How to Create a Productive Home Office

The biggest career cheat code: Separating home life from work life. In today's WFH landscape, it’s non-negotiable. Here's how I do it (and how you can too): 1. A Dedicated Workspace Having a room dedicated solely to work has transformed my productivity. It's a physical and mental signal: "It's go time." If you can't spare a room, designate a specific corner as your work zone. The separation is crucial for focus. 2. Accessible Alternatives Not everyone can dedicate multiple rooms to work. The next best thing? Changing your environment. Coffee shops or public libraries can give you a fresh perspective. Plus, the occasional latte doesn’t hurt. 3. Spatial Headspaces Don't spend your entire day working from one spot. You might love your desk, but different spaces can mentally prepare you for different types of work. Even if it's just moving from your bedroom to the living room. You don't need a mansion to shift gears. 4. Be Tidy I know the messy desk theory, and I don't really agree with it. To me, it's a sign of visual stress and poor organization. Clutter distracts and detracts from your focus. A clear space = a clear mind. 5. Invest in a Standing Desk Sitting 8+ hours a day is dangerous for your physical and mental health. A standing desk: • Minimizes physical strain • Maintains energy levels It's refreshing to both the mind and body. 6. Set Boundaries Not at work, but with those around you. Make it clear when you’re "at work," even if you're just steps away from your kitchen. Set clear working hours and communicate them to those you live with. 7. Natural Light All that blue light can be exhausting for the eyes and mind. Position your workspace to benefit from as much natural light as possible. Daylight is a dopamine hack. It boosts the mood and energy levels effortlessly. 8. Remember the Why What gets you out of bed every single day? When WFH gets isolating, and you're falling into a rut, remember your why and protect it at all costs. That purpose keeps you sane and drives forward momentum, even when working from the smallest corner of the house. P.S. Join my newsletter to learn business principles, systems, mental models, and scaling: https://lnkd.in/ewHNVx4N

I've been working remote full time for over a decade. I had to learn how to be effective as a remote employee the hard way. I watched people struggle with this over the last 4 years as they got thrown into a fully remote role without being prepared. Here's the tips I shared with them. 1. Set a Dedicated Workspace: Create a specific area in your home solely for work. This helps establish boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring better focus and productivity. 2. Establish a Routine: Maintain a consistent daily schedule. Start and end your workday at the same time every day to create a sense of normalcy and structure. 3. Dress for Success: Even though you're at home, dressing up as if you're going to the office can boost your mood and readiness for work. 4. Take Regular Breaks: Follow the Pomodoro Technique or similar methods to ensure you take short breaks throughout the day. This prevents burnout and keeps your mind fresh. 5. Communicate Effectively: Use tools like Slack, Teams, or Zoom to stay connected with your team. Regular check-ins and updates can help maintain team cohesion and ensure everyone is on the same page. 6. Set Clear Goals: Outline your daily tasks and set achievable goals. This keeps you focused and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task. 7. Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies into your daily routine. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for sustained productivity. 8. Limit Distractions: Identify common distractions and find ways to minimize them. This could include setting boundaries with family members or using noise-canceling headphones. 9. Stay Organized: Use tools like Trello, or a simple to-do list to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. An organized workspace leads to an organized mind. 10. Maintain Social Connections: Combat isolation by scheduling virtual coffee breaks or team-building activities. Regular social interactions, even if virtual, can improve morale and teamwork. 11. Invest in Good Equipment: Ensure you have a reliable computer, high-speed internet, and ergonomic furniture. The right tools can significantly enhance your remote working experience. 12. Keep Learning: Use the extra time saved from commuting to take online courses or attend webinars. Continuous learning can boost your skills and career growth. Working remotely comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right strategies, you can turn it into a productive and enjoyable experience. What else would you add? #RemoteWork #WorkFromHome #WFH #Productivity #RemoteWorking #WorkLifeBalance #RemoteWorkTips #RemoteJobs #RemoteLife #RemoteWorkLife #RemoteSuccess

You're in a remote meeting, video on, but your focus is wavering. That pile of laundry in your peripheral view is a nagging reminder of the never-ending to-do list lurking just beyond your laptop screen. The blurring of work and personal life is a common challenge when working remotely. But what if there was a way to help you stay focused and productive while working from home? In my years of coaching hundreds of remote workers, I've found one solution - a dedicated workspace. It's simple, yet often overlooked. Our physical environment plays a pivotal role in how we show up for work. Consider the shift in your mindset and energy when you swap your cluttered kitchen table for a neat, organized desk at a dedicated corner in your house. The difference is palpable. A designated workspace enhances efficiency and a calm mindset, reinforces your professional identity, and serves as a physical cue to switch to work mode. Moreover, it helps maintain a healthy boundary between work and personal life, preventing work from invading your leisure space. You 'clock out' by simply stepping away from your workspace. Facing space constraints? Get creative. A client of mine ingeniously used a mobile desk that she stowed away post-work! If you've been grappling with remote work productivity, give this strategy a try and watch your focus and efficiency soar. #Productivity #RemoteWork #WorkingFromHome #Coaching #Tips

I'm a big fan of working remotely, and no, it’s not so I can play hooky at the beach. Far greater productivity is possible in a controlled environment compared to the distractions and discomfort of an open office layout. I've been working remotely for some time now, and here are my best tips for maximizing productivity and comfort: 1.     Optimize your lighting: Replace cheap LEDs that increase eyestrain and disrupt your circadian rhythm due to unavoidable flicker and poor wavelength. Invest in better lighting to keep your eyes and mind in top shape. After testing several bulbs, my favorite are the 4000K SunWave Bulbs from Yujileds. 2.     Get a stand-up desk: Shortly after COVID hit, Amgen set everyone up with a stand-up desk. While I don’t stand frequently, it allows me (when paired with an adjustable monitor stand) to optimize my posture. The back strain I often felt after a day in the office is now gone. 3.     Get a quality keyboard and mouse: This may seem obvious, but a good keyboard and mouse can make a huge difference in your comfort and efficiency. Don't underestimate the power of good equipment! My favorite is the Kinesis Freestyle 2. 4. Use a high-quality speakerphone for calls: I highly recommend the Audeze FILTER. It uses AI-based Zero-Noise Microphone Technology to eliminate over 500,000 noise samples, ensuring clear, uninterrupted communication. The sound quality is perfect and I don't have to worry about background noise! Working remotely has transformed my work life, enhancing both productivity, health, and comfort. Share your best work-from-home tips in the comments! #RemoteWork #Productivity #WorkFromHome #TechTips #HomeOffice #WFH

As the CEO of a remote company, here is my advice on staying productive when working from home:     In my opinion, one of the most important parts of remaining productive at home is having a dedicated workspace. Do your best to re-create the same technology set-up at home that you would have in the office.   For example, if you don't have monitors or a desk at your remote work-location, it is unlikely you're going to be as productive.   It's also important to note that everyone works differently. For me, I need silence to do my best work, but for others, background noise is essential.   💡 Find the environment you work best in and tailor your remote working space to that environment. That might be pumping in background noise, working in a coffee shop, or investing in a co-working space.   ***********************************   Focus blocks can also be a key driver of productivity.   This may include blocking off your calendar for a couple of hours each day or week, giving yourself uninterrupted time to knock out crucial tasks. During focus blocks, you may even consider closing out your Outlook and Teams/Slack.   Is there a chance you might miss an important email?   Sure, but that email can wait a couple of hours for your response.   A study by the University of California at Irvine indicated that it takes most people 23 minutes and 15 seconds to recover from an interruption such as checking an email. 😲   Another way to eliminate distractions is by setting your phone up to have a "Work Focus." This Apple feature allows you set designated work hours, so you only receive notifications from work platforms and select contacts during hours of your choosing.   ***********************************   Finally, another key to staying productive while working remote is being comfortable.   It's important to dress for the day, so you're appropriate for video meetings, while also making sure you're comfortable at the same time. (This could mean a dress shirt paired with sweatpants 😄).   You should ensure your desk set up is comfortable as well. Do you have a comfortable office chair? Do you want to invest in a stand-up desk or even a walking pad?   Having the right home-office equipment can multiply your productivity.   ***********************************   These are just a few ways that have helped me and my team optimize our productivity while working in remote settings.   Most importantly, it's essential to find the strategy that works best for you.   ***********************************   How do you stay productive in a remote work environment? Drop your tips in the comments below!   #MustardSeedPMO #RemoteWork 

If you really knew me, you'd know... That I am heavily affected by my environment and NEED to live and work in beautiful spaces. It’s not because I’m a princess; it's science-backed facts. Steven Kotler's research on flow highlights the importance of a well-curated environment for productivity, especially for those managing ADHD traits like me. So what do I do to make myself more productive? 1. Creating a designated work spot helps me focus. When working from my van, I pull out a table specifically for work hours. 2. Turning my phone to Do Not Disturb is another crucial step to avoid the temptation of notifications. Sometimes putting the phone in another room isn’t enough if I can still hear it ding, so Do Not Disturb works better for me. 3. Different sensory triggers signal to my body and mind that it’s time to work. I use specific scents in my diffuser to feel energized or focused. Scent is the most powerful memory trigger, helping to set the right mood for work. 4. Playlists tailored to the energy I need for tasks also help set the mood. 5. Natural light is another big factor. Spending so many hours in front of a ring light for client calls makes me appreciate working under natural light, which helps regulate my brain for deeper, focused work. Studies have shown that natural light improves mood, energy levels, and overall productivity, which is especially beneficial for those with ADHD. But what about the actual work itself? Grouping similar energy tasks together, as described in my work profiling and ideal week planning system (message me if you want to hear me talk about this in my podcast), helps maintain focus and efficiency. This approach aligns with Kotler's insights on achieving a flow state, where time either expands or contracts to suit your needs. Why am I sharing this? Because these tools can help you and your team prepare to work. Allowing your team to set up their workspace in a way that suits them can significantly boost productivity. Which of these tips could you implement in your office today? #ifyoureallyknewme #ADHD #timebatching