A few years ago, no one could have fathomed the wave of remote working that was about to engulf us. But thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been handed a prime opportunity for experimenting with home offices and honing our focus skills in order to stay productive all day long.

Working from home doesn't have to mean sacrificing productivity. Follow these 10 strategies we've outlined so that your setup is as successful as possible and you can wow the boss with what you're able to accomplish.

1. Have a Dedicated Home Office Space

Working from home can often feel like a chore–but it doesn't have to be. To maximize productivity, create a dedicated space in your house just for work. Now you don’t need an entire room - if that's not possible try separating off part of the living area with dividers or screens so traffic won't interfere. You'll finally be able to take control and make working from home something enjoyable again.

2. Ensure Your Office Setup is Comfortable

A good home office setup is essential for getting your professional life in order. Get a desk, chair, and ergonomic setup that will keep you comfortable while also ensuring alertness and focus to make sure it's still a productive environment. Don't just cozy up too much otherwise between breaks you're going to be dozing off instead of working.

3. Make Sure You Have Good Lighting

When it comes to productivity, lighting is critical. To get the best results from your home office setup, position your desk close to a window for optimal natural light. After all, there's no better illumination than that of the sun.

If you’re one of those ambitious go-getters working late into the night or before dawn, then it's important to choose good overhead lighting and a desk lamp that produces cool white light as  close to an approximation of natural sunlight as possible.

4. Have All the Right Apps and Technology

Having the right technology is essential to success in today's world, especially when it comes to managing your work and connecting with others. Without these tools, you won't have what you need for productivity - but don’t worry! If you're employed by a company, they likely already set up everything needed so that communication and collaboration can run as smoothly as possible. From meetings management all the way down through resource access -- we've got it covered.

5. Keep Your Home Office Organized

Take charge of your work day with a plan. Each morning, map out the steps to accomplish what's on your list - even if it means literally crossing items off as you go. This tactical approach allows progress and motivation to be measured throughout the day- and will make sure nothing gets forgotten or left behind along the way.

6. Stay on Task

Marking tasks off a to-do list can be super satisfying and keep you motivated throughout the day. That's why it's important to plan your workday each morning, making sure that every task has its place in an organizer or on a checklist so nothing falls through the cracks. Staying focused at work is key to success!

7. Take Breaks

When working from home, treat yourself to scheduled breaks. You could enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with your favorite snack or take the time for a short walk around the block—it's essential for staying productive and refreshed. Instead of feeling tempted by housework during break times, use that precious moment as an opportunity to take care of YOURSELF instead.

Taking a few moments to rest your eyes every 20 minutes can be the difference between eye strain and clear vision. It’s recommended to follow the incredible 20-20-20 rule - just look at something that’s about 20 yards away for around twenty seconds, and you should stay fresh as a daisy.

8. Avoid Distractions

Working productively at home can be a challenge, with family members around and countless distractions like taking your pup for that walk they always seem to want just when you're in the middle of something. It's important to clearly set boundaries - both with those around us and within ourselves. Avoid the Netflix binge & maintain focus on tasks by making sure breaks involve time away from our screens so we stay fully productive.

By creating a tidy, organized environment in your home you can rest assured that all of your attention will be devoted to the tasks at hand. No one likes trying to focus when faced with a messy sink full of dirty dishes and laundry in need of folding.

9. Dress the Part

If productivity is your goal, then it's time to dress for success – that’s not to say you have to arrive in a suit and tie every day because that would be unrealistic. Instead, aim for "workplace casual." Donning the right outfit helps create boundaries between work life and home life. So, get up each morning with a style-minded attitude – which will ultimately benefit everyone involved (including yourself).

10. Decorate for Inspiration

Get creative and make your office a place where inspiration thrives. Incorporate artwork, plants, and even some aromatherapy to craft an inviting space that encourages productivity. Don't forget- when you're comfortable in your environment it's easier for amazing ideas to take form!

Explore one of Centex’s affordable new home communities today to discover stunning designs with flexible floor plans that enable you to plan your office setup easily.