8 Hacks to maximize productivity if you’re working from home

August 01, 2021

Work from home is the future and you must learn how to maximize productivity when it comes to having a fulfilled Work-life. Covid 19 ruined 2020 for almost everyone on this planet but we have to agree it was an eye-opener for many as well. One such realization was the fact that even big companies like Amazon and Google can work remotely and they don’t need such fancy offices anymore. Bad news for Google Employees though who could boast the best work culture in the world. But who doesn’t want to work from the comfort of their own home rather than traveling for hours and getting stuck in traffic Twice every day?

Thus, 2020 saw a colossal shift in the employment sector and now the bigger question is Does Remote work kill productivity or increase it?

Working from home or office one has to give 100 percent to sustain their jobs in these tough times but working from home has challenges of its own.

Let’s see how you can overcome them and get the best out of this amazing opportunity of working from home. After all, it’s the future of work.

Getting up to an alarm

Get up on time

Since working remotely saves a large part of your day spent in traffic, many people spend it on sleep. After all, why bother getting up on time and getting dressed when you never leave your home. But you will be lying if you didn’t agree not getting up on time makes it even more difficult to stay productive. You miss a lot of chores like showering or having breakfast and cover it up hastily throughout the day thus disrupting your entire work schedule. Don’t ditch the alarm, instead use it to make your days better. Since you save time traveling, maybe use those extra half an hour to work on your body and mind.

Dress up for work

I’m sure almost 95% of work-from-home professionals never leave their PJs. It’s comforting for sure but is it also productive? Don’t you feel more active and professional when you get dressed like you’re actually going to work? I know I do. Getting ready first thing in the morning makes you feel rejuvenated and all set to get to work. Your momentum doesn’t break when you have a virtual meeting or event and have to look professional because you already are.

Work station at home

Ditch the bed for a Work station

You might think one positive aspect of working from home is that you get to sit on your bed all day. No backache from sitting at a desk for 8 hours. But it can only reduce your productivity rather than adding something positive. It decreases sleep quality as well which indeed reduces work productivity. Bringing your work to bed is robbing yourself of your personal space and work after work peace of mind. If you make your bed your workspace, how will you draw a line between a persona and professional life, one thing that should be of prime focus for work from home professionals?

Office work hours

Follow your Office work timings

As much as we enjoy those extra hours to ourselves and our family, working from home also has a negative side. You don’t have set hours dedicated to work and thus you never know when to stop working. Is it 6 pm, or is it midnight since you didn't start working at 9 and maybe took several breaks in between to grab a quick nap or watch an episode of your favorite show. Thus, you end up several hours reimbursing yourself of those squandered hours and even feel guilty about it.

Most people end up working more than 8 sometimes 12 hours working because they didn’t set a work schedule for themselves. Make it easier for yourself and just follow your regular work timings. It will not only help you get your work done on time but will also tell you when to stop working.

House chores

Leave your House chores for weekends

Doing your laundry on a Monday may seem practical but it’s not good for your work life. It means you are spending your energy that you should reserve for inventing new ideas and brainstorming in doing housework which can be really taxing. You’re overworking yourself and it can be stressful thus another way to reduce productivity. When you’re at work, you can get rid of your daily chores and spend your breaks having coffee or chilling for a bit which helps you the much-needed boost of energy and positivity.

Taking a coffee break

Don’t forget to take breaks

Also, don’t forget you’re still working even if it’s from home. Just because you haven’t left your house doesn’t mean you can’t get tired or overwhelmed. Instead of getting exhausted at the end of your work shift, take a few breaks like you would at your office. Eat lunch, call your colleagues for a little catch-up, or even take a walk to break the monotony. Give yourself a break every now and then.

Staying caffeinated during work from home

Stay Caffeinated

Keep your coffee at an arm's length or even green tea if you prefer. Do everything you need to keep yourself from succumbing to your cozy bed and missing out on work calls or deadlines. At least you don’t have this option at work which works in your favor but at home, there are so many distractions that can lead you to become less productive. Coffee is your best friend here. Or green tea, As I said, whatever prefer.

Spending time with kids

Shut your Laptop and rejoin your offline life

The most important step to take to be productive is to stop working after 8 hours and go back to your normal life. It can be difficult as the office isn’t closing or you don’t have to catch a subway and you might think just one more task before you shut your laptop. But remember if you don’t stop now, how will you start tomorrow. You have only 24 hours a day and better to spend it taking a break from work rather than hating it. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you aren’t working as hard as the ones going to the office. At the end of the day, your results matter whether you do it from a fancy cubicle at a big office or a desk in your home.