WFH: Tips to Stay Focused

Fully remote. Return to the office. Hybrid work environment. All hot topics of conversation this fall. Many individuals are still working from home (WFH) in some capacity and staying focused can be challenging within the confines of your house. When everything is convenient and at your fingertips, the temptation to do something other than work can be quite strong. Here are some tips to remain on task throughout your day.

HAVE A CONSISTENT MORNING ROUTINE

Some say your morning routine sets your tone for the day – so if you’re rushing out of bed quickly to boot up your computer, your day may automatically feel chaotic. If you had to go into the office, what would you normally do? Set an alarm, shower, have your coffee, get your stuff together, and head off on the commute you are now avoiding. You’ve gained time by not having to travel. Do what works for you but having a consistent morning routine will minimize AM chaos and get your day started on the right foot.

UPDATE YOUR PHONE SETTINGS 

Are you a ‘doom scroller’ who gets lost on Instagram and next thing you know, it’s an hour later? You can set time limits on apps, as well as schedule times when your notifications are silenced. The Focus settings on your iPhone will guide you through this process. Android users, you’re on your own. I’m sure Google can help. If you use your cell for work, this may prove to be more of a challenge, but you can still limit time spent on social media and game apps.

MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE USE OF OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Watching movies on Netflix? Have the TV on in the background? While listening to music may provide a sense of calm or help keep you engaged in your work, other electronic devices may serve as a distraction. Say you have a movie on in the background with which you are familiar, and your favorite scene starts. Likely, you are going to turn your attention to the television screen versus remain on task. This small divergence may easily turn into something much longer than anticipated. I don’t know about you, but I know if I’m flipping through channels, looking for something to watch and I pass by a movie or show I like, I tend to watch it until the end.

PLAN YOUR CHORES OUTSIDE OF WORK HOURS

We’ve all heard that employers are convinced employees are doing household chores like folding laundry during the workday. While throwing sheets and towels in the washing machine may not seem disruptive on the surface, it does break your concentration and rhythm of completing your work tasks, especially when the buzzer goes off to tell you the cycle is complete. If you want to do your dishes and it’s within the time of your typical lunch break, have at it. But trying to multitask and do chores while you work, will limit your focus and effectiveness in your job. Are you planning to iron your shirt while sitting at your desk in the office? Likely not – it’s best to schedule time for household chores outside of work hours.

I think the key is to think about your work environment if you were in the office. Is there a TV on? Were you doing other tasks while working? Did you listen to music? Does your office cubicle include a washing machine? Mimic that environment as best you can at home to minimize distractions and remain as productive as possible.