Working from home has become popular, with 98% of workers expressing a desire to work remotely, at least part of the time. The idea of skipping the commute, creating your schedule, and working from the comfort of your own space has an undeniable appeal—and for good reason. When managed well, remote work can be a fantastic way to achieve that ideal work-life balance many strive for. However, without learning how to work from home effectively, the challenges of home life can quickly spill into your workday, making it much harder to stay productive and focused.
To help you make the most of your remote work experience, here are our top tips to keep distractions at bay and maximize your efficiency.
Establishing a Structured Routine
One of the most important things to remember when working from home is that structure is your best friend. Without the regular rhythms of an office environment, it’s easy to lose track of time or let personal tasks seep into your workday. But by setting a solid routine, you can bring a sense of normalcy to your day and stay productive.
1. Set Clear Working Hours
When you’re at home, work time and personal time can blur together quickly. Setting clear working hours helps you avoid the trap of “always being on” and lets you log off when the day is over. Think about when you’re naturally most productive and set those as your main work hours.
Let others in your household know when you’re working to help avoid interruptions and communicate these boundaries with your team as well. This way, everyone is on the same page, and you can fully focus on work during “work hours”—and relax guilt-free when it’s time to wind down.
2. Create a Daily To-Do List
If you’re working from home, a daily to-do list can be a lifesaver for staying organized and on top of your tasks. Start each day by listing your top priorities and any specific goals you’d like to achieve by day’s end.
Try to order your tasks from most to least important to tackle high-priority items when you have the most energy. Also, keep your list manageable! If it’s overloaded with too many tasks, it can feel overwhelming and counterproductive. By checking off items throughout the day, you’ll build momentum and stay motivated. Plus, that feeling of accomplishment when you finish your list? It’s unbeatable!
3. Incorporate Regular Breaks
When you’re in the flow, it’s tempting to just keep going—but taking regular breaks can make you more productive. Breaks give your mind a chance to recharge, helping you stay focused and prevent burnout. A good rule of thumb is the 25/5 Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After a few cycles, take a longer break (around 15–30 minutes) to reset.
Step away from your workspace during breaks if you can. Stretch, grab a coffee, or take a quick walk around the house. You’ll come back feeling refreshed, and your work will benefit from your renewed energy.
Maintaining Communication and Connection
Working from home can feel a bit isolating if you’re not used to it, so staying connected with your team is key. Communication keeps you in the loop, lets you share ideas, and helps you feel like part of the team—even from a distance. Here are some ways to stay engaged and connected with your colleagues.
4. Stay in Touch with Your Team
Regular check-ins and updates are essential when working remotely. It can be easy to miss out on updates or small changes, especially if you’re not physically present with your team. By scheduling regular touchpoints—whether that’s a daily check-in or a weekly team meeting—you’ll stay on top of any project changes, deadlines, or new priorities.
This consistent communication also gives you the chance to clarify anything you’re unsure about and provide updates on your own progress. Not only will you stay aligned with your team’s goals, but you’ll also feel more supported and in sync.
5. Use Video Calls and Chat Tools
Video calls and chat tools are your lifeline for quick communication and collaboration. Platforms like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams make it easy to connect face-to-face or message someone in real-time, which is great for keeping projects moving and clearing up questions. Video calls, in particular, are helpful for discussions that benefit from seeing facial expressions and visual cues, bringing a sense of presence even from a distance.
For daily or quick updates, chat tools like Slack are perfect for a short message or a quick question that doesn’t require a full email. You can create group channels for specific projects, topics, or departments, making it easy to keep track of conversations and keep everyone informed without flooding your inbox.
6. Set Boundaries on Availability
When you’re just a message away, it’s easy for colleagues to reach out at any time, making it tempting to stay available around the clock. But constantly responding can make it hard to get any deep, focused work done. To maintain a balance, set boundaries around when you’re available for quick chats or calls and when you need uninterrupted time to focus. You might set a status on Slack or Teams indicating that you’re in a “focus” mode or that you’ll respond later in the day.
Being upfront about your availability helps your teammates know when to expect responses and lets you prioritize your work without constant disruptions. Finding this balance keeps communication open while giving you the time you need for focused, productive work.
Minimizing Distractions
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is staying focused when there are so many potential distractions around. From family interruptions to the temptation of social media, distractions can easily derail your productivity. Here are some strategies to help you keep your focus and stay on task.
7. Manage Home Life Boundaries
When working from home, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries with those you live with. Let your family members or roommates know your work hours so they understand when you’re not available for casual chats or household tasks. Politely but firmly explain that you need uninterrupted time, especially during important tasks, calls, or brainstorming sessions.
If possible, put a sign on your door or designated workspace to signal when you’re “at work.” This way, they’re more likely to respect your focus time, and you can work with fewer interruptions.
8. Use Productivity Tools and Techniques
Working from home often means dealing with constant notifications and background noise, which can make it tough to stay focused and fully present during meetings. Trying to block out distractions while also keeping track of important points can be overwhelming. That’s where productivity tools like Krisp come into play. They help you stay engaged and organized during calls, making it easier to manage the challenges of online meetings.
With Krisp’s AI noise cancellation, background noise is no longer a worry. This feature filters out distracting sounds, other voices, and even echoes, creating a quiet, clean environment that keeps everyone focused on the conversation. Whether you’re in a bustling coffee shop or dealing with household noise, Krisp ensures you’re heard loud and clear, helping meetings run smoothly.
Krisp’s AI transcription simplifies this process by capturing the entire conversation word for word, allowing you to stay fully engaged while taking your time to write everything down. After the meeting, you can access the transcription, ensuring you don’t miss any important points. This feature is especially useful for teams, making collaboration smoother and helping everyone stay on the same page.
Taking notes during meetings can sometimes distract from the discussion itself. Krisp’s AI-powered meeting notes and summaries automatically organize important points, key insights, and action items from each meeting. This summary is easy to review and share, saving everyone time and ensuring no one misses critical information or tasks.
Sometimes, you need a complete record of your calls for reference, training, or just peace of mind. Krisp’s automatic meeting recording feature captures the entire conversation across any communication app, so you have a reliable record without needing to hit “record” yourself. It’s a simple way to make sure all the important moments are preserved.
9. Limit Social Media and Personal Tasks During Work Hours
Social media is one of the biggest distractions, especially when your phone is just an arm’s reach away. To avoid procrastination and stay focused, set boundaries on your mobile usage during work hours. You might consider setting time limits on apps like Instagram or Facebook to prevent endless scrolling.
Muting your social media notifications is another great way to stop yourself from checking every new alert. If you need to focus deeply, consider keeping your phone in another room or using apps like Forest that encourage you to stay off your phone by turning focus time into a game.
Setting Up an Ideal Workspace
Creating a comfortable and functional workspace can make your workday so much smoother. Here are some simple tips to help you get started!
10. Create a Dedicated Work Area
Try to find a spot in your home where you can focus—somewhere quiet and free of distractions. It doesn’t have to be a whole room; even a corner or a small table works as long as you can make it your own. Having a dedicated area for work helps you mentally switch into “work mode” when you sit down, and it’s nice to leave that space behind when you’re done. Keeping work and personal spaces separate makes it easier to relax and unwind once the day’s over.
11. Invest in Ergonomic Essentials
Comfort is key when you’re sitting at a desk for hours. A supportive chair, a desk at the right height, and maybe a few extras like a footrest or a wrist support can make a big difference. Ergonomic items help you sit comfortably and avoid strain on your back, neck, and wrists. You don’t have to spend a fortune—just aim for a setup that supports good posture and keeps you feeling comfortable throughout the day.
12. Optimize Your Tech Setup
A reliable tech setup can save you tons of time and hassle. Start with a good internet connection so you’re not stuck waiting for pages to load or video calls to buffer. Then, make sure you have any software or tools you use regularly—whether it’s video chat, task management apps, or specific software for your job. Having the right equipment, like a clear webcam for calls or a second monitor for extra screen space, can also help make work feel easier and more efficient.
Prioritizing Work-Life Balance
Finding a balance between work and personal time can be challenging, but it’s so important for your overall well-being. Here are a few simple ways to make that balance feel a bit easier.
13. Create a Clear Transition from Work to Personal Time
It’s easy to feel like work never really “ends” when you’re working from home, so creating a transition can help you shift gears. A simple “sign-off” routine can work wonders—it could be something like closing your laptop, writing down tomorrow’s to-dos, or taking a short walk outside. These small actions can signal to your brain that work is over and it’s time to unwind. This separation makes it easier to truly relax and enjoy your personal time.
14. Make Time for Physical Activity
Staying active is one of the best ways to keep both your body and mind healthy. Even just a short walk, some stretches, or a quick workout at home can help clear your head after a long day. Physical activity doesn’t just boost your physical health; it can also lift your mood, reduce stress, and help you feel more energized. Find something you enjoy—whether it’s yoga, dancing, or jogging—and make it a regular part of your routine.
15. Set Aside Time for Personal Hobbies
Having interests outside of work is essential for feeling fulfilled and balanced. Hobbies can be a great way to relax, get creative, or simply enjoy doing something just for you. Whether it’s reading, painting, cooking, or trying out a new skill, personal hobbies add meaning to your life outside of your job. Plus, they’re a great way to unwind and recharge, making it easier to approach work with fresh energy the next day.
Future of Remote Work
Remote work is rapidly becoming a dominant trend across Canada, the US, and Europe. With technology advancing and organizations adapting to new ways of working, it’s clear that this shift is here to stay. According to a study, the number of global digital jobs that can be performed remotely is expected to rise by roughly 25% by 2030, bringing the total to around 92 million. This significant growth reflects the increasing acceptance of remote work and the desire for flexibility among employees.
As we approach 2025, projections indicate that 70% of the global workforce will work remotely at least five days a month. This shift will reshape how companies operate and interact with their teams. Businesses will need to rethink their policies, tools, and strategies to effectively manage remote teams and foster a collaborative culture, regardless of location.
Moreover, this evolution in the workforce presents exciting opportunities for talent acquisition. Companies can tap into a global talent pool, hiring skilled professionals from various regions without being limited by geographic boundaries. This diversity can lead to more innovative ideas and perspectives, enhancing problem-solving and creativity within teams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, working from home can be a great way to balance your work and personal life, but it takes some planning to make it work. Setting up a daily routine, keeping in touch with your team, and finding ways to stay focused can help you stay productive. Make sure you have a comfortable workspace and take time for breaks, exercise, and hobbies to keep your mind fresh. As remote work becomes more common, using these tips will help you stay organized and enjoy your time at home while getting your work done.
