October 15, 2021

10 Easy Work From Home Tips

Over the last year, remote work became the norm for many people and employers found that their workers embraced it wholeheartedly. People love having the flexibility and comfort that working from home offers. While working from the living room, bedroom, or home office has many perks, it can also have its challenges. Some of the pitfalls of working from home include:

  • Increased distractions
  • Difficulty communicating with colleagues
  • Feelings of isolation
  • Longer hours
  • Increased stress

If you find yourself struggling with any of these issues, you are not alone. Many folks who have switched to remote work have discovered that it’s not as easy as they thought it would be. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of work from home best practices to help you achieve maximum productivity.

10 Tips for Working Remotely

When working from home, distractions abound, and there’s less accountability. To counteract this, here are ten easy tips on how to be more productive working from home.

1. Set a Space Aside for Work

First, it helps to have a space set aside exclusively for work. That can be a dedicated home office, a desk in your bedroom, the public library, or a co-working space, to name a few examples. Wherever you go, it should be a comfortable place with no distractions. Also, it’s important to keep this space organized since clutter can reduce your ability to process information.

2. Get All Needed Tech Together

Spend some time gathering all the tools you will need, including technology. Make sure you have reliable high-speed internet, a computer, and a phone you can use for work. You may need to have some apps installed to facilitate communication and collaboration with other team members.

3. Set Ground Rules

Among the most common distractions remote workers face are those introduced by family members and others who might interrupt you during working hours. Setting some ground rules and limits can help, as can having others watch your kids or pets while you’re on the clock.

4. Be Presentable

When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to work in your pajamas. In general, that isn’t the greatest idea. Taking the time to shower and take care of other forms of personal grooming sends a signal to your mind that it’s time to work. This can help you be more productive.

5. Take Routine Breaks

During a normal workday in an office, you’d have regular breaks for lunch, using the restroom, grabbing some coffee, etc. Somehow, when we work from home, it’s easy to overlook those types of breaks. Planning breaks can help you avoid burnout and be more productive.

6. Caffeine Naps

During one of those breaks, it might be productive to take a quick 20-minute nap. To make sure you keep it to 20 minutes (and don’t dip into REM sleep), try drinking some coffee or another caffeinated beverage first. It usually takes 20 minutes for it to kick in, and studies show caffeine naps have positive results on alertness.

7. Make a Schedule

Recent studies reveal that 42% of people feel that working from home leads to working longer hours. Effective time management can combat that. Create a consistent work schedule and stick to it. You’ll create a habit of productivity while also keeping yourself more accountable.

8. Be Clear on Responsibilities

When discussing projects with colleagues, make sure you’re clear on everyone’s responsibilities. Overcommunicate information during meetings to minimize the need for follow-up. When everyone knows exactly what they’re supposed to do, it’s easier to be productive.

9. Plan Time to Be Social

One of the challenges of working from home is a sense of isolation. You don’t have chance encounters with coworkers, so you’ll need to plan for social interactions. Even something as simple as getting lunch or going for a walk with others can help you minimize stress and avoid burnout.

10. Take Care of Your Health

Finally, take care of your health. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy food, and exercise regularly. Mental health is also important. Try meditation or other relaxation techniques to manage your stress effectively.

Find Your Ideal Home Office at Pecan Square by Hillwood

Location can make a big difference when it comes to working remotely. Our tech-forward master-planned community at Pecan Square by Hillwood in Northlake, TX offers an ideal setting for those who work remotely. Pecan Square homeowners enjoy these great benefits:

  • Smart home capabilities built into every home as part of our Canopy technology package
  • An on-site co-working space with numerous conveniences and networking opportunities
  • Our award-winning lifestyle program which can help you get to know your neighbors
  • Amenities like a shimmering pool, gathering spaces, playgrounds, sports courts, and more!
  • Proximity to Denton, Dallas and Fort Worth for big city access

To learn more about Pecan Square by Hillwood and our amenities, visit us at The Greeting House or take a virtual tour today!