3 Essential Tips for Successfully Working from Home

With more and more Japanese companies implementing remote working practices because of the Covid-19 pandemic, several clients and colleagues have asked me for tips on how to work efficiently from home.

As a sole proprietor in the marketing and communication field, I was already doing at least 50 percent of my work remotely before the pandemic. Now that, for the time being, I’m doing nearly all of my work from home, I’ve realized that there are three basic behaviors that keep me productive when working at a coworking space or on-site with a client is no longer an option.

1. Establish and Adhere to Routines and Rituals

If you’re working from home in Tokyo, the first thing that you’ve probably noticed is that getting ready for and commuting to work used to take up a massive chunk of your day. As tempting as it is to use your newfound time to sleep in and simply roll out of bed just in time for your morning Zoom meeting, do your best to resist that urge.

Staying productive at home is just as much a mental battle as it is a temporal one. Wake up at the same time you normally would and maintain as much of your morning routine as possible (making coffee, eating breakfast, etc.). Use your extra morning time on something that benefits your mind, body, or both. Exercise is always a good option, as you can no longer rely on the benefits of mandatory walks to and from train stations.

Better yet, if your company allows flexible scheduling, why not get an early start on your work? Just make sure you finish early as well. For example, instead of working from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., try working from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and see how you like it. Whatever you decide, be sure to schedule your breaks and your tasks, just as you would if you were in the office. Need some help staying on track? Try some of these productivity methods.

2. Set Up a Dedicated Workspace

The greatest challenges of working at home are avoiding distractions and maintaining focus. Offices and coworking spaces are purpose-built facilities that automatically lull your mind into “work mode.” On the other hand, your home is a carnival of distractions just waiting to run your well of willpower dry.

Make life easy on your mind by setting up a dedicated, distraction-free workspace. Make sure you have a comfortable, ergonomic chair with a desk to match. If you’re working on a laptop, consider a second monitor to reduce eye strain and improve posture. Unfortunately, these things require an investment at a time when cash might be tight. Before making any purchases, check if your company offers financial support for office equipment. Also, consider if you’ll be able to continue working at home after the pandemic subsides. If so, your investment will be even more valuable.

Finally, make sure that your home workspace is isolated, preferably in a room without devices that can distract you from your work. I realize that if you live in one of Japan’s major cities, this may seem impossible. Do the best you can—a simple privacy screen such as this one can work wonders in keeping your eyes on the productivity prize.

3. Prioritize Movement and Exercise

Without having places to be (other than your home), the number of steps you take every day drops significantly. It’s important to make up for this loss by taking scheduled walks, even if you don’t have a particular goal or destination.

If walking aimlessly around your neighborhood sounds boring, use the experience to listen to your favorite podcast or audiobook. Put on a good business podcast and you can double-down on health benefits, activating the mind and body simultaneously.

If you are into more intense exercise, use your scheduled lunch break (remember, you should be sticking to a routine) to jog, cycle, or do a home workout. Exercise enhances our cognitive abilities, and when you’re working at home, it’s easier than ever to squeeze in a midday workout.

Finding Opportunity in Difficulty 

For many, working at home might not be ideal. However, the Covid-19 pandemic will eventually pass. Make the most out of this temporary situation by experimenting with fresh ways of working and optimizing your work-life balance. You may even come to appreciate the advantages of working flexibly and discover a desire to keep doing so, even when you no longer have to.