However, the increase in work-from-home (WFH) arrangements also presents unique challenges, such as maintaining productivity. Fortunately, many evidence-based strategies have proven effective at helping people remain productive, regardless of their work circumstances.

This article explores 10 research-backed strategies that can help individuals remain focused, organized, and motivated in a remote work environment.

Establish a dedicated workspace

Whether you are at home or in the office, research shows that having a dedicated and consistent workspace positively impacts productivity. According to one study, individuals with a dedicated workspace experienced higher levels of concentration and work engagement when compared to people without one. Dedicated workspaces are crucial for sustained bouts of concentration since they allow for the creation of physical boundaries in the same vein as an office space.

Creating a designated area solely for work-related activities helps create a psychological boundary between work and personal life.

Stick to a schedule

Maintaining a consistent work schedule is also key to productivity. Research indicates that consistency in the days of the week and hours of the day that individuals work can increase productivity, with more experienced workers receiving the largest boost in productivity. Adhering to a regular schedule helps establish a routine and can help people to get into the correct mindset for deep work. By setting specific work hours, individuals can optimize their focus and productivity during those designated times.

Dress for success

While working remotely allows for a more relaxed dress code, research indicates that dressing professionally can influence productivity. A study published in 2015 titled “The Cognitive Consequences of Formal Clothing” found that individuals who wore formal attire demonstrated higher abstract thinking, felt more powerful, and demonstrated enhanced cognitive processing compared to those in casual clothing. These findings suggest that dressing professionally can foster a work-oriented mindset and indirectly boost productivity by improving creativity and cognitive processing. So, dress for the job you are doing, whether you are working from home or the office.

Eliminate distractions

Minimizing distractions is crucial for any bout of deep work, but it is especially important for remote workers. Studies have documented the negative effects of interference and interruptions on working memory, the process that underlies the temporary storage and use of information. Working memory underpins almost all higher-order thinking and complex behaviors, so reductions in working memory efficiency may greatly reduce performance on work-related tasks. 

To ensure that distractions and interruptions do not derail your focus, consider using noise-canceling headphones, turning off non-essential notifications or temporarily blocking distracting websites during work hours. By safeguarding yourself from distractions, you will be much more likely to remain on task and efficient. 

Set clear goals and priorities

Have you ever started your work day without a clear plan, only to discover hours later that you haven’t completed as much as you would like? Goal-setting plays a vital role in maintaining productivity and can help you to be more productive by prioritizing your tasks. According to one study, individuals who set goals perform up to 15 percent better compared to workers without defined goals. Other research indicates that individuals who set goals demonstrate higher levels of task performance and engagement. There are myriad methods you can use to write down your goals, including task-management tools and simple to-do lists. The method is unimportant; as long as you make sure you outline your goals before beginning work, you can experience the productivity benefits of goal-setting.

Take regular breaks

While it may seem counterproductive, taking regular breaks can help improve your productivity and well-being while working. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies found that brief “micro-breaks” from work can prevent the accumulation of work-related strain, thereby enhancing subsequent performance and well-being. Moreover, the study found that performance improved linearly with the length of the break; the longer the break, the better the performance following that break. To maximize performance when you are working, set aside some time during your workday to take a few “micro-breaks” of at least 10 minutes. Choose activities that require some movement and help you to avoid thinking about work-related topics during your break. 

Focus on lifestyle factors

What you do outside of your working hours can significantly impact your productivity while you work. Foremost among these outside factors is sleep — insufficient sleep has been linked with decreases in overall wellness, performance, and productivity. Additional research has identified obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity as factors that decrease work productivity. These factors impact worker productivity and can lead to poorer work performance at home or in the office. Fortunately, many of these factors are within your control to change. Prioritize exercise, healthy eating, quality sleep, and mindfulness activities to boost both your overall well-being and productivity when working from home. 

Reflect and adapt

Continual self-assessment and adaptation are crucial for any type of personal improvement. Long-term productivity in remote work is no exception. Research on students demonstrates that self-assessment is positively associated with performance and learning, regardless of the subject material. While this research was conducted on students, the same principles of learning apply. Reflect on your remote work setup, experiment with different techniques and tools, and make adjustments based on what works best for your work style and preferences.

By implementing evidence-based strategies, individuals can thrive in a remote work environment. Creating a dedicated workspace, sticking to a schedule, dressing professionally, and minimizing distractions are key components of maintaining productivity. Setting clear goals, taking regular breaks, focusing on lifestyle factors, and engaging in self-reflection can further enhance focus, performance, and productivity when working from home. Incorporate these research-backed strategies to optimize your productivity and achieve your professional goals–all from the comfort of your own home. 

Jacob Bingham is a project manager at Stage Marketing, a full-service content marketing agency based in Pleasant Grove.