How to work from home better: tips on what to do and what not to do if you work from home

Whether you are new to remote work or have been doing it for a while, here are key tips and recommendations on how to work remotely from home and advice on what to do and what not to do during your workday.

You have probably heard it many times, and we will not tire of repeating it: remote work is here to stay. Even more, it has been proven that in many professions, being physically present is not essential and that performance can be just as good or better from the comfort of our homes.

Even so, working remotely is not synonymous with anarchy. Although it may seem exaggerated, many misinterpret working from home as something that "anyone can do," or that you have more free time, that you are not really working, or, ultimately, that it is a less serious way to perform your job duties.

The truth is that carrying out remote work or telecommuting is not such an easy task. Despite the multiple benefits it brings and the freedom it allows you to organise your time, some may feel overwhelmed, distracted, have altered habits, or, worse, not adapt well enough to be productive and efficient.

So, if you are one of those who finds remote work complicated, here are 3 tips for telecommuting and 3 recommendations on what to do and what not to do if you work from home. Take notes.

Tips for working better and more efficiently remotely

Here are some habits you need to adapt to work remotely more productively:

Organise your day

This should be one of the first things you do. It doesn't matter if it's the night before or first thing in the morning. What matters most is having a clear plan for your day: what tasks need to be done and how much time you’ll dedicate to each one.

This is very important because remote work greatly increases distractions at home. If you are someone who gets easily distracted, having a clear list of what you need to do will give you more confidence and help you remember everything. Additionally, it will help you maintain order, allowing you to divide your work into blocks and know how much time you dedicate to each task.

Have a space dedicated only to work

The COVID-19 pandemic has led many people to adapt their spaces almost in record time to work. This annoying step is, however, very necessary if you have to spend hours in front of a computer or at a desk.

If you work in bed, on the sofa, in the kitchen or every time in a remote work chair, you will not have the right work mentality. You will always be changing your environment, which will make you unstable. Instead, you should create a home office that is stable and use it only for work. You will notice the difference.

Be careful with overexposure to technology

Although it may seem trivial, being constantly exposed to notifications, emails, calls, chats, interruptions, meetings, etc., raises our alertness level significantly. This, contrary to what it should, causes us to always be on alert, checking our phones or work networks even when we are off the clock.

The best thing is to use concentration techniques for work and, once you finish working, completely turn off everything related to your job. Notifications off, apps off, and everything off. Disconnect and go out; your mind will be thankful.

What should you not do if you work from home?

Despite the previous tips, not everything is so simple, there are certain habits we do not recommend if you truly want to be a professional remote worker:

Working in pyjamas

Yes, you are at home, but you are not resting; you are working. Even though your environment is your own, you must perform a professional task, and that implies behaving accordingly. Just as you wouldn’t show up at the office in pyjamas, you should maintain that same habit at home. Otherwise, you won’t feel like you are "working," and your productivity will suffer.

Doing household chores

It is indeed tempting because while you are working, you can take the opportunity to do laundry, organise clothes, load the dishwasher, and, ultimately, all the tasks that a home requires.

We do not recommend doing this because you will fall into the myth of multitasking, which will generate more distractions. The time you gain from household chores will be lost in work hours, which will then affect your productivity.

Working in a transit area

Although many claim they like working in the living room or kitchen, surrounded by noise or accompanied by family members or roommates, the truth is that this practice is dangerous for your concentration. Not having a specific room designated for work will constantly expose you to interruptions, which will reduce your attention span and your work may lose continuity.

It is better to have your own space to expand and carry out your tasks safely, focused, and effectively.

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