Five simple ways to stay productive when working from home

Working from home sounds easy, but it comes with many distractions. Without a proper plan, it is easy to lose focus. While avoiding traffic and office stress is a good thing, staying productive at hom...

Published 10 Feb 2025

Young Black Man Working On Laptop In Bright Minimalist Office | Image: Stocksy

For some people, working from home helps them manage their time well. But for others, it leads to distractions, delays, and lack of organisation. The good news is that with a few simple changes, you can stay focused and get more work done.

Here are five easy ways to work better from home:
1. Start early and plan your day
Do not wait until morning before planning your tasks. Write down what you need to do the night before and follow it. Avoid delaying important tasks because of distractions. As soon as you wake up, start working. Reply to emails, check notifications, and handle important tasks first. Since you do not have to travel to work, use that extra time wisely.
2. Set up a workspace
Working from home can make you too relaxed, which may affect your work. Sitting in bed with your laptop might feel good, but it can make you lazy. Create a small office space at home, dress up, and work at a table. If home is too distracting, you can work from a co-working space.

3. Focus on important tasks first
Not all tasks need to be done immediately. Every morning, list your work from most important to least important. Tick off tasks as you complete them. This will help you stay organised and avoid wasting time on less important things.

4. Balance work and personal life
When you work from home, it is easy for work to take up your whole day. Set a closing time and take breaks. After work, do things that help you relax, like cooking, taking a walk, watching a movie, or spending time with family. Resting will help you work better the next day.

5. Do not multitask
Trying to do too many things at once will not make you faster. Instead, it can make you tired and slow you down. Multitasking leads to mistakes and stress. Focus on one task at a time, complete it properly, then move to the next.
Staying productive while working from home is about having discipline and a plan. There are also many apps that can help you stay organised. Take small steps, be consistent, and you will get better results.