Staying motivated when working from home.

Bob Bannister
by Bob Bannister on

Working from home has become the norm, with many employees enjoying the flexibility and convenience it offers. However, it can also be challenging to stay motivated and productive when working from home. In this blog post, we will discuss some practical techniques that can help you stay motivated and focused when working from home, backed up by academic references, statistics, and facts.

  1. Set Clear Goals and Deadlines

Setting clear goals and deadlines is crucial when working from home. Research has shown that setting specific, challenging, and achievable goals can increase motivation and performance (Locke & Latham, 2002). Furthermore, having clear deadlines can provide structure and help you prioritize tasks.

  1. Create a Dedicated Workspace

Creating a dedicated workspace can help you establish boundaries between work and home life, making it easier to focus on work tasks. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that having a dedicated workspace can improve work performance and reduce distractions (Baer & Konrad, 2020).

  1. Take Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks can improve productivity and motivation. Research has shown that taking breaks can help prevent mental fatigue and improve overall well-being (Kim & Lee, 2018). Taking short breaks to stretch, walk, or meditate can help you recharge and refocus.

  1. Stay Connected with Colleagues

Working from home can be isolating, but staying connected with colleagues can help maintain motivation and productivity. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that regular communication with colleagues can improve job satisfaction and motivation (Patten, 2018). Scheduling regular video calls or virtual team-building activities can help foster a sense of community and connection.

  1. Celebrate Achievements

Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, can help boost motivation and maintain momentum. Research has shown that celebrating progress can increase self-efficacy and motivation (Gollwitzer & Moskowitz, 1996). Setting achievable goals and celebrating when they are accomplished can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue working towards larger goals.

In summary, staying motivated when working from home requires intentional effort and strategies. Setting clear goals and deadlines, creating a dedicated workspace, taking regular breaks, staying connected with colleagues, and celebrating achievements are all practical techniques that can help maintain motivation and productivity.

References:

Baer, K., & Konrad, A. M. (2020). How to Make Remote Work Work. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/03/how-to-make-remote-work-work

Gollwitzer, P. M., & Moskowitz, G. B. (1996). Goal effects on action and cognition. Handbook of motivation and cognition, 2(1), 121-146.

Kim, S. K., & Lee, S. K. (2018). The effects of breaks on sustained attention and the underlying brain mechanisms: A review. Asia Pacific Journal of Multimedia Services Convergent with Art, Humanities, and Sociology, 8(1), 107-116.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American psychologist, 57(9), 705.

Patten, E. (2018). 2018 Employee Job Satisfaction and Engagement Report. Society for Human Resource Management. https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/2018-Employee-Job-Satisfaction-and-Engagement-Report.pdf