Entrepreneurs often run home based businesses and with a home based business, comes a home office. Working from home is great, whether you work for yourself or someone else. Unfortunately many people struggle with being productive while working from home. Productivity however is something we can all achieve if we simply apply ourselves. Here are 5 tips for working from effectively
- Have a designated workspace
Having a designated workspace will make it easier to focus on work and avoid distractions at home. Whether you have a desk or a fully functional office room, always make sure you separate your professional and personal spaces.
- Schedule working hours
Every office has hours of operation and your home office shouldn’t be an exception. In order to work effectively set working hours for yourself and keep to a daily schedule. Whether you’re working 9-5, 10-6 or 7-3 always make sure you get in a full day’s worth of work. You should also implement a daily schedule of tasks you wish to complete within the day. This will help you keep on track and up to date with deadlines and deliverables.
- Get dressed
Ever heard of the saying dress for the job you want? Getting dressed for work is a great way to motivate yourself to be more productive at home. Although it’s tempting to spend the day in lounge wear while working from home, being too comfortable doesn’t help with productivity. When people look good they feel good and are more motivated to work hard and be more effective.
- Get out
Spending too much time inside is never a good thing. Make it a point to get out of your home office at least once a day. Whether it’s for a meeting with a client or colleague or a quick coffee run. A change of scenery is always a great productivity booster. If your office consists of just your laptop you can even opt to work at a coffee shop a few days of the week.
- Take breaks
Down time is an integral part of productivity, so don’t forget to give yourself a break. After all people who work at conventional workplaces often take coffee and lunch breaks. Try to avoid eating your lunch at your desk, step away and take a breather. This will allow you to regroup and collect your thoughts before you get down to work again. However make sure you structure your breaks and be vigilant about how much time you spend on each break.
