Tips To Becoming More Productive When Working Remote In Austin, Texas

Working from home provides a number of benefits. Some are surprised to discover that it also comes with a number of challenges. There's a real learning curve if you're never worked outside of an office setting. This is true for those who've chosen a remote work life and for those who've been forced into it due to circumstances such as the arrival of a global pandemic. If you're feeling stressed out about the idea of this new situation, these tips for working from home might help.

Find Your Spot

You'll want to have a dedicated spot to do your job each day. Ideally, this space will be quiet and set away from distractions. If you don't have an extra room, you can get creative and carve out a nook in a closet, hallway, or under the stairs. A corner of the basement or dining room could work, too. Even the kitchen table is fine if that's all you have available. Keep your office supplies and other necessities within easy reach. Sitting down in this space will signal to your brain that it's time to get down to business. Try to make it as comfortable as possible. Remember, you'll be spending a significant portion of your day there.

Set Your Schedule

One of the best work-at-home rules you can set for yourself is to keep a regular schedule and stick to it. It can be so tempting to get distracted with a couple of loads of laundry, playing with the dog, or running an errand for a friend. However, these activities can easily become a habit and cut into your work hours. Before long, you'll find yourself behind on deadlines and stressed out. To avoid this pitfall, be sure to set a work schedule during your most productive hours and let everyone know you won't be available while you're at work.

Limit Social Media

Social media is essential for work-at-home professionals because it helps you feel connected to the outside world. You maintain social connections and stay up to date on the latest current events. However, it can be a real distraction if you're not careful. Try to multi-task by checking social media while on hold for a work call or set aside your lunch hour to scroll your feeds. If you're having a lot of trouble resisting the temptation to check-in, there are apps that can block social media sites for chosen hours of the day.

Find a Tech Guru

If you don't consider yourself to be technically inclined, it's a good idea to know someone who is when working from home. Your work tech support team may not be able to get to your problem as quickly as they could when you worked in the office. Having someone who can help you out at home can be a lifesaver when you're facing a tight deadline.

Keep these tips for working from home in mind as you begin your journey. Adjusting to this new way of life may take some practice, but it can be quite rewarding once you get the hang of it.