5 Remote Working Habits That Are Sapping Your Productivity
Let's face it, working from home can absolutely ruin your productivity.
You feel disconnect, isolated, the boundaries of work and home creeping are closer and closer together.
You're surrounded by coworkers who have dialled into their remote working and you do too! It's not about being too lazy to go to the office, it's about the freedom of choice; it's about having flexibility in your own life. But you're still struggling to make it work. You want to feel like your productivity is firing on all cylinders.
There's no need to stress or damn the whole idea of working from home straight away. All you need to do is get yourself out of these 5 most damaging remote working habits and step into a place where productivity is contagious.
1. Have a Special Spot for Work
Find one place in your home where you can work every day. It doesn’t have to be fancy—maybe it’s a desk, a quiet corner, or even the dining table. Just make sure it’s not too noisy or messy. Try not to work from your couch or bed; it might feel comfy, but it’s not good for your back or your focus. If you don’t have much space, things like noise-canceling headphones or a small folding table can help.
2. Set Work Hours and Stick to Them
When you work from home, it’s easy to let work take over. That’s why it’s important to decide when your workday starts and ends—and then stick to it. I set an alarm every day at 5:30 PM to remind myself to stop working. If you live with family or roommates, talk to them about your work schedule. Let them know when you have important meetings, so they don’t accidentally interrupt. And if you have kids or pets, be patient with yourself—it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly all the time.
3. Take Breaks and Move Around
Sitting in one place all day can make you tired and cranky. Take short breaks to stretch, grab a snack, or even step outside for a quick walk. Sometimes, I do phone calls while walking around the block—it helps me feel refreshed. If you can’t go outside, standing up and stretching every hour can make a big difference.
4. Stay in Touch with People
Working from home can feel a little lonely sometimes, but you can still connect with others. Plan short video chats or phone calls with coworkers just to catch up. During breaks, call a friend or family member for a quick chat. It doesn’t have to take long, but staying connected will help you feel less alone.
5. Go Easy on Yourself (and Others)
Working from home can get messy. Maybe your dog barks during a meeting, or your kids pop in to say hi while you’re on a call. That’s okay—things like this happen to everyone. Instead of feeling upset, try to laugh it off and keep going. Everyone is doing their best, so be kind to yourself and others when things don’t go as planned.
