{"id":34738,"date":"2015-08-10T16:19:08","date_gmt":"2015-08-11T00:19:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=34738"},"modified":"2015-08-11T21:47:39","modified_gmt":"2015-08-12T05:47:39","slug":"10-tips-maximum-productivity-working-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/10-tips-maximum-productivity-working-home\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips For Maximum Productivity When Working From Home"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Some people love working from home, and say without hesitation it\u2019s the best perk about their job. You\u2019re in your comfy slippers, in familiar surroundings with a fridge full of food only steps away, and annoying Ted from accounts is no where to be seen.<\/p>\n

Whilst for some this can be their idea of bliss, for others working from home can almost be as stressful as a central London commute the day after the Christmas break. With distractions ahoy, working from home can quickly turn from a dream into a nightmare, and a very lonely one at that.<\/p>\n

Before you start your daily onslaught of emails and tasks, make yourself a cup of tea and read through our list to ensure you get a good day\u2019s work done. It might just make your day!<\/p>\n

Tip no. 1<\/strong>: You\u2019re there to work, not to relax<\/strong><\/p>\n

When working from home it can be tough not to confuse your relaxation space with your work space. Combat the confusion by creating a working environment that\u2019s free from daily clutter, and only has the tools you\u2019ll need for your working day. Spend some time creating a workspace you enjoy.<\/p>\n

Tip no. 2: Stick to your working day hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

Set out your working hours and be clear that they are only for working. This also rings true for when it\u2019s time to shut up shop, otherwise your \u2018working day\u2019 becomes blurred and you are doing overtime without realizing. Working late into the night when you\u2019ve already completed a full day, or not starting your morning on time because you\u2019ve become distracted can quickly become detrimental to your productivity, so create a \u2018time routine\u2019 that matches the requirements of your contract.<\/p>\n

Tip no. 3: Dress for work<\/strong><\/p>\n

When at home it\u2019s easy to think that you can stay in your onesie all day, but in reality doing so can make tip no. 1 become obsolete! Yes, make sure you\u2019re comfortable, but too comfortable can make you think you\u2019re there to relax, and not to work. Always dress for the day as if your client might drop in on you at any moment (so make sure you brush your hair!).<\/p>\n

Tip no. 4: Turn off social networking<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unless you need it for work, switch off your social networking sites as there\u2019s no need to be using it otherwise. The same rings true for notifications – it\u2019s a distraction which you do not need (even if you think you want it). If you do need to use social media for work, tools such as Hootsuite<\/a> can help you schedule activity in one hit, so you know it\u2019s off your \u2018to-do\u2019 list.<\/p>\n

Tip no. 5: Create your own ambiance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Only you know how you work best, be it by listening to music, burning scented candles, or having small snacks, make sure you do what\u2019s best for you when creating a positive ambiance for your own productivity.<\/p>\n

Tip no. 6: Flex and stretch<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s so easy to sit at your desk all day and not realise that the hours have passed by. One great bonus of working from home is that you can stop at any point, and do some stretches to keep you feeling in tip top condition! Make sure you look after yourself by doing some basic stretches<\/a> every couple of hours, and by letting in some fresh air.<\/p>\n

Tip no. 7: Keep neat and tidy<\/strong><\/p>\n

A tidy desk<\/a> will inevitably mean a tidy mind, so make sure it\u2019s clutter free and a welcoming place to work. One great tip is to only have the bit of paper you\u2019re working on in front of you, ensuring that the task in hand is literally just that!<\/p>\n

Tip no. 8: To do lists<\/strong><\/p>\n

What\u2019s on today\u2019s agenda? Have you achieved it by the end of the day? If the answer is no, ask yourself if it\u2019s because you\u2019re too distracted when working from home. Here\u2019s a free to-do list time management set of software<\/a> that\u2019s guaranteed to help keep you on track.<\/p>\n

Tip no. 9: Keep out! Contractor at work<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whilst we love our families or housemates, sometimes having them in the house whilst you\u2019re working can be the biggest distraction there is. Make sure they understand and respect your working day, and try to leave you in peace when you\u2019re working. Be sure though to make time for them during your breaks, so that you don\u2019t feel isolated when working.<\/p>\n

Tip 10: Embrace all it has to offer!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Working from home can mean greater life\/work flexibility, so enjoy the advantages it brings! Walk your dog at lunch, order that impossible package that can only be delivered during work hours, and give your children or hobby your would-be commuter time. However you work best from home, make sure that your productivity is at the forefront of everything you do.<\/p>\n

And remember, working from home can be fantastic, but isn\u2019t always for everyone. You may have gone into contracting for a better work\/life balance, so make sure you\u2019re getting what you want and deserve from your working day.<\/p>\n

At Intouch, we have also compiled a list of resources and support that will help make life just a bit easier. Contractor Toolbox – don\u2019t let Limited limit your success<\/a> highlights some excellent networking, technology and professional tools.<\/p>\n

Paul Gough is the Managing Director of <\/strong>Intouch Accounting<\/strong><\/a>, which is a specialist provider of accounting and tax solutions to UK contractors and freelancers trading through Personal Service Companies.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Before you start your daily onslaught of emails and tasks, make yourself a cup of tea and read through our list to ensure you get a good day\u2019s work done. It might just make your day! Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12163,"featured_media":34791,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[9,17,30,6,31,39,36],"tags":[66,4639,4629,4640,203],"yoast_head":"\n10 Tips For Maximum Productivity When Working From Home<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Before you start your daily onslaught of emails and tasks, make yourself a cup of tea and read through our list to ensure you get a good day\u2019s work done. 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