There's construction outside your living room window, your two-year-old is crying and the dog won't stop barking. While distractions at home can keep you from doing daily tasks, they get even more irritating if you're trying to work.
More than 26,000 senior managers and business owners in 90 countries said about 50 per cent of their employees work from home at least half of the week, according to a recent study by Regus. The study found that despite generally positive attitudes about the idea of working from your couch, 54 per cent of respondents said managers were worried about how they spend their time at home.
“Most of the problems arise from people’s perceptions of remote working rather than the practicalities,” says Wes Lenci, vice president of Regus Canada. “Remote working, by its very nature, means that much of a person’s best work will be performed unseen, whereas errors will still have consequences and be hard to conceal.”
Earlier this year, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer banned employees from working from home, arguing that to be productive, workers should be able to communicate freely and work side-by-side.
But we get it, distractions are everywhere. Whether you're snuggling with your laptop in bed or attempting to work out of a makeshift office, here are 10 ways to be a productive employee from home.
Are you more productive in the office or at home? Let us know in the comments below.
How To Work Productively At Home
Keep Lines Of Communication Open(01 of10)
Open Image ModalMaintaining regular contact with colleagues and managers will keep you not only productive but also up to date on any changes at the office or with workflow. A recent Regus survey found that 54 per cent of respondents reported their managers were worried about how remote workers would spend their time at home. To avoid trust issues, make sure you check-in using all forms of communication — this means moving beyond phone and email, to instant messenger and video conferencing. (credit:Shutterstock)
Get Yourself A Routine(02 of10)
Open Image ModalSometimes, working from home can lead to working around the clock. Set blocks of time for work and stick to that schedule — avoid getting distracted by your family, pets or television. Sticking to your timetable will reduce the chance of burnout and boost your productivity. (credit:Shutterstock)
Set Some Parameters -- This Is Your Space(03 of10)
Open Image ModalYou wouldn't let your partner hang out in your cubicle, right? The same rules go for your home "office." Set rules with family and friends and let them know when you are available. You may not be going into a psychical office, but you're still expected to meet your obligations from managers. (credit:Shutterstock)
Remember, Limit Distractions(04 of10)
Open Image ModalHire a babysitter, drop your kids off at daycare or see if you can keep them busy with games or activities as you work. Remember, by eliminating your commute, you have more time to spend with your family afterwards. (credit:Shutterstock)
Avoid Isolation(05 of10)
Open Image ModalFeeling out of touch? Miss the workplace banter? One of the downsides of working from home is missing your colleagues. Leave your home office and drop in once in a while -- it may be good to see familiar faces. (credit:Shutterstock)
Maintain Credibility(06 of10)
Open Image ModalIf you're meeting with professionals from home or over the phone, making the right impression is important. So if your TV is playing loudly in the background, it isn’t going to convince your employer or clients you are hard at work. To avoid this, work with your employer to establish ways of hosting meetings outside of the home office. (credit:Shutterstock)
Minimize Distractions(07 of10)
Open Image ModalThe kitchen table should not serve as your office. Carve out a workspace in your home that is clutter-free and dedicated solely for work. (credit:Shutterstock)
Remember To Unplug(08 of10)
Open Image ModalForty-eight per cent of Regus survey respondents said that remote working helped them unplug in the evening. Remote working doesn’t mean that you are chained to your devices 24/7 to prove that you are actually working. In fact, most remote workers are more productive than their office-bound counterparts. Remember to keep this balance. (credit:Shutterstock)
Take A Break(09 of10)
Open Image ModalIf you were in the office, you would make time for lunch or coffee with co-workers. When working from home, don’t feel guilty about walking away from your computer, going for a walk, or meeting a friend for a quick bite. (credit:Shutterstock)
Be Your Own IT Person (Kind Of)(10 of10)
Open Image ModalWith freedom comes responsibility. No one is going to run to the office supplies store for you. You must have the technical tools such as fast and reliable Internet access, office supplies and equipment to be fully prepared to focus on work. In other words, pick up some tech-savvy tips from IT workers at your office and save them in a document. (credit:Shutterstock)