Best Advice for Working From Home
Working from home sounds easy on paper, but anyone who’s tried it knows it takes a bit of structure to get right. The perks are great — no commute, more flexibility and the option to work in comfortable clothes — but staying productive while keeping a healthy routine can take some practice.
Create a Space That Feels Like “Work Mode”
You don’t need a full office setup, but having a dedicated spot makes a huge difference. A corner of the living room, a spare desk, even just a table that isn’t used for anything else during the day helps your brain switch into work mode. Clearing clutter helps too — if you’ve upgraded your phone or laptop recently, it might be worth recycling older tech rather than letting it sit around. You can check values for old devices here.
Stick to a Routine (Even a Loose One)
The freedom of WFH is brilliant, but too much freedom can throw the whole day off. Setting simple anchors makes everything easier — a set start time, a proper lunch break and a rough end-of-day cutoff. These little habits keep the workday from blending into the evening.
Take Breaks Without Feeling Guilty
At home, it’s surprisingly easy to sit still for hours without noticing. A short walk, a coffee break or even standing up to stretch can reset your energy far better than powering through. Many people find they actually get more done by stepping away for five minutes.
Stay Connected With Your Team
Some people love the quiet of WFH, but isolation can creep in. Keeping in touch through quick calls, Slack chats or regular check-ins helps keep everything feeling collaborative. It also stops small questions from turning into big problems later.
Protect Your Boundaries
One of the biggest mistakes people make is “just finishing one more thing” long after work hours. If your job involves using personal devices, it can help to separate things out. For example, if you pass your old phone to someone else in the house, make sure it’s wiped properly or recycled. You can find Apple and Samsung trade-in options on Envirofone: Apple and Samsung.
Build in Small Wins
Working from home doesn’t have the same buzz of an office, so celebrating small successes keeps motivation high. Ticking off a few quick tasks early in the day can set you up for a productive afternoon.
Keep Work and Home Life Separate
When your house is also your office, it’s easy for the two worlds to blur. Closing your laptop at the same time each day, moving your work items out of sight or even changing into different clothes after work can help create a clear divide.
Everyone has their own rhythm when working from home, and finding yours takes a bit of trial and error. With a few adjustments — a better routine, a more organised space and some boundaries — it becomes a lot easier to enjoy the flexibility without losing productivity.
