The pandemic has forced many people to work from home, and remote work is now more popular.

While there are benefits to working from home, such as avoiding long commutes and having more flexibility, there are also challenges, such as staying motivated and avoiding distractions.

This article will provide unconventional tips for working from home like a pro.

Set Up Your Workspace For Success

Having a comfortable and productive workspace when working from home is important. While a traditional desk and chair may work for some, others may work better.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, suggests investing in a quality desk and a chair that improves posture and reduces back pain risk. He also recommends using natural lighting and plants to create a more comfortable and inviting workspace.

Get Dressed (But Maybe Not All The Way)

Staying in your pyjamas all day when working from home is tempting, but getting dressed can help you feel more professional and motivated.

However, formal office attire may not be necessary. Tom Church suggests wearing comfortable clothing like athleisure or yoga pants instead.

“Comfort is key when it comes to working from home. You want to be able to focus on your work, not your discomfort,” he says.

Take Strategic Breaks

Regular breaks are important for staying productive and avoiding burnout. Still, taking longer, less frequent breaks may work better for some.

Use this time to relax, like going for a walk, reading a book, or practising meditation or stretching exercises.

“Taking a break from work is important, but it’s also important to ensure that break is refreshing and re-energizing you,” Tom Church says.

Use Technology To Your Advantage

Technology can be a great tool for working from home. Tom Church suggests investing in noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions and improve concentration.

He also recommends using browser extensions like Freedom or StayFocusd to block distracting websites during work hours.

“Technology can be a double-edged sword when working from home. It can be a source of distraction, but it can also be a source of focus,” he says.

Connect With Your Colleagues

Feeling isolated when working from home is common, but it’s important to maintain a sense of community with your colleagues.

Instead of relying solely on email or instant messaging, schedule regular video calls to stay in touch.

Tom Church suggests using online team-building games and activities to build rapport and improve communication.

“It’s easy to feel disconnected from your team when you’re working from home. Making an effort to connect with them can go a long way in improving your work experience,” he says.

Set Boundaries Between Work And Personal Life

One of the biggest challenges of working from home is separating work and personal life. Establishing a dedicated workspace and work schedule can help create separation.

It’s also important to avoid checking work emails or messages outside work hours to prevent burnout and maintain a work-life balance.

“It’s important to have clear boundaries between work and personal life when working from home. Otherwise, you risk feeling like you’re always on the clock,” Tom Church says.

Some other tips are: 

• Create a routine: Try to maintain a regular schedule, just as you would if you were working in an office. Set specific hours for work and breaks, and stick to them as much as possible. Also make sure that you create a good morning and evening routine to make the most of your hours before and after work. 

• Be flexible: Working from home can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your schedule or work routine as needed to accommodate changes in your work or personal life.

• Seek professional support: If working from home is causing you stress and problems, consider seeking professional support from a therapist or counsellor. Many mental health professionals offer remote sessions, which can be conducted from the comfort of your own home.

• Finally, if you are working from home with other members of your family: Communication is key when it comes to working from home with family. Set clear expectations with your family members about your work schedule, your availability, and any boundaries that need to be respected.

Working from home can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips, you can work from home like a pro.

As Tom Church says, “Working from home can be a great way to be productive and maintain a healthy work-life balance. But it’s important to experiment and find what works best for you.”