16 Tips That Make It Easier to Work From Home

Though remote work has grown in popularity in recent years, it wasn't until the COVID-19 crisis came to a head that it became a common thing. These days, countless workers have shifted to remote arrangements, and some are grappling with the difficult task of doing their jobs from home while also caring for children.

If you've been thrust into a work-from-home position, you may still be in the process of adjusting to that reality. Here are a few things that can make that setup much easier on you.

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It's hard to concentrate on work when you're doing it on the living room floor. If you're going to work from home, you'll need a dedicated space that allows you to spread out and have access to the tools you need. That space doesn't necessarily need to be a separate room with closed doors. Sure, that's ideal, but it's not an option for everyone (think apartment dwellers). But even if you buy a cheap room divider and set up a small desk in the corner of your kitchen, it's better than not having a designated space at all.

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Being home can throw your usual routine out of whack. If you want to be productive, it'll help to stick to a schedule -- ideally, one that mimics the schedule you upheld before your job went remote. If you're caring for children while working, your schedule will need to take theirs into account, but mapping things out will help you stay organized.

It can be harder to focus when you're working from home, especially if distractions (like kids or the family pet) abound. To stay on track, make a list each morning of the things you must get done each day, and pledge to tackle those first before moving on to other tasks.

The right tools can make working from home less challenging. Rather than spend your days hunched over a tiny laptop, invest in a large monitor to avoid eye strain, a faster internet connection, or any other technology that will make your work more efficient. If you're lucky, your employer may be willing to share in those costs or give you a technology upgrade allowance so you're not stuck paying for everything yourself.

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If you work full-time, you'll be spending hours in your at-home workspace, so make sure it's comfortable for your body. Buy a supportive chair you can sit in without hurting your back. Or, better yet, get a standing desk, which is said to have health benefits.

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Working from home probably means encountering your share of unwanted sounds, whether it's screaming children, a barking dog, or your neighbors mowing the lawn in the middle of the day. It pays to invest in various tools that will help you block out noise. You can start with earplugs or opt for a pricier but worthwhile pair of noise-canceling headphones. A white noise machine may also do the trick.

While you can't remove certain distractions in an at-home setup (like kids), you can make sure that your workspace is devoid of things like magazines, a TV, or other items that could easily cause you to lose focus. In fact, if you live on a busy street, you may want to position your desk away from a window so you're not sidetracked by passers-by.

When you work from home, it's easy to fall into a pattern of staying in pajamas all day. Don't do it. If you dress professionally, you'll have an easier time getting into the workplace mindset.

When you work in an office, you're reminded to take lunch when you see your co-workers gathering their coats to step out. When you work from home, it can be easy to keep plugging away and skip meals in the process. Don't let that happen. Instead, schedule meal times so your body stays nourished and you have the energy you need to take care of business.

ALSO READ: Most Americans Feel Less Connected While Working From Home

When you work in an office, you probably stop what you're doing once in a while to chat with a colleague or read some personal email. And you need those breaks to clear your head. Well, the same holds true for working at home. Schedule a few 15-minute breaks during your day so you can return to your desk recharged and ready to go.

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Staring at the same walls every day can be mentally exhausting. In addition to scheduling breaks, take the opportunity to leave the house at least once a day. Go for a quick walk, grab the mail, or sit out on the porch and watch the cars go by. Fresh air is good for you, no matter how you get it.

The challenge of working from home is not being connected to teammates and other people you normally collaborate with. That's where tools like chat apps and videoconferencing come in handy. Instead of emailing co-workers back and forth, invite them to a live meeting or initiate a back-and-forth chat. You'll appreciate the interaction.

Working from home is easier when you live solo. But these days, many people who are working from home have other people occupying their living space. If that's the case, aim to set boundaries, whether it means telling your roommate not to interrupt you when you're deep in thought or asking your spouse to work in a different area if having him or her close by is distracting. And if you have children who are old enough to understand the concept of boundaries, let them know each day when you will or won't be available so they're less inclined to barge in while you're grappling with a difficult or important task.

When you work from home, it's easy to keep plugging away until all hours of the night. But that's a good way to burn out quickly. A better bet? Establish a time to shut down. It could be 6 p.m., 7 p.m., or even later, but the point is to have a set hour that signals you're no longer on the job.

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Working from home is a new experience for a lot of people, so it helps to get your manager to support you as you adjust. Rather than pretend all is fine, talk to your boss about the things you're struggling with, and if there are tools your employer can provide to make the situation easier, speak up about them.

ALSO READ: 10 Tips to Work From Home in a Coronavirus-Plagued World

Working from home comes with its share of challenges, especially when it's a setup you're not used to. Be kind to yourself and make sure the expectations you set are reasonable. And if your manager is being too demanding, politely but firmly explain that you're doing the best you can given the situation at hand. At a time when so many people are working from home out of necessity and not by choice, everyone needs to be flexible to some degree.

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