Work from home arrangements have become a staple of modern professional life, offering flexibility and convenience. However, this setup also presents unique challenges that can impact productivity and work-life balance. As remote work continues to rise, with Forbes reporting that 12.7% of employees worked remotely in 2023 and that number expected to reach 22% by 2025, implementing effective strategies to maximise productivity has never been more important.

Whether you’re an employee or an employer, adopting the right practices can help you create a focused, efficient, and balanced work environment. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips for staying productive and maintaining a healthy work-life balance while you work from home.

Benefits of Working From Home

As we approach 2025, many large companies are pushing for employees to return to the office five days a week, seeking to capitalise on the benefits of in-person collaboration and boost overall productivity. However, as organisations continue to adapt to the changing landscape of work, it’s important to recognise the significant advantages that working from home offers. Remote work has proven to be a powerful strategy for increasing productivity, improving work-life balance, and even improving employee retention. In the face of growing pressures to return to the office, employers must consider how flexible work arrangements can still deliver high performance and drive business success.

Here are some of the key benefits of working from home that have been shown to positively impact both employees and organisations:

• Increased Productivity: Flexible schedules allow employees to manage their time more effectively. Research by Future Forum indicates that remote workers experience a 29% higher productivity rate and a 53% greater ability to focus. Additionally, while 20% of employees report feeling burned out at work, 51% feel more productive when working from home, according to People Management.
• Saved Commute Time: On average, employees dedicate 35% of the time saved from commuting to their primary job, leading to improved performance, as reported by the University of Chicago.
• Better Work-Life Balance: Reduced commute times and greater flexibility help employees achieve a healthier balance between work and personal life.
• Improved Focus: A RingCentral survey of information workers found that 59% reported being more productive at home, compared to 34% in an office. This highlights the suitability of remote setups for tasks requiring deep concentration.
• Employee Retention: Forbes found that 54% of employees would consider switching jobs for better work arrangements, and companies offering remote options experience a 12% reduction in turnover and lower absenteeism rates.

7 Tips for Maximising Productivity While You Work From Home

1) Have a Routine

A consistent routine is key to staying productive when working from home. Start your day with a regular wake-up time, a morning routine, and clearly defined work hours. This structure helps you stay focused and manage tasks effectively. Plan your day the afternoon before by prioritising tasks so you can start your workday with clear goals and direction. For digital nomads and flexible work enthusiasts, sticking to a routine can help maintain productivity across varied schedules. As an employer, consider holding a daily morning check-in to assess your employees’ workload, morale, and to identify anyone who may need additional support.

2) Create a Designated Spot For Working

Having a dedicated workspace is essential when you work from home. Choose a quiet, well-lit spot where you can focus without distractions. Keep your workspace tidy and stocked with everything you need to stay productive, and if possible, use ergonomic furniture to keep comfortable and avoid physical strain. For those with extra space, a dedicated home office creates a mental separation between work and personal life, helping you establish healthy boundaries.

3) Take Breaks

Breaks are crucial to maintaining energy and focus throughout your work from home day. Remember to regularly step away from your desk to stretch, hydrate, or relax briefly. Short breaks help prevent burnout and allow you to return to tasks with renewed focus. Techniques like the Pomodoro method, which alternates work sessions with timed breaks, can be especially helpful for staying productive. Taking regular breaks supports work-life balance and contributes to overall employee well-being.

4) Set Daily and Weekly Goals

Setting goals can help you stay on track while working from home. Use SMART goals to make your objectives clear and manageable. Work with your employer to align your personal goals with organisational priorities, ensuring that both individual and team objectives are in sync. Tools like emPerform’s goals and development plans can simplify this process, providing clarity on your priorities and linking your contributions to company-wide goals. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals keeps you motivated and aligned with performance metrics, while ongoing feedback and 360-degree reviews help you and your manager track your progress effectively.

5) Focus on Clear Communication and Connecting with Colleagues

Clear and consistent communication is the most important aspect of successful and productive work from home arrangements. Utilise internal communication channels like instant messaging apps, video conferencing, and project management platforms to share information efficiently. Schedule regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to discuss progress, address concerns, and stay aligned. These interactions not only help in managing tasks but also ensure that employees feel connected and engaged. By maintaining strong written and verbal communication through ongoing feedback, remote teams can collaborate efficiently, share updates, tackle challenges, and brainstorm ideas. Regular communication cultivates a sense of belonging, preventing isolation and keeping the remote workforce united.

6) Prioritise Work-life Balance & Employee Well-being

When you work from home, the line between work and personal life can blur. Set clear boundaries by defining work hours and sticking to them. Take regular breaks and prioritise personal time. Employers can support this balance by offering wellness programmes, virtual fitness classes, or mental health resources. A balanced approach to work and personal life reduces stress and helps prevent burnout or absenteeism, increasing productivity and boosting employee engagement.

7) Support Systems

A robust support system can make working from home more productive. Employers can provide resources such as IT support, training opportunities, and platforms for collaboration and feedback. Encourage open communication about challenges and ideas to address obstacles quickly. Data and analytics tools can help track productivity and performance metrics, offering valuable insights for both employees and employers. By addressing issues proactively, organisations can create a supportive environment that benefits the entire remote workforce.

Managing Remote Teams Effectively

As a work from home manager or employer, balancing productivity with well-being is essential. Set clear expectations and measurable outcomes for your team. Keep communication channels open through regular check-ins, both for team collaboration and individual support. Embrace project management tools to track progress and promote a culture of trust by allowing flexibility while providing structure. Plus, offering resources for professional development and mental health support demonstrates that you value both performance and well-being.

At emPerform, we provide the tools that can greatly support this process. Our performance management software helps track employee goals and performance, providing real-time feedback and development plans to align individual efforts with organisational objectives. It allows managers to set SMART Goals and gives employees the resources they need for continuous professional development. Additionally, our platform can help monitor well-being through regular surveys, ensuring that employees’ mental health and work-life balance are maintained. By staying connected and responsive, you can maintain a productive and engaged work from home team. For more advice, check out our previous blog on managing hybrid working employees.

Explore how adding emPerform to your HR Toolkit can help you and your employees maximise productivity when working from home.

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