How to Create a Work from Home Schedule That Works

Apr 24, 2020

Remote working isn’t an opportunity experienced by a lot of office workers. But because of the pandemic going on, companies have implemented a transition of employees working from their offices into their homes.

This new occupation environment and time flexibility can throw the productivity of others off guard and that includes you. You might not even notice that most of what’s happening in your home is already distracting you from complying with deadlines and such.

Since you’re new to this, here are some useful tips on creating and sticking to a solid schedule for working at home.

1. Create a ritual when you wake up

One perk of remote work is the lack of office pressure. Without it, you become lax by the moment you get off your bed. When you wake up, take a bath, drink coffee, eat, brush your teeth, get dressed for work, sit down in your designated working space, and then open your laptop, put it mind that it would just be another day at the office just minus the commute.

2. Schedule your working hours on peak energy times

There are two types of office workers: the “Morning Lark” and the ”Night Owl”. Which one are you? Where do you feel most energized and productive for work? Set your working hours on that part of the day.

3. Don’t mix up chores along with your working hours

When the schedule indicates that it’s time to work, that time should be for work alone. Don’t sidetrack yourself by doing the dishes or cleaning the house during working hours. Chore time is for chores and work time is for work. Do your best to leave it that way.

4. Track your time

This will help you plan your days and working schedules ahead of time. Pay attention to which kind of work takes time the most. Notice which days of the week you’re productive. The next time a task is given, you can easily schedule when and what to work on based on your self-observation.

5. Make a to-do list and prioritize the tasks you hate

Attend to less-desirable responsibilities first that are sure to distract you during the day. If you’re going to prioritize them before clocking in for work, you’ll have no time to worry and have a sense of accomplishment. Hence, more time for focus.

6. Set a time for procrastination

When there’s no supervisor checking on you, who’s there to stop you from lollygagging on Facebook during working hours? There’s a time for everything. A time for checking emails, a time for relaxation, and a time for focus. Set different schedules for these activities. Like #3, don’t mix up schedules.

7. Have an energizing activity to fight the slump

Like working in the office, we all experience an afternoon slump. One way to fight this is to have a heart-pumping activity. Keep the drowsiness away from messing with your schedule for focus. You can either walk around your area, play games or do some stretchings.

8. If you can't follow a schedule, follow a routine

If sticking to schedule won’t do for you, at least follow a ladder routine. Finish every work before moving on to the next. You may not get a lot of work done in a given hour but at least at the end of the day, they’re all done and meet the deadline.

9. Don’t do all the chores yourself

For those with families or are living with others, asking for help in house chores is effective for expanding and keeping you in your working schedule. Assign responsibilities to your kids or pass some tasks to your partner. You can schedule them for additional chores if you can’t do them yourself at the moment. All you have to say is “Please.”

The overall strategy for creating an effective schedule for remote working is to schedule your day the same way you would at the office. Add your normal pre-office rituals and a designated working zone, then you’re just as effective as you were before. Don’t forget to put a wall between you and your household during working hours.