Still struggling to get in the working groove? You aren’t alone.

In the past year, things have changed drastically in all industries. Many companies are having their employees work from home. If you are a work-from-home (WFH) employee by choice or by necessity, you may have discovered a number of challenges that are different from the traditional office setting.

This blog covers some advice for being more productive while working from home, as well as helpful tips for going back to the office.

Work From Home Tips to Improve Efficiency and Boost Productivity

Looking for how to be more productive from your home office? Even after a year at home, many professionals might still be having a hard time being the most efficient. These are our top remote productivity tips.

Create a Routine and Form Working Habits

The more you can get into a consistent flow of productivity, the easier it will get each day. Practice good work habits, like writing down your to-do list for the day and focusing on one task at a time. Prioritize your workload and knock off the most important things first.

Find the Right Environment for Productivity

Consider the environment that will help you be the most efficient. Believe it or not, it isn’t going to be the same for everyone. You might work better with ambient music, regular music, no music, people around, completely alone, white noise, outside, in a room with no windows, next to a light therapy lamp, etc.

Take Intentional Breaks for Focus

Your brain can only focus for so long. Distractions are more time consuming than you would think, with some research reporting it takes around 23 minutes to get back on track. On the other hand, studies have found that taking short, intentional breaks throughout your workday can help improve your focus.

This can be as quick as getting up to make a glass of ice water or cup of coffee. It could include a quick stretching session or walking a loop around the block. Getting up to move is also important for avoiding the health dangers that come with sitting in one place for an hour or more at a time.

End Your Workday to Support Mental Health

One of the toughest things for many WFH employees is the “always on” syndrome. Suddenly, you never leave the office (because you now live there!). If there is no decisive end to your workday, you could just keep checking emails and thinking about work issues all night long. Set boundaries when it comes to your work and unplug at the end of your day.

Tips for Preparing to Go Back to the Office

Businesses are slowly starting to return to some sense of normalcy. Check out these tips for going back to the office when you are finally cleared to return to your typical workplace.

Know the Rules and Safety Protocols

Learning the rules beforehand will make things less awkward and frustrating when you return. COVID-19 has changed the way most workplaces are operating. If possible, go over the company’s safety plan before your first day back.

Bond Without Causing Distractions

It’s important to form connections and communicate with your team, but being back in person can become a new distraction. Prepare yourself to manage the excitement of seeing your coworkers and avoid participating in too many distractions that might hinder work.

Find Your Routine Again

Start waking up earlier before you even have to be in for your first day back. Think back to your routine before the pandemic and what it would take to transition your routine back to that. When you are considering your routine from before, you might even find things you could improve—like going to bed earlier or fitting in a workout before you leave in the morning.