourself some time and space to not work.
Having a break from work also does wonders for your mental health. Being “on” all the time can increase stress and anxiety, so give yourself some time to be “off”.
04. Take regular breaks
It’s important to take time away from your work outside your work hours, and it’s equally important to take time away during work hours. Taking regular breaks throughout the workday can increase your productivity. Just make sure your breaks don’t turn into more than a break. Resist the temptation to watch Netflix or nap, instead take 5-15 minute breaks to take a walk, stretch, drink water, or other productive ways to refresh your body and mind.
05. Work when you’re most productive
Most of us have peak hours, or times of the day we tend to be most productive. For some this might be first thing in the morning, for others it will be mid-morning, or late afternoon. I hit my stride in the mid-to-late afternoon and, as a result, this is the time I dedicate to tackling intellectual tasks like bookkeeping, writing marketing copy, and strategic business planning.
As much as possible, schedule meetings, emails, and other less mentally intense activities during your non-peak times, and intensive tasks during your most productive periods.
06. Utilize work sprints
Work sprints can be a great way to get a lot done in a short period of time. Choose a task, set a timer, and get to work! During your work sprint close your email, turn off your phone, and allow yourself to work distraction-free. I recommend sprinting in time slots of 20 minutes to an hour. Take a break or change-up your activity after your work sprint for maximum productivity.
07. Dress for success
When working from home you can wear your pajamas all day, but that doesn’t mean you should. Just like having a dedicated workspace, sticking to a professional dress code can help you stay motivated and on-task while you’re working. This doesn’t necessarily mean wearing a suit every day, unless suits are the standard in your profession or industry. I recommend dressing to the standards that would be expected if you went to the office every day.
08. Communicate clearly
Communicating with colleagues and clients can be more difficult when you’re not working in the same location every day. Make a point to communicate clearly, including clarifying expectations and outcomes before and after projects and meetings.
Don’t get sloppy about your email communication—show that you are knowledgeable, experienced, competent, organized, prepared, and trustworthy by improving your email communication. Check out 6 rules for good email communication.
09. Don’t take work too seriously
Whether you work at home or in an office, don’t take work so seriously. Adopting a lighter approach to work can support healthy work habits. The goal isn’t to be indifferent about work, just don’t care so much that you can’t let it go at the end of the work day.
Whatever your personal and professional goals, you can improve your results and increase your success through good habits and mindful boundaries around your work and life, especially when working from home. Use my tips and create some of your own!