Working From Home

10 Ways to Increase Your Productivity & Stay Motivated

© Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Aug 6, 2007
Working From Home: Increase Your Productivity, stock xchange redbaron
When you work from home without the boss hovering & with your stuff beckoning, you may struggle to stay focused. Here's how to make working from home work.

Working from home or telecommuting work can be a blessing or a curse depending on your level of motivation and productivity. These "10 ways to increase your productivity" are effective, practical, and easy to implement.

10 Ways to Increase Your Productivity When You're Working From Home

  1. Make a list of things to do at the end of each work day for the following day. Before you leave your work space, set yourself up to make a smooth transition into work tomorrow.
  2. Start your day by reviewing your list. Tackle a few quick and easy things to get the motor running. Break large projects into small steps.
  3. Set up a regular schedule with lunch and coffee breaks – and stick to it. When you're working from home or telecommuti, routine is key.
  4. Ignore the ever-present housecleaning, garden, and errands during the work day. Save them for after work (unless you can do them on your breaks and not get distracted for hours).
  5. Screen your calls and avoid personal emails when you're working from home, unless you're on a scheduled break. Don't answer the phone when you're working from home.
  6. Avoid social gatherings with friends during your work day unless they're special occasions. The more you party during the day the more you'll be tempted -- and the less you'll accomplish. Keep to your schedule as much as possible when you're telecommuting or working from home.
  7. Discuss your goals, problems, and frustrations with colleagues or your partner. Don't isolate yourself when you're working from home.
  8. Don't work in your bathrobe. Be professional; dress as if you will be seen by coworkers even when you're working from home or telecommuting.
  9. Save your "weaknesses" or things that distract you for later (tv, surfing FaceBook, watching Oprah). Wait until your break or after work to play when you're working from home.
  10. Review your accomplishments regularly. When you're working at home it's up to you to savor how far you've come and how much you've done!

Sift through these tips on working from home or telecommuting to find what works for you. Some people take breaks every couple of hours to do the laundry or vacuum – others find housework when they're working from home distracting and time consuming. Some people who work from home like to sit out on the deck or keep the tv on in the background; others find those activities disruptive.

Finding ways to increase your productivity when you're telecommuting or working from home involves experimenting with different activities and schedules until you're successful.

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The copyright of the article Working From Home in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish Working From Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


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