Work From Home Productivity: 7 Essential Tips & Tools for Success

Remote work has become a prominent part of the modern workplace. To thrive in this environment, it’s essential to develop effective strategies for staying productive and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This guide explores essential Work From Home Productivity tips and tools to help you maximize your productivity while working from home.

How You Can Adapt to Remote Work Culture

Adapting to a remote work culture requires a combination of self-discipline, effective communication, and a supportive work environment.

Apply for the right jobs

There are many, many industries that are adapting to remote work and building strong distributed teams. Whatever your area of expertise, there are options out there. Look for companies that already hire remotely as standard. They tend to be more flexible and will be able to help you adapt to the new workplace — aka, your home.

Embrace your surroundings…

You might be thinking that not having your work desk and the computer is a giant setback. Yet here’s the thing: what happens when you begin looking at it from another angle? It is true that at home you might not have the same workspace that you’d prefer, but what you do have at your disposal is comfort – so use it to your advantage!

Spend time with your loved ones, your pets, and find a spot that works for you. Maybe that place by the window? A cranny or nook in the kitchen? Make sure to be as connected to who’s around you as you are with who’s away.

…But set some ground rules

Though it’s awesome to be close to your loved ones, sometimes you need to have a good talk to ensure everyone’s on the same page. Whether it’s a roommate, partner, or child, communicate your needs – like keeping noize levels down.
If kids are involved, maybe you can negotiate shifts with your partner so that both of you get at least a couple of hours of uninterrupted work done. And, too much TV might be a good thing for now.

Forget about playing dress-up

Getting dressed as if it’s a regular workday may be helpful to some, but it’s not for everyone. If it makes you feel good, then great. If you don’t, there’s no problem staying in comfy clothes if they’ll make you feel better and more productive. If that’s not enough to motivate you, think of the time (and cash) you’ll save!

Chat with your coworkers

Video chatting is a great tool for making sure the whole team gets things done. Just don’t forget you can also use this for much much more. Have a daily (or weekly) happy hour where you talk about your lives and hobbies to unwind. Strike up a chat about that Star Wars Funko Pop you see on the background of a colleague’s camera.

Stick to a schedule

One of the benefits of working from home is creating your own schedule. Take it from us: although Ubiminders stick to the customer’s working hours, not having to commute has added extra flexibility for those of us that used offices.

Be aware that that can be a massive drawback if you don’t commit. Don’t let the lines between your work and personal life blur. Set working hours and time-off to add a little structure to your day. Besides, setting a time to unplug can motivate you to finish all your tasks on time.

Boost that playlist

While some enjoy working in complete silence, others need some tunes to help them be more productive. The sound of silence can be quite loud sometimes. If you’re feeling alone, listen to some music! Apple Music, Spotify, and other music streaming apps have tons of playlists that can help.

Set realistic expectations

In the same way, some people are more productive when working from home, others might find it difficult to juggle work and life tasks at the same time. Since we know multitasking is a myth, we suggest you prioritize what’s most important vs. what can wait. Don’t expect to work at your normal capacity and don’t be too hard on yourself: these are daunting times. Still, we will make it through.

Stay healthy

Self-care might as well be the word of the decade. As the years go by, all of us are realizing how important taking care of ourselves is to function properly as a person in the world. So even though you might spend the day typing in front of a computer, don’t forget to meditate, exercise, and turn off your brain for a sec.

Companies that promote a remote-first culture expect team members to be reliable, proactive, and effective. There’s no room for micromanagement.

6 Work From Home Tips: Guide to Get (Sh)It Done

To thrive in this new normal, it’s essential to go beyond the conventional tips and embrace unconventional approaches.

#1 Create a Dedicated Workspace

Designate a specific area for work, free from distractions. Personalize your space to make it inviting and conducive to productivity.

• Designate a specific area: Choose a quiet and comfortable space for your home office.
• Minimize distractions: Eliminate clutter and distractions to maintain focus.
• Personalize your space: Make your workspace inviting to boost motivation.

#2 Establish a Routine

Turn work into a fun challenge by gamifying your tasks. Set goals, track progress, and reward yourself for achievements.

• Set a daily schedule: Create a consistent daily routine to structure your workday.
• Stick to a schedule: Adhere to your schedule as closely as possible to maintain discipline.
• Take regular breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.

#3 Utilize Productivity Tools

• Time management apps: Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Todoist to organize tasks and track progress.
• Communication tools: Leverage platforms like Slack, Teams, or Zoom for effective collaboration.
• Note-taking apps: Employ tools like Evernote or OneNote to capture ideas and notes.

#4 Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

The Pomodoro Technique involves working in focused 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks. This technique can boost productivity and prevent burnout.

• Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time.
• Limit distractions: Minimize social media and excessive screen time.
• Prioritize self-care: Take care of your physical and mental health through exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep.

#5 Stay Connected and Collaborative

Use creative virtual backgrounds during video calls to add a touch of personality and fun to your remote interactions.

• Virtual team meetings: Use video conferencing tools to maintain regular communication with colleagues.
• Networking opportunities: Participate in online events and communities to connect with others.
• Build relationships: Foster strong relationships with your team members to create a supportive environment.

#6 Combat Distractions While Working From Home

Invest in quality noise-canceling headphones to block out distractions and create a focused environment.

• Identify and eliminate distractions: Pinpoint common distractions and take steps to minimize them.
• Use productivity techniques: Implement techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to improve focus and concentration.
• Create a distraction-free environment: Consider using noise-canceling headphones or finding a quiet space to work.

Additional Tips

Need more?

• Experiment with different techniques: Try different productivity strategies to find what works best for you.
• Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues, friends, or family for support and encouragement.
• Celebrate your achievements: Acknowledge your accomplishments and reward yourself for your hard work.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your productivity and create a fulfilling remote work experience. Remember, finding what works best for you is key to success!

Productivity Tools You Can Leverage

Tech is here to help you streamline your workflow, improve efficiency, and stay organized in your remote work environment.

• Time management apps: Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Todoist to organize tasks and track progress.
• Communication tools: Leverage platforms like Slack, Teams, or Zoom for effective collaboration.
• Note-taking apps: Employ tools like Evernote or OneNote to capture ideas and notes.
• Project management tools: Utilize tools like Jira or Asana to manage complex projects and track progress.
• Task management apps: Employ tools like Todoist or Wunderlist to create task lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks.
• Calendar apps: Use tools like Google Calendar or Outlook to schedule meetings, appointments, and deadlines.
• Mind mapping tools: Utilize tools like MindMeister or XMind to visualize ideas and brainstorm.
• Time tracking tools: Employ tools like Toggl or RescueTime to track time spent on different tasks.

FAQ: Work From Home Productivity

General Questions

• What are the benefits of working from home?
  Increased flexibility, improved work-life balance, cost savings, and potentially higher productivity.
• How can I stay motivated while working from home?
  Set clear goals, create a routine, take regular breaks, and reward yourself for accomplishments.
• What are some essential tools for remote workers?
  Consider using productivity apps, communication tools, and video conferencing software.

Specific Tips

• How can I create a productive home workspace?
  Designate a specific area, minimize distractions, and personalize your space.
• How do I stay focused while working from home?
  Set clear boundaries, avoid multitasking, and use productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique.
• What should I do if I’m feeling overwhelmed while working from home?
  Take breaks, practice self-care, and reach out to colleagues or friends for support.

Collaboration and Communication

• How can I maintain effective communication with my team while working remotely?
  Use video conferencing tools, schedule regular check-ins, and leverage communication platforms.
• How can I build strong relationships with my remote colleagues?
  Participate in virtual team-building activities, share personal updates, and foster a sense of community.

Scheila Farias Silveira

International Marketing Leader, specialized in tech. Proud to have built marketing and business generation structures for some of the fastest-growing SaaS companies on both sides of the Atlantic (UK, DACH, Iberia, LatAm, and NorthAm). Big fan of motherhood, world music, marketing, and backpacking. A little bit nerdy too!