4 Keys to Work Productively from Home

Many companies now allow employees the flexibility to work from home at least part-time, or occasionally. In addition, many people leave the work force and start businesses from their homes.

So how does one stay productive and focused with the distraction of home?

Here are four keys to manage your work at home situation and to maximize your productivity:

1. Set aside a dedicated space. You'll want to have a space to work that is located in a comfortable part of your house or apartment, and that you can use every day you are working. It is distracting and unproductive to change work spaces every time you're at home. Set up a dedicated place for you to work and ensure that you have everything necessary to do your job within arms reach.

2. Disconnect. Turn off the TV and put your mobile phone on mute. If you like a little background music feel free to have the radio on but for many the radio will be another distraction. Check your phone at designated times but otherwise leave it alone so you can focus on the task at hand. Speaking of focus ...

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To be most productive you want to give 

your attention to one thing at a time.

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3. Focus on one thing. Get rid of the multi-tasking mindset. To be most productive you want to give your attention to one thing at a time. Set yourself up for 45-50 minutes of uninterrupted time to focus on tackling one specific task before moving on to something else.

4. Move around. It's important to your energy levels and to aid in creativity to move around. If you have stairs go up and down a few times. Or take a walk around the block. A good way to manage this it to schedule time (5-10 minutes) to move after each working session described above. You'll find yourself energized and focused to move on to the next task.