Working from home is fun. It gives you the liberty to be your own boss. Whether it is about scheduling a Skype call with a colleague or attending a client meeting—everything happens at your convenience.
However, at the same time, there’s always a small window for being undisciplined. You have the choice to get up at noon, postpone an important call, and even to work at midnight!
You might think it’s okay to work like this, but in reality, lack of discipline will rock your professional boat sooner or later!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while working from home so you’re more productive and effective:
1. Commit to a Schedule
Always keep a to-do list to ensure all tasks are completed by the end of the day. Whether you’re submitting a project or attending a conference call, stay focused to finish whatever is on your list.
2. Maintain a Calendar
Meeting a potential client on Friday? Planning to make some calls on Monday? Maintain a list of calls and meetings on your calendar. Don’t rely on your memory!
3. Stick to Office Hours
Whether it is nine-to-six or ten-to-seven, set and follow regular office hours. Structure your day to maximize efficiency at work. Then, try to leave your ‘office’ at the scheduled time to recharge and spend quality time with your family.
4. Dress for the Office
Working in your pajamas? That’s a big no-no! Get up on time, dress casually, and even wear some makeup! Behave as if you’re going to work. Set a professional mood in your house just as you would in any professional office.
5. Take Limited Breaks
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you can take a break whenever you feel like it. Don’t do it! Assign yourself a lunch break and then another break later in the day. Don’t over-reward yourself or you won’t finish everything on your daily to-do list!
6. Create a Proper Workstation
Don’t slouch on the couch or sit on the bed to work. If you really want to be productive, set up a proper table and a chair. Set aside one corner or room of your house for your office.
It can be challenging to effectively work from home. Therefore, it’s up to you to create an environment that not only offers ample space to carry out all of your work activities at your own pace but also gives you work-life balance and job satisfaction.
Asavari Sharma
Asavari is a copywriter and marketer specializing in content creation, social media, and inbound marketing for multiple industries such as outsourcing/offshoring, eCommerce, SaaS, CX, and finance. She currently heads the content division at Think Little Big, a UK-based marketing agency, where she writes content for corporate blogs, landing pages, email newsletters, guides and eBooks, and microcopy for social media. As of today, she has bylines in MarketingProfs, E27.co, Thrive Global, SmallBizDaily, The Times Group, and The Indian Express, among others, and has helped 72+ businesses boost their online visibility with the power of content.
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