Increasing productivity when you work from home

By Stephanie Margerison | Writer

4 minute read

Published 11 April 2024

name

Key takeaways

Working from home comes with plenty of pros and cons, so it’s important to make sure your set-up works for you.
Sticking to a routine and taking regular breaks is important for your wellbeing, whether you’re working from the office or from home.
It’s easy to get distracted, so try to minimise interruptions and create a dedicated workspace.

Working from home offers flexibility and comfort, but it can also present challenges when it comes to productivity and maintaining your work-life balance.

Make working from home work for you with our 7 step guide.

1. Create a dedicated workspace

Working from your couch or bed may sound tempting, but it can take a toll on your productivity.

Set up a dedicated workspace in your home to let your brain know it’s time for work, not relaxing. This creates an area to work without distractions and minimises the risk of injury that can occur from being slumped on the couch with a laptop on your knees. Importantly, it also provides separation between your work and personal life.

2. Stick to a routine

Maintain a consistent schedule by setting yourself regular working hours. Start your day as if you were going to the office, including getting dressed, having breakfast and planning your tasks for the day. A routine helps condition your mind for work.

3. Dress for success

While it’s tempting to fall into a ‘uniform’ of trackpants and relaxed attire, dressing in clothes that make you feel professional can positively impact your mindset and increase your productivity.

4. Break up the day

Studies show that taking regular breaks (5 to 60 minutes) can improve mental acuity, reduce fatigue, ease muscle pain and generally increase alertness and productivity.¹ If you find yourself in a rut and procrastinating, try adding short breaks into your schedule, such as a quick walk, stretching or doing a brief activity to help you recharge.

Another strategy to try is the Pomodoro Technique. Here, you work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break and repeat.²

5. Interact with other people

Working from home can be isolating, so make an effort to stay connected. Video calls, instant messaging or email can help you collaborate, share ideas and seek support from colleagues.

6. Establish boundaries

While working from home can create a better work-life balance, it can also come with challenges. Unless you live by yourself, some of these may include working effectively while others are at home.

Pick a definitive start and finish time and communicate your working hours and boundaries to other members of the household. This will help minimise interruptions and allow you to maintain a professional mindset during work hours.

7. Limit distractions

It’s a good strategy to remove or limit distractions such as TV and social media. These can easily drag your attention away for longer than expected, making it harder to get back into the groove of work.

Everyone’s work style and preferences differ, so try adapting these tips to fit your needs and experiment with different strategies to find your working from home sweet spot.

At Bupa, trust is everything

Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.

This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.