The Top Challenges of Working from Home and How to Overcome Them

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to work from home in 2020, and in 2023, many of us are still working remotely. While there are certainly lots of benefits to remote work, which is why it’s taken off and become the ‘new normal’, there are also some challenges that can make staying productive and focused difficult. Keep reading to learn more about some of the top challenges of working from home and how to overcome them. 

Establishing a Routine

When you work from home, it can be easy to fall into the trap of working whenever you feel like it, especially if your workplace doesn’t have a set routine for being online. However, this lack of structure can make it difficult to get into a productive mindset. Establishing a routine is the best way to overcome this challenge. Set work hours and stick to them. Start your day by getting ready and prepared as if you were going into the office and take breaks at regular intervals. Having a dedicated room for working in and ending your workday at the same time each day can also be helpful. 

Staying Focused

Staying focused is another common challenge that people face when working from home. There are often lots of distractions at home, from family members to household chores that need to be done. One of the best ways to help you stay focused when working remotely is to create a designated, distraction-free workspace within your home. This could be a spare room, a basement, or even a garden office. Let your family members or roommates know when you’re working, and ask them to respect your work time. Consider playing white noise or using noise-cancelling headphones to block background noise out, although you are of course free to listen to music or a podcast like Better Than Yesterday if you would prefer to.

Slow Internet

A slow internet connection can be a major hindrance to your productivity when working from home. If you are experiencing slow internet, consider switching to fiber. Fiber internet is an ideal choice for working virtually as it is much faster than traditional broadband, and can make a big difference to your ability to work efficiently. Along with this, it’s also more reliable and less prone to outages, allowing you to get more done. 

Loneliness

Working from home can get lonely, especially if you’re new to it and are used to being around coworkers all day. It’s a good idea to try to stay connected with your coworkers to combat loneliness. Schedule regular virtual meetings or check-ins with your colleagues and consider joining online communities related to your industry. You may also want to consider working from a co-working space or coffee shop from time to time to get a change of scenery and meet new people. 

Working from home has become the new norm for many people around the world, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. By creating a designated workspace, establishing a routine, staying connected with coworkers, and investing in a good internet connection, you can overcome these challenges and be a productive, successful remote worker.