Even as many states are opening back up, office culture seems like it may never return to “normal”. For offices that are reopening, face masks and temperature checks seem to be here to stay. Remote work has become more accepted and even encouraged as some offices are going to stay closed. Working from home is great for many reasons; no commute, allows for more family time and you can wear pajama pants. It does come with its challenges, though. Productivity often suffers as there are many distractions at home and it can feel less like an actual workday. Below we have compiled some tips to help you stay productive while working from home. 

Keep a regular schedule  

• Maintaining a schedule can help immensely with time management. Home comes with many distractions like doing laundry, making meals, entertaining your kids and so on. Keeping a schedule can help designate certain times that you will be focused on work, and other times that you will give your attention to other things. It is very difficult to multitask, so the chances that you will successfully complete a project while simultaneously doing a load of laundry is low. Let yourself focus on one thing at a time. 

Designate a specific work space 

• Give yourself a makeshift office! Even if it is just the kitchen table or a corner of a room, keeping all of your work stuff in one place will help increase your productivity. It will reduce the time you are walking around looking for things and let you focus on your actual work. If you are in need of a desk, check local Facebook pages or yard sales! Many people have been cleaning out their houses during quarantine so take advantage of inexpensive, second-hand furniture. 

Start a to-do list 

• A to-do list is a great way to hold you accountable for the things you have to get done in a day. Whether digital or on paper, it is helpful to jot down things that you need to get done later. As we’ve discussed, working home comes with many distractions so keeping a list can help you to make sure you are accomplishing everything you need to, even if you have to step away for a couple of hours. 

Determine when you are most productive 

• If you do not have to be on calls most of the day, working from home gives you the freedom to work when you please. Find out the time of day that you are most productive. Is it early in the morning with a cup of coffee? While the kids are napping or after they go to bed? Figure it out for yourself and schedule your work day during those times. 

We hope this was helpful! Working from home every day can be a be a big adjustment so cut yourself some slack, you’re doing great!