How to Stay Productive When Working from Home
Working from home sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? No commute, no office distractions, and the ability to work in your pyjamas if you really want to (though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it... elasticated waistbands are a slippery slope!). But anyone who has tried it knows it’s not all coffee breaks and comfy chairs. Staying productive can be a real challenge. ☕😅
As a virtual assistant, I work remotely every day, supporting busy business owners who often struggle to juggle their workload. So, if you find yourself easily distracted, overwhelmed, or just not as productive as you’d like, here are some of my tried-and-tested ways to boost your efficiency while working from home. 🏡✨
1. Establish a Consistent Routine ⏰
One of the biggest perks of working from home is flexibility, but that doesn’t mean you should be working at all hours of the day and night (unless you fancy burnout as a hobby). Having a consistent routine helps create structure, improves focus, and ensures you’re making the most of your time.
Start by setting clear work hours... just like you would in an office. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, pick a schedule that works for you and stick to it. And don’t forget to include a proper lunch break (grabbing a biscuit on the way to your next Zoom call doesn’t count - neither does eating an entire pack in one go, trust me). 🍪
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace 🖥️
It’s tempting to work from the sofa or even bed, but these spaces are for relaxing, not tackling your to-do list. Having a designated workspace helps signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.
You don’t need a fancy home office... just a small, quiet corner with a proper desk and chair will do. Make it comfortable, free from distractions, and ideally, separate from where you unwind at the end of the day. Bonus points if it’s not within arm’s reach of the fridge. 🚪😆
3. Set Clear Boundaries 🚧
One of the biggest challenges of working from home? Other people assuming you’re “free” just because you’re at home. Whether it’s family, housemates, or even well-meaning friends, interruptions can seriously disrupt your flow.
Be clear about your work hours and set expectations. If you have kids, consider using a visual cue - like a sign on the door so they know when you’re busy. For everyone else, a polite but firm “I’ll call you back after work” does the trick (or just ignore the doorbell and pretend you’re out... no judgement here!). 📵
4. Use Productivity Techniques ✅
Ever heard of the 60-second rule? If a task takes less than a minute to complete, do it straight away. This small habit helps reduce procrastination and prevents minor tasks from piling up.
Another great technique is the Pomodoro Method—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. These short bursts of focused work can significantly improve concentration and efficiency. Just be careful not to let your “quick break” turn into a two-hour deep dive into TikTok. 📱😜
5. Take Regular Breaks 🌿
Speaking of breaks, they’re essential. Sitting at your desk for hours on end isn’t just bad for productivity—it’s bad for your health too. Make sure to step away from your screen every so often, stretch, and get some fresh air.
A quick walk, a few minutes of deep breathing, or even just making a proper cup of tea ☕ can help reset your focus and prevent burnout. And yes, making a proper cup of tea is a valid productivity strategy.
6. Leverage Technology & Tools 🛠️
There are countless apps and tools designed to make working from home easier. Here are a few favourites:
- Trello or Asana – for organising tasks and projects.
- Google Calendar – for scheduling meetings and time-blocking.
- Grammarly – for catching typos and improving writing.
- Slack or Microsoft Teams – for staying connected with your team.
Using the right tools can make a huge difference in keeping you on track and managing your workload efficiently (though sadly, no app exists yet to stop you from getting distracted by online shopping). 🛍️
7. Maintain Social Connections 👥
Remote work can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re used to an office environment. Make an effort to stay connected with colleagues, clients, or other freelancers.
Schedule virtual coffee chats, join online communities, or simply check in with people regularly. A little social interaction goes a long way in boosting morale. Plus, it’s nice to have someone to talk to other than your pet (though they do make excellent listeners). 🐶🐱
8. Prioritise Self-Care 💆♀️
Productivity isn’t just about ticking off tasks; it’s also about looking after yourself. A well-rested, well-fed, and happy you will always get more done than a burnt-out, sleep-deprived version.
Eat nourishing meals, move your body, and get enough sleep. And remember, just because you work from home doesn’t mean you should be working all the time. It's so so important to make space for hobbies and relaxation too! Even if that hobby is perfecting the art of the afternoon nap. 😴
Final Thoughts 💡
Working from home can be incredibly rewarding, but it takes a bit of effort to stay productive. By creating a routine, setting boundaries, using productivity techniques, and taking care of yourself, you can make remote work work for you.
If you’re a busy business owner feeling overwhelmed with your to-do list, a virtual assistant (like me! 😊) can help lighten the load. From inbox management to social media support, I take care of the admin so you can focus on growing your business.
Need a hand? Contact me on LinkedIn, or get in touch on my website.
Julia