Working from home sounds like a dream, especially in the cold winter months - no commuting in the cold mornings, wearing comfy clothes all day and the freedom to set your own schedule. As with most things, there’s a slight catch - many remote workers will confirm that staying productive and avoiding distractions in a home office can be challenging. So, how do you keep yourself focused and make the most of your home office setup?
Keep on reading as we’ve come up with 10 practical tips to boost your productivity, whether you're already working from home or looking for your next remote job.
Productivity levels in a home office
The World Economics Forum predicts that by 2030 the global digital jobs will grow by around 25% to over 90 million roles. But as the saying goes, with great freedom comes great responsibility. Without the structure of going to work in an office, many employees find it hard to stay on track. 9% of people working remotely find it difficult to focus. At the same time, 70% claim it’s easier to do focused work from home. But how do they do it?
Common challenges remote workers face
Let’s go through some of the most common challenges people face when working from home or fully remotely.
- Distractions
Distractions are literally everywhere - neverending household chores, curious pets, nosy family members, your favourite books and movies. - Isolation
21% of remote workers claim they stay at home too often as they have no reason to leave. The lack of social interaction can affect morale and motivation. - Work-life balance
It’s hard to "clock out" when your office is in your living room. - No routine
The lack of routine can take a huge toll on your productivity.
nPloy’s 10 tips on staying productive when working from home
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
- Create a dedicated workspace
Creating a workspace that works for you can make a huge difference in your productivity. We have some tips on how to set your home office for minimal distractions and maximum productivity.. - Set clear boundaries
Define work hours and stick to them to avoid burnout. Make sure your family, friends and roommates are aware of your schedule - Dress for success
It may sound like a cliche, but wearing work clothes will help you get into a professional mindset. - Plan your day
Tools like Trello and Asana can help you organise your day and prioritise tasks. - Take regular breaks
The Pomodoro technique is a great place to start - 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. - Stay connected
Your cozy home may be tempting, but try to schedule virtual coffee breaks with colleagues to combat isolation, and don’t forget to meet your friends in the real world. - Avoid distractions
Try using apps like Focus Booster to block distracting sites. - Invest in quality equipment
If your company doesn’t provide such items, you may want to invest in your health. It will definitely pay off in the long run. Ensure you have a comfortable chair, noise-cancelling headphones, good lighting, and reliable internet. - Put yourself first
Incorporate physical activity and mindfulness into your routine - it benefits both your mental and physical health. - Track your progress
Take some time at the end of each week to reflect weekly on what worked and what didn’t.
How to find a remote job on nPloy
If you’re ready to overcome the challenges of working from home and are eager to find a fully remote job, nPloy’s here at every step of the job-seeking journey.
- Tailored job matches
nPloy’s AI-driven algorithm only shows job listings that match your predefined criteria, including salary expectations, skills, and job preferences. This ensures that you spend less time scrolling through irrelevant listings and more time focusing on remote opportunities that align with your career goals. - Easy application process
You can apply for remote jobs on nPloy with a single swipe, streamlining the application process. This saves time and effort compared to traditional job search platforms, allowing you to quickly connect with employers who are looking for candidates with your specific qualifications. - Bias-free hiring
By hiding personal details (such as name, gender, age and photo) during the initial stages of the recruitment process, nPloy promotes objective decision-making. This ensures that remote job opportunities are based solely on your experience, education, and skills, creating a fairer and more inclusive environment for job seekers.
Conclusion
While working from home offers incredible freedom, it also requires discipline and the right tools. By following these tips, you can turn your home office into a productive space where creativity flows. And with nPloy’s by your side (and in your pocket), you have all you need to thrive.
FAQs
How do you maintain productivity while working remotely?
Maintain productivity by establishing a dedicated workspace free from distractions, setting clear boundaries for work hours, and planning your day using tools like Trello or Asana. Taking regular breaks and dressing in work-appropriate clothes can help maintain focus and structure.
How do you stay on track and focused while working remotely?
Staying on track involves minimizing distractions with tools like Focus Booster, setting clear priorities for tasks, and creating a routine. Staying connected with colleagues can help maintain motivation and reduce feelings of isolation.
How do I make the perfect home office space?
Create a dedicated workspace with quality equipment, such as a comfortable chair, good lighting, and reliable internet. Ensure minimal distractions and invest in ergonomic equipment to boost both comfort and productivity.
