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Well, guys, it looks like the WFH (work from home) life is sticking around a little longer than any of us really anticipated. Here in Washington, we are opening up a lot more slowly than states. And, we still recently rolled back opening. So, we find ourselves chugging away in home offices, and kitchen tables, a little bit longer.
I was fortunate enough to have a fairly smooth transition, since with my chosen career, real estate, I worked often from my home office as is. But, with my husband working from home more than usual as well, we still needed to get into a new routine and see what worked, and didn’t work for us maximizing productivity. So, let’s take a look at some of those things.
Maximize Productivity Working from Home
Background Noise
Both Tom and I have found we really like having background noise. But, we completely differ in what that is for us. For me, I swear by Coffivity. Coffivity is makes it sound like you’re in a coffee shop, with low murmurs and cups clanking. Tom, prefers basically elevator music. So, finding what is best for you. It helps you stay focused.
Get Dressed for the Day
This makes such a big difference in your mindset. Days where I stay in PJs, I get a lot less accomplished. Days when I dress the part, I start the day in the right mindset and am able to better tackle my to do list.
Take Breaks
Want to know the best way to stay productive throughout the day? Take breaks! You can only handle so much at one time. Work breaks into your schedule to give your mind some time to rest and then you’ll be ready to go once you start up again!
Set Expectations
I think it’s easy for people to assume that just because you’re home, that means suddenly you’ll have time to tackle all those chores around the house too. But, you’re still working! Don’t beat yourself up because laundry didn’t magically get done between Zoom calls. Just because you’re home, doesn’t mean you have more time.
Set Your Schedule
This may not be possible for everyone, but set up your schedule to take advantage of when you’re most productive. Are you a morning person? Then wake up and get going! Leaving your time later in the day open. If you’re more of a night owl, set your schedule to best accommodate that.
Human Interaction
One thing I hear again and again about people missing the office is missing human interactions. Build those into your routine. Check in with your work colleagues. When you’re taking a break, shoot off a text to have some water cooler chat. And, after work, try doing a virtual happy hour to check in on every one.
Stop
For your own sanity and well being, at some point, stop work for the day. A happy worker is a more productive worker. And, someone who is burning the candle at both ends may be productive in the short term, but long term that is a recipe for burnout. So, pick a time of day to be done with work, and the stick to it.
What has helped you maximize your productivity while working from home?
If you like this, check out WFH Outfits and other tips for working from home.
Missy says
Love this, Jane! I’ve been working from home for almost 6 years now (what?!?!?!), and getting dressed for the day was a HUGE part of my productivity. It teaches you to hold to that work schedule and present yourself properly both mentally and physically!