As more and more people opt for flexible, hybrid schedules or jobs that allow them to be entirely remote, what sounds like a dream at first may not always be as easy or productive as it seems. Distractions can abound at home from playful pets to the call of the television. Staying focused can turn into a real struggle. To accomplish your daily tasks while sharing a space with other family members (or simply resisting the lure of whatever food is in your kitchen), here’s some advice to keep a work-from-home situation as productive and engaging as possible.

1.  Create a Designated Home Office Space

Creating a dedicated workspace is essential for productivity, even if it means resisting the temptation to work from your cozy bed or couch. Your brain associates those spaces with relaxation and unwinding, so trying to work from the comfort of your soft bed can prove quite the challenge. You probably won’t be able to focus (or stay awake). 

To maximize your productivity, find a separate spot in your home where you can shut the door and avoid distractions. Whether you dedicate an empty room to becoming a full-fledged home office or just find an empty corner to work from, invest in a dedicated workspace to maintain productivity and drive when working from home.

2.  Establish a Routine

Even if you’re not commuting to the office, it’s good to have a solid routine during the week. Instead of hitting snooze on your alarm, use that time to eat a hearty breakfast, sip on some extra coffee, or stretch out with morning yoga. Though cozy sweatpants may seem like the perfect uniform, it's important to get dressed. This simple act will increase your focus and motivation while readying you for the workday ahead.

3.  Check Your Background Before Video Calls

Although you’re working from home, you’re still a professional on the clock, so always check your background before joining video calls. These meetings are professional engagements that deserve your full attention. 

Tidy up your background and remove any potential distractions or anything that’s inappropriate for work. You don't want your colleagues to be caught off guard by a blaring TV or heaps of laundry. First, second, and third impressions matter, even in virtual settings.

4.  No Pets

As much as our cats and dogs love to be by our side, sometimes it can be challenging to get work done with their playful and distracting antics. To create dedicated focus time, remove them from your room or area, give them a toy to play with, and spend a few hours concentrating, especially during meetings. With this simple solution, you and your pets can enjoy quality time together without compromising your productivity.

5.  Make Time for Breaks

Are you one of those people who gets totally absorbed in your work when you're working from home? It's easy to become so focused that you forget to eat or take a break. But breaks are actually good for you. Studies show that regular breaks can boost productivity and give your brain a much-needed refresh. Plus, moving around is important for your health. Health experts recommend getting up and moving around for at least five minutes every hour. Even if you have to block the time in your calendar, take a break, stretch your legs, and come back to work with renewed energy and focus.

6.  Be Clear in Your Communication

Working from home means you can’t just pop over to your coworker's desk to clear up a misunderstanding or ask a question, so it's important to clearly communicate your needs with your colleagues through email, video calls, or other communication tools. (Loom is one of our favorite time-saving communication tools.) Don’t be afraid to ask for extra clarification if you need it. If email, screenshots, and other messages aren’t solving the problem, ask to hop on a quick phone call or video chat.

7.  Use a Time Management App

If you’re struggling with endless to-do lists and trying to prioritize tasks, try a time management application. There are tons of options to choose from, so do some research and test out one that might work best for you and your job. Here are a couple of our favorites:

• The app RescueTime gives you a snapshot of your day by tracking the time you spend on tasks like pulling reports, attending meetings, or scrolling through Facebook.

• If you're constantly glued to your phone, the Forest app is a fun way to encourage you to leave your device alone by turning the challenge into a game. The longer you spend off your phone, the healthier and bigger your virtual plants will become. But if you give in and check your phone, the virtual plants on the app will wilt.

Whether you're already killing it with remote work or need a little direction, these helpful insights will hopefully give you the jumpstart you need to own your workday and succeed on your own terms. Time to make your home office work for you and take charge of your day. Looking to upgrade your home for an improved home office space? Discover stunning office floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities today!