Even though in recent years, working from home was becoming more accepted and many people were balancing their week by working a couple days at home with a couple days at the office — now, it’s the new norm and could be for some time to come. So if you’re one of those “lucky” people who get to now work remotely — how’s that going for you? Is it a dream come true? Are you struggling to stay focused? Do you have little ones at home who are making it challenging? Are you missing the interaction with people or having lunch with coworkers? 

I’ve been doing this for the last six + years, and also did this for about 6 months in 2008 with a 3 year old at home and while circumstances were different then — the struggle was definitely still there. My advice a few months ago, however, would be very different than it would be for our current situation. So this is more of a guide on how to do the best you can under these conditions. 

1. Staying Focused

Now, I’ll admit when I first started out I thought — “This is fantastic! I can work when I want! I can get housework done in between projects, save money by eating at home, start work early or sleep in, talk a walk in the middle of a nice day, take a nap…” (oh yeah, not with a three year old…forget that). All that was fine at the time because I hadn’t accumulated the workload that I have now and like most of you - you’re a full-time employee so there is probably plenty of work to do. In any case, sitting at home your mind will wander because you’re accustomed to it being the place you relax, have fun or attend to other chores. The problem is that your brain is confused. This is why it’s important to designate work hours. Keeping your normal routine during the week is critical to prep your body for work-mode. Set up a designated area to work if you don’t have a home office - many people use the dining table. Set it up like a desk though - have your pens, notepad, file folders (I personally like to have a candle as well - just to relax and make this a more enjoyable environment.) Turn on your music - headphones are even better for focusing if you don’t have to listen for little ones. 

2. Setting a Schedule

Calendar blocking is key. (Search that on YouTube.) If you have multiple tasks during the day, set up a calendar assigning each task a timeframe and if you want flexibility, add in 10 minutes to check on laundry, but don’t take random breaks to walk the dog no matter how nice it is (save that for lunchtime). And YES, schedule lunchtime - it’s important. It’s too easy to skip once you get into work-mode. It is also important to get up and move but just do so in shorter bursts - schedule those too as a reminder. If you have little ones, I know a schedule becomes more difficult. I used to work during nap time and made my employer aware of my intended “schedule”. I’d get up early and work a couple hours and when my son took his mid-morning nap, I’d work again until about lunch time. (Basically I’d work in 2 hour shifts or whenever possible). Then when my husband got home from work, I’d work another 2-3 hours…but the key was a schedule to base it off of. It wasn’t always perfect but kids will adapt to routines so it does help. Right now, if you and your husband/wife are both home, sharing this time throughout the day will help as well (especially if you have conference calls!). If you’re a single parent I know this is more difficult - even when daycares are open - you may not feel comfortable bringing them. If you’re kid-free (or at least have older kids) - the only distraction is yourself - and maybe prodding your kids along on the home school routine. I know I have to take breaks to check in with my son as well. If necessary - schedule that time too as a reminder.

3. Emails, Calls and Instant Messages

While it’s good to be responsive, you are going to be inundated with emails, calls and instant messages maybe even more so than the casual person stopping by your desk at the office. The key is to set time for checking them (if your projects require head-down concentration to complete and customer support isn’t your job). Don’t feel obligated to pick up every phone call - it could derail you for much longer than planned. You can call them back when you’re done with the task at hand. While I’ve been guilty of this myself, answering emails as soon as they come is just training the person sending them that you will respond right away whenever they send you something. So when you don’t respond right away - they think there is something wrong. Restrain yourself ESPECIALLY after hours. If you want people to know that they can reach out to you in an emergency - tell them to put URGENT in the subject. I usually make sure to take the time between projects to check emails, add requests to my to do list with a due date/time. As far as instant messages…those are the arch enemy of productivity and the equivalent of that person who stops at your desk to chat for 30 minutes… resist to temptation to answer. It’s hard, but treat it like an email - you’ll respond when you can take a break. 

4. Eliminate Other Distractions

If you want to end your day at a reasonable time, don’t waste work hours on social media. Every time you stop, it takes more time to get back into work mode and then all those things on your nicely plotted out calendar are now pushed over until well after dinnertime. Just turn off notifications… you can wish Aunt Rita a Happy Birthday at lunchtime or when work is done. 

5. What if You’re Not Busy?

It happens! Maybe it’s a slow day of work… you have time to walk the dog, clean the house, watch a movie, take a nap… NOPE - don’t give in. These habits will make the real work days seem harder when you are busy. Instead, take this time to learn something that will improve your skills. I’ve taken classes on Udemy for various new programs or just to learn new tricks to ones I’ve used for years. (Your company may even pay for it! It doesn’t hurt to ask.) If you create PPT presentations - there are plenty of YouTube videos on how to make better presentations, you can find a new app that helps you organize projects or complete other tasks more efficiently — whatever it is that will help you be better at what you do. Treat this time as work on YOU. It benefits the business and helps you build a skill set that could get you a raise or promotion (ahem…or a new job - just sayin’). If you’re a consultant - it will only help you expand your services to others so why not! 

6. Ending the Work Day

The hardest thing for some people who work at home is separating work from play or, well, home-work. The most important thing is to have an end of the day routine at a designated cut-off time. Plan out the next days schedule, go through what you accomplished that day - track project time if necessary and then put your work space away (if it happens to be the dining room table). Work is DONE. It is important because it’s so easy to let one blend into the other - I’ve done this. It’s not good. That’s how you get burnt out and mistakes happen. You are likely to be more productive when you are rested, happy and motivated. 

If there is any other challenge you’d like to run by me, leave a comment below! Thanks for checking out this post - Stay safe!