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Numerous studies have shown that when employees work from home, productivity increases. Although this is widely true, if you’re new to a home-based career, you might find productivity initially difficult.

You’re going from a structured office environment with employees and your boss nearby to a much more independent workspace. Read along for some productivity tips for work from home employees.

Track Your Time

Track your time every day, and for every task, especially if you work hourly. Define your objectives and what you want to accomplish. When you can see what you’re doing on a consistent basis, you’re able to schedule more effectively in the future. Yes, it’s great if you’re accomplishing your daily tasks without tracking hours, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be more productive next week.  It’s only when you can see everything laid out and where you’re utilizing time wisely (or not so wisely) that you can put a more effective weekly plan in place.

Use the Right Tools

The right tools can make all the difference in your productivity.  Whether you need a tool for documents or one for scheduling, you can find many that will help you plan and execute your day more seamlessly.

View the tools for your home-based career as your accountability (like an office-based supervisor). They will keep you organized, allow you to share with colleagues, and give you access from anywhere.

Keep a Schedule

Maintain a schedule just like a normal job and a normal workday. In a work from home job, it can be easy to fall into a lazy day, noticing that you haven’t accomplished anything at 4 PM! When you have a schedule and get into the groove of following it, you can see your day as a whole and be sure that you’re checking the important things off.  Your schedule should include each item that needs accomplished and the approximate time needed to complete it correctly.

Utilize your schedule for personal and family appointments and tasks as well, since they will cut into your work hours. If you have to work a bit later or earlier to make up for any time off, factor that in.

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As almost everyone knows, social media is a huge part of our lives, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re in the job searching process or just want to maintain a professional social media presence, there are best practices to utilize for success.

There are many benefits of social media, the main one being the ability to communicate and connect with so many people.  In today’s world, social media can truly help you grow personally and professionally, as long as you’re utilizing it with professionalism and skill.

Give a Status Update

Especially when utilizing LinkedIn, the most professional social network, be sure that you’re updating professionally and frequently. Whether you use the brief status update tool or the publisher tool for longer posts, create your updates consistently. Keep your updates professionally-focused and relevant to your business or area of interest.

By posting updates that provide value, information, and solid content for your followers, you’re establishing yourself as an expert in your given area, while also providing your audience with a great reason to follow you. Giving value to your followers is a much better way to sell, show your expert status, and keep your readers interested in what you’re doing.

Keep it Professional

It’s best to keep your Facebook page informal but professional.  While you can certainly keep personal photos, information, and status updates, be sure that all information is kept at a professional level that would be okay if viewed by potential employers.

Facebook and Twitter are excellent places to share your life and personality, but since we’re in the workplace, it has to remain professional as well.  Also, business information on a small scale is okay, but if you have your own business that you’d like to post about daily, create a separate Facebook business page to keep audiences separate.

For professionalism on LinkedIn, utilize a professional headshot.  While you don’t need to go to an actual professional photographer for the photo, you can use a sophisticated headshot.  Dress nicely and have a friend take your photo on a neutral backdrop.  There are numerous resources online for sample headshots and examples of what to wear for your photo.

Have a Professional Name

If you’ve had the same email address since middle school, it’s time for an upgrade! It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, something such as your firstname.lastname@domain.com is perfect. Do your best to keep it easy, memorable, and of course – clean and professional.

Once your email address is professional, use that email address signature to place your social networks. Place social media icons along with links to your different pages, as this encourages contacts to add you elsewhere, expanding your connections and business network.

Up to Date

On all of your social networks, it’s important to keep all information up to date. Even on Facebook, do your best to keep job positions up-to-date, and fill in relevant information whenever possible.

Although we don’t typically view Facebook as a job lead source, it can be! Sometimes recruiters contact people via Facebook due to their jobs, so keep them updated, especially if you’re in the market for a new job.

(Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)

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Whether you work out of an office or from your kitchen table, where you work will affect how you work. There is a large body of research that tells us that the sights, sounds and routines of the daily work environment directly influence our productivity. If you want to increase your productiveness, then try playing with your work setting. 

A Change of Color

For several decades now, scientists have been looking at color’s effect on human behavior. Some research shows that pastel colors lead to calming thoughts and that bold reds and blues can positively affect the rate of work of a subject. To increase your work productivity, try experimenting with different colors in your office space. You do not need to paint and re-paint the walls. Hangings and artwork with a defined color scheme will do the trick.

Let There Be Light

The amount and source of light in the office has a direct impact on work behavior and mood. Most people know anecdotally that soft, artificial lighting lends itself to a sleepy surrounding. Bright lights can influence behavior, making a person more awake, but also anxious and unfocused. Strong, natural light seems to be the best mix for productivity. To moderate the intensity of the light in the office, use light-filtering roller shades and blinds that will allow just the right amount of sun into the workspace. The aesthetic nature of the light filter will also increase positive work judgement, helping you to want to spend time in the office.

The Green Effect

Bring a fern into the office. Research shows that green plants in the office space increase the quality of the living area, the worker’s well-being and overall productivity. Green life in the office lowers heart rate, increases respirations and helps with blood flow to the extremities. The type of plant is a factor in this, too. Green, small plants that have a slight scent seemed to have the greatest positive effect on the workspace.

Change Your View

The exposure to nature is a strong factor in human well-being. Just the sight of a lake, forest or mountain can lower heart rates and drive a person into a state of relaxation. If you have the option, re-configure your office space so that you are facing an exterior window. The view does not need to be magnificent, but even a cloud or pigeon can increase your productivity. If this is not an option, then frame nature photos and use them as your office décor.

Take a Walk

Physical activity is shown to decrease work absences from illness and increase work productiveness. Every 40 minutes or so, get up and do some type of physical activity. Depending on your level of fitness, this can be anything from a little walk around the office to a set of push-ups. Some people have begun using desk treadmills where you can walk at a leisurely pace while still working at your desk. These devices let you keep the blood flowing even during a long, busy work day.

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