{"id":3747,"date":"2020-04-02T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-02T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.weidner.com\/blog\/?p=3747"},"modified":"2026-03-05T22:47:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T22:47:47","slug":"7-tips-for-working-effectively-from-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weidner.com\/blog\/2020\/04\/02\/7-tips-for-working-effectively-from-home\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Tips For Working Effectively From Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

For some, working from home is the norm. For others, this uncertain time in our nation and around the world has us working from home for the very first time. Working from home has its own unique set of challenges, as it can be difficult to stay focused on work when you're in an environment that usually triggers your "relax" response.<\/p>\n

Here are seven tips to help keep you on track and focused when working from home:<\/p>\n

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1. Get An Early Start. <\/strong>Just because you're not going into the office doesn't mean you should sleep in until noon. Sticking to a schedule will help you shift into work mode and help you get a good start to the day. Eat a good breakfast, plan your day, enjoy your coffee, and then get to work. Typically, the drive from home to the office serves as a wake-up period and helps you transition into work more. Getting from your comfortable bed and into work mode can be a much harder transition. Wake up at your usual time and decide which project to start on first. This will jumpstart your productivity and set you up for success.<\/li>\n
2. Get Dressed. <\/strong>One of the perks of working from home is that you can work from your pajamas. But just because you can doesn't mean you should. Staying in your comfortable clothes keeps your brain in "home" mode when it needs to be in work mode. Take a shower, shave, do your makeup, and get dressed like you are going into the office. This will make you feel more professional and shift your mindset. When you are dressed, you are also prepared for impromptu conference calls or video chats with your boss or a customer. <\/li>\n
3. Create A Work Space. <\/strong>Normally, when you get to your desk or your office, you have everything you need to have a productive workday. When you work from home, you'll have to create this space. Choose a quiet space in your home or apartment, with a flat space for your computer, a comfortable chair, and easy access to any supplies you may need throughout the day. An area away from the TV or other distractions will help you stay focused, and if you can work near a window and utilize natural light, it may be better for your eyes and your concentration. Your workspace should be functional and designed to make your workday make sense. <\/li>\n
4. Take Breaks. <\/strong>At the office, you probably get up from your desk to have lunch, talk with a coworker, host a meeting, or meet with a client offsite. These breaks are good for mental clarity, focus, creative problem-solving, and decision-making. Give yourself these breaks when you work from home as well. Take a walk, get a workout in, run an errand, or do a chore around the house. Avoid tricking yourself into "just watching one episode" of your favorite show, because we all know how that turns out. Try to find ways to take a break while still being productive, because taking short breaks throughout the day will help keep tasks fresh in your brain and avoid burnout and exhaustion at the end of the day:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
   \n
   • Fold some laundry<\/li>\n
   • Put dishes away<\/li>\n
   • Work on a hobby<\/li>\n
   • Do a small home maintenance task that you've been putting off <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
     \n
     1. Make Phone Calls In The Afternoon.<\/strong> Many professionals who work from home set up a schedule that maximizes their time and helps the flow of their day. Saving phone calls for the afternoon increases your chances of reaching the person you need to talk to, and allows you to complete smaller tasks in the morning. Your brain (and voice) may not be at their best first thing in the morning, so schedule calls for the afternoon when you've had time to wake up.<\/li>\n
     2. Set Boundaries With People At Home.<\/strong> If you have roommates, a spouse, or kids at home while you're working, it is essential to set clear boundaries and expectations for this new normal. If everyone is at home during the week, it can be easy to slip into "weekend mode" and get caught up in conversations and other distractions. Let others know when you need distraction-free work time. It can be harder to convince kids to leave you alone when you need work time, so give yourself (and them) grace and patience as you figure out how to parent and work at the same time. <\/li>\n
     3. Get Creative With Time Management.<\/strong> At the office, the natural flow of the workday helps you figure out how to prioritize your day. You know you have to get specific tasks done before your morning meeting, other things done by lunch, and more responsibilities to address before you leave for the day. Your day is dotted with consistent breaks and markers to help you manage your time. When you work from home, it is easier to lose track of time. Get creative with the ways you manage your time:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
        • Commit to staying focused on a task for as long as it takes for the laundry to go through one cycle. <\/li>\n
        • Play your favorite album and commit to working from the first song to the last before checking social media or taking a break. <\/li>\n
        • Change up the location. Work from your designated workspace for an hour and then treat yourself to a work session on the balcony or down by the community pool.<\/li>\n
        • If you have young kids at home, use their nap time as a way to manage your time. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Remember to be flexible and go easy on yourself as you adjust. Setting a routine will help you be productive from home, but being flexible and willing to adjust the schedule based on your new reality will help you stick to it. <\/p>\n

          People all over the country are suddenly and unexpectedly figuring out how to successfully blend their home lives and work lives together. With a little planning and a little patience, you can maximize your time, meet your goals, and stick to deadlines even when you're not at the office. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          For some, working from home is the norm. For others, this uncertain time in our nation and around the world has us working from home for the very first time. Working from home has its own unique set of challenges, as it can be difficult to stay focused on work when you're in an environment… <\/p>\n

          Read More <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15479,"featured_media":3744,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,1196],"tags":[1242],"class_list":["post-3747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-apartment-living","category-lifehacks","tag-apartment-101"],"metadata":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":["7 Tips For Working Effectively From Home"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["People all over the country are suddenly and unexpectedly figuring out how to successfully blend their home lives and work lives together. With a little planning and a little patience, you can maximize your time, meet your goals, and stick to deadlines even when you're not at the office."],"_yoast_wpseo_metakeywords":[""],"_thumbnail_id":["3744"],"_pingme":["1"],"_wp_old_slug":["tips-for-working-from-home"]},"yoast_head":"\n