Here at Presented, we are a team of 12 and we all work from home. We did this EVEN before the recent pandemic. So we had a brainstorm to come up with work from home focus tips that we’ve found useful for us.
Separate your work space from your living space
Have a clearly defined work area, even if it is not a desk but a spot at the kitchen table – “this is where I work”. Keep this space uncluttered while you are working.
Get dressed
Outside of the office environment there is no need to dress formally, but getting dressed at the start of the day signals you are ready to get going. We recommend no pyjamas, sorry.
Be comfortable
A good set up when you work from home is definitely important! Invest in a comfortable chair… sitting on the sofa with your laptop on your knee is only comfortable for a short amount of time. Make sure that when you are seated you are in a good position with the monitor in a straight line with your eyes, get a monitor stand if you need to. Natural light is much better than artificial light so set up your workspace somewhere with plenty of natural light. Oh and stay hydrated people.
Remember to take breaks
It’s easy to get so engrossed in what you are doing that you forget to take breaks, just because you are at home doesn’t mean you don’t need to stretch your legs or give your eyes a screen break. Use a timer like “pomodoro” to help remind you to move.
Get outside
Cabin fever can be a problem for the work-at-homers, so, get outside and get some exercise at least once a day. Even taking a quick walk around the block or changing into different clothes at the end of the day will help create a psychological shift between work and life.
Communicate
Being at home means no watercooler chats and so it can feel quite isolated. Make sure you have regular chats with your co-workers! We also have a buddy system to remind us to check in with each other beyond the usual work friendships too.
Be strict with your time
Schedule your time: use a planner for your work with deadlines so you can see when you need to get things done. Find ways of speeding up your workflow, check out this blog post on the Quick Access Toolbar. Avoid working longer hours than necessary. It can be tempting with your computer right there to carry on working, so be strict with yourself on this, say goodbye to your co-workers and sign off.
Enjoy!
Remember, you get to choose the music and can eat smelly food whenever you like without upsetting others. It’s the little things!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I create an effective workspace at home?
One of the key work from home focus tips we recommend is to separate your workspace from your living space. Even if it’s just a specific spot at your kitchen table, having a clearly defined work area can help signal that it’s time to focus. Make sure this space is uncluttered and dedicated solely to work during your working hours.
What should I wear when working from home to stay focused?
Among our work from home focus tips, getting dressed at the start of your day is crucial. While there’s no need for formal office attire, changing out of pyjamas and into something comfortable yet presentable can help set a professional tone and prepare your mind for a productive day.
How can I stay comfortable while working from home for long periods?
Comfort is key for maintaining focus and productivity. One of our top work from home focus tips is to invest in a comfortable chair and ensure your monitor is at eye level, possibly with a monitor stand. Natural light is preferable, so position your workspace near a window if possible, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.
How can I avoid feeling isolated while working from home?
Communication is vital to prevent feelings of isolation. One of our work from home focus tips is to schedule regular chats with your co-workers. Consider implementing a buddy system to encourage check-ins beyond just work-related conversations. This helps maintain a sense of camaraderie and support among your team.
