Best Tips for Working from Home | How to Maximize Productivity and Comfort

Summary

The video provides 19 tips for working productively from home, beginning with dedicating a workspace and enforcing an inbox policy to reduce distractions. It advises communicating expectations clearly, getting proper equipment, staying organized, and maintaining boundaries. Other tips include flexibility, scheduling via calendar, time blocking for tasks, finding a support network, outsourcing where possible, simplifying tasks, streamlining chores, using auto-reply messages to set availability, practicing mindfulness, exercising regularly, seeking professional advice when needed, and allowing small perks like a good coffee machine.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maintain a dedicated workspace separate from other home areas
• 📬 Enforce a zero inbox policy to stay organized
• 📵 Close email inbox and turn off notifications to focus better
• 🗣️ Communicate clearly with team to set expectations
• 💻 Use suitable equipment for your work needs
• 📆 Be organized in all aspects of life
• ⏰ Set clear work hour boundaries
• 📅 Stay flexible but meet deadlines
• 🗓️ Use calendars to schedule everything
• ⏱️ Time block for personal and business tasks
• 👥 Surround yourself with a supportive tribe

Q & A

What is the first tip for being productive when working from home?

The first tip is to maintain a separate workspace, whether a dedicated office you can shut the door to or just a desk in your living area configured to help you work effectively.

How can you reduce distractions from your email inbox?

Enforce a zero email inbox policy by responding to or filing emails in designated blocks rather than letting them pile up. You can also close your email inbox and turn off notifications when working on important documents.

Why is communication especially important when working remotely?

When you don't have much face-to-face contact, communicating clearly and frequently with your team, staff and clients is key to making sure everyone is on the same page regarding expectations.

What equipment considerations are important for an at-home workspace?

Make sure your equipment suits your needs technologically and ergonomically. This includes having the right software, temperature control, a quality headset for calls, and a strong internet connection.

How can being organized help integrate your work and home life?

Steps like preparing meals ahead of time and laying out clothes the night before can help your mornings, evenings and afternoons run more smoothly when working from home.

Why establish clear boundaries with separate start and finish times?

Having firm work hours disciplines you to focus, much like working in a traditional office. It also prevents household chores from eating into work time.

What's the benefit of flexibility in setting your hours?

As long as you communicate with your team, flexibility in hours allows you to attend to personal needs and shift blocks of time as necessary to when you are most productive.

How can you plan your time effectively working from home?

Use an electronic or paper calendar to schedule everything - personal and work items. Most productive people map out their upcoming week in detail each Monday.

What does it mean to "find your tribe"?

Surround yourself with a network of people who fully support you and your goals. Connect with like-minded individuals at events or organizations for help and encouragement.

Why is it important to take care of your health and well-being?

Practices like regular exercise, meditation, and positive thinking equip you to handle bad days and refocus when working alone for long stretches.