How to Increase Working From Home Productivity
Working from home offers unmatched flexibility. You can create your ideal work environment, skip the daily commute, and whip up your favorite snack during breaks. But does working from your living room actually boost productivity, or is it just a recipe for distractions?
The conversation around remote work productivity has evolved since the pandemic. With many companies adopting hybrid models or fully remote setups, recent data gives us clearer insights into whether working from home truly helps us perform better.
We’ll explore the latest findings on remote work productivity, unpack the factors that make or break your efficiency, and share actionable, data-backed tips to help you thrive—whether you’re working from a home office, your couch, or a coffee shop.
Does Working From Home Increase Productivity?
The short answer is yes: working from home can improve productivity. However, the full story is more nuanced, and recent studies shed light on the specifics.
Even before the pandemic reshaped how we work, research supported the benefits of remote work. For instance, a 2015 study of call center employees found a 13% productivity boost among remote workers. These employees logged more minutes per shift and handled calls more efficiently.
Fast forward to today, and the numbers are even more compelling. A recent report by Stanford University found that employees working remotely were 7% more productive than their fully in-office counterparts, thanks to fewer distractions and better work-life balance. Meanwhile, Owl Labs’ 2024 State of Remote Work survey revealed that 35% of remote employees reported getting more work done at home, with improved focus cited as the top reason.
Flexible schedules also play a huge role in productivity. A global study conducted by Future Forum revealed that workers with schedule flexibility reported 32% higher productivity than those stuck with rigid, office-based schedules. These findings highlight how the ability to work during one’s most productive hours can make a significant difference.
However, the benefits of working from home aren’t guaranteed. Employees need the right tools, support, and environment to reach peak performance. Without these, remote work productivity can take a hit.
Let’s look at what it takes to create a truly productive work-from-home environment.
Key Factors That Impact Work-From-Home Productivity
Technology
The foundation of remote work productivity is access to the right technology. To collaborate effectively, you need tools for communication and project management. Companies that embrace remote work should provide software like Slack or Microsoft Teams for team interactions and platforms like Asana or Monday.com to track progress.
Unfortunately, many employees still face tech-related challenges. A survey by Buffer revealed that 21% of remote workers cited technology issues as their biggest hurdle. If your tools are outdated or unreliable, speak up. Request updated equipment or software to help you do your best work.
You can also take charge of your productivity by managing distractions. Apps like Freedom or Focus@Will can block time-wasting websites and keep you on task. These small adjustments can make a big difference in how much you accomplish.
Overcome remote work challenges by following these helpful tips!
Physical space
Your environment heavily impacts your ability to focus. While working from a comfy couch might sound appealing, it’s not ideal for long-term productivity.
Create a dedicated workspace that’s separate from your leisure areas. A home office with good lighting, an ergonomic chair, and a desk at the right height will help you stay comfortable and focused.
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that workers with designated home offices reported 25% fewer distractions compared to those working in shared or multi-purpose spaces. If possible, choose a space with a door to physically separate your work area from the rest of your home. This boundary can help minimize interruptions and boost focus.
Distractions
While working from home eliminates certain office distractions, like chatty coworkers, new challenges can emerge—such as family interruptions, household chores, or the temptation of streaming platforms.
Set clear boundaries with anyone you share your space with. For example, let roommates or family members know your work hours and politely ask for uninterrupted time. Noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines can also help create a distraction-free environment.
A 2024 Gallup report found that remote employees who established clear boundaries were 40% more likely to feel satisfied with their work-life balance. Setting these boundaries not only boosts your productivity but also preserves your mental well-being.
Top Tips to Stay Productive While Working From Home
1. Set a schedule (and stick to it)
Flexibility is one of the best perks of working from home, but too much freedom can derail your productivity. Establishing a consistent daily routine helps your brain transition into “work mode” and sets the tone for the day.
Start your day the same way each morning, whether that means getting up at a specific time, making breakfast, or squeezing in a quick workout. Research published last year by the American Psychological Association found that people with consistent daily routines reported 30% less stress and improved focus compared to those with irregular schedules.
Maintain structure throughout your workday, too. Set fixed times for lunch and breaks, and try to batch similar tasks—for instance, schedule meetings in the morning and reserve the afternoons for deep-focus work.
2. Set daily priorities
One challenge of remote work is staying on track without in-person supervision. To combat this, create a daily or weekly priority list. Identify your most important tasks and tackle them first.
According to a recent LinkedIn study, employees who use goal-setting techniques are 42% more likely to meet deadlines and feel productive. Whether you use an app like Todoist or simply jot down your tasks on paper, having clear priorities keeps you focused and helps you end the day with a sense of accomplishment.
3. Take dedicated breaks
Working from home blurs the lines between personal and professional time, often leading to burnout. Without a commute or external signals to disconnect, it’s easy to work longer hours than intended.
Schedule regular breaks to recharge your energy. The Pomodoro Technique, where you work in 25-minute intervals followed by a short break, has been shown to improve productivity. A study by DeskTime found that the most productive workers take a 5-10 minute break for every 50-60 minutes of focused work.
Use your breaks to step away from your desk completely—go for a walk, stretch, or grab a healthy snack. These small pauses can help you maintain focus and prevent fatigue.
4. Don’t try to multitask
It’s tempting to juggle work tasks and personal errands while at home, but multitasking often results in doing both poorly.
RescueTime did a survey and found that multitasking can reduce productivity by as much as 40%. To stay effective, focus on one task at a time. Save non-work activities, like attending appointments or household chores, for outside working hours.
It can be especially tricky trying to balance work and childcare simultaneously. If you’re responsible for caregiving during work hours, have a conversation with your employer about flexible options or consider outside support.
5. Be intentional with social interactions
Remote work can be isolating, which isn’t just bad for morale—it can hurt collaboration and productivity. A Gallup poll last year revealed that employees who felt connected to their colleagues were 29% more engaged at work.
Make time for both formal and informal interactions with your team. Schedule regular check-ins or virtual coffee chats to stay connected. Video calls, even when an email would suffice, can go a long way in maintaining relationships and keeping communication flowing.
6. Get face time with your boss
Don’t let working remotely create distance between you and your manager. Regular check-ins help you stay aligned on priorities and showcase your contributions.
If your manager is hesitant about remote work, these meetings are an opportunity to highlight your productivity. Share updates on your projects, ask for feedback, and discuss how you can continue to meet and exceed expectations.
The fact that you’re reading this blog shows you care about doing your best work—even when you’re not in the office. Working from home offers incredible flexibility, but it also comes with its own challenges. By building a strong routine, staying focused on your goals, and making intentional connections with your team, you can maximize productivity while avoiding common pitfalls.
