Working from home is becoming very popular in modern industries. As a boss, not being in the office is one of the perks of the job. It’s important to show your face and keep the workforce on its toes, but flexibility is essential too. What’s the point of being in charge if you can’t sit in the living room with a cup of coffee on the laptop?
Home-based work isn’t a cake walk though. Thanks to the distractions, it can be hard to concentrate and that causes productivity to plummet. Avoiding interruptions is something people try yet can’t seem to get quite right. Here’s how to do it effectively.
Shutterstock Licensed Photo – By Creative Lab
Play Music
When workers want to raise output, they throw on a favorite record. Music often masks the distractions in the room and helps people zone in on their target. With the right tune playing in the background, it’s like being in a world of your own. It’s worth noting two things: firstly, the genre has to be right, and secondly, it’s not for everyone. So, first of all, make sure music works as a calmer. Then, pick an album or a playlist which isn’t going to sidetrack your work. For example, cheesy pop songs may make you sing and dance and not complete any jobs.
Break It Up
Hopefully, you’re the sort of person who can go for hours without stopping. It’s always a bonus. However, the majority of people need to stop and refocus before tackling an important task. Otherwise, the brain starts to wander and that’s when distractions get in the way. Even the paint on the walls becomes more interesting than the job at hand. If you believe in short and sweet, try and break up the day with plenty of coffee. Five minutes here and there throughout office hours should provide a boost.
Cover the Windows
Office windows are a catch-22 situation. Without them, it feels as though the room is a prison cell and that destroys productivity. On the flip side, it’s easy to stare out of them and watch the world pass by without a care. Normally, people err on the side of natural light but there is a solution. With window film for privacy, you can block the sights from outside while letting the UV rays flow through. It’s a cool trick which may revolutionize the way you work. An alternative is a set of blinds as opposed to curtains.
Get Out
Routine is vital when working from home because it encourages productivity. Still, some interruptions constantly get in the way and it isn’t a good thing. What should you do? Carry on working regardless and hope for the best? The answer is a resounding no. Instead, the better option is to get out of the house and change the scenery. On Friday, try working from a coffee shop. Sure, it brings challenges yet the soft buzz of noise adds to the atmosphere. Plus, there’s food and coffee on tap!
Also Read
Which distractions draw your attention the most? How can you eliminate them for good?
