Working from home, and being productive, looks different for everyone. Some relish in being able to work from home, and others dread it. Not having a dedicated workspace, having lax boundaries and schedules, as well as feeling isolated from coworkers are the biggest contributors to low productivity levels. The first step to being productive is to set your day right: eat breakfast, change out of your pajamas, and sit up straight.

Dedicate a workspace

Create a dedicated space in your home to work to get into the mindset of “When I’m here, I’m in ‘work mode.’” Avoid that area after work hours or during a downtime. Put away your work tools to keep reminders out of sight—it is important to relax and recharge after work. Having a dedicated spot will prevent intrusion on other housemates’ lives and decrease the amount of distractions. Make your workspace as stress-free and quiet as possible so you can concentrate.

Finding a quiet spot in your house may prove difficult but is necessary. Try noise-cancelling headphones if housemates or the neighbor’s dog is loud and distracting. Soft music combined with natural sounds (waterfalls, rain, or the ocean) can be calming, help you concentrate, and lower blood pressure. If you don’t have a spare room, go to an area that has minimal traffic flow or is away from the main area. The goal is to limit as many distractions as possible to stay productive and on task.

Stick to a routine

Plan out your day and stick to it as much as possible. Try to begin and end work at the same time as you normally would going into the office. Have a set time for small and larger breaks. Our bodies love having a set timed routine (think about how important sleep routines are). Work schedules are important to stay motivated and focused. Maintaining as similar a schedule as you normally helps simplify the amount of decisions you have to make and may prevent a lapse in willpower. Communicate your schedule with housemates, as well as colleagues, to stay accountable and so they know when to rely on you.

Set boundaries

Decide what your work hours will be and stick to it. Treat those hours the same as when you would in the office. Clarify work and non-work activities; reserve personal tasks and chores (dishes, laundry, or vacuuming) for lunch breaks or before/after work. Household chores would not be completed while you’re in the office and can wait until after you log out. Establish strict psychological boundaries as well so you aren’t munching on tempting, albeit unhealthy, snacks. Friends and family (usually) don’t visit you at the office so set and enforce boundaries with loved ones to enforce a distraction-free workday. Ask them to only interrupt you if it is an emergency and remind them that after you’re clocked out of work you are free to connect.

Socialize

Prevent cabin fever by going for a walk or drive outside. Research shows that spending time in nature helps you relax and lower stress levels. Enjoy other areas of your home and leave your workspace after logging off. If you are starting to feel isolated call or video chat a friend or family member. Communicate more than usual with your team to ensure everyone is on the same page still. If your office is small enough, hold weekly office meetings or order the same food and eat at the same time. Working remotely can lead to creative team bonding.

How CourtFunds keeps you productive

With CourtFunds you don’t have to leave your workspace to mail a check. Funds are loaded and distributed remotely for the ease of both the payer and recipient. Everything is done through our digital disbursement solution. We are available 24/7 to help you, no matter what your work schedule looks like so you don’t have to stop working. Your routine, timing, and boundaries don’t have to change.