Learn how to manage your time, energy, and attention while working remotely and meeting deadlines. Discover tips to create a comfortable workspace, eliminate distractions, and seek feedback.

I'm a big fan of the Pomodoro method, in which you set 25 minutes of focused work time, followed by a 5 minute break. There are specially made Pomodoro timers, but I use the timer on my smartphone. I set the 25 minute timer, stick my phone in my desk drawer and attend to my to-do list task until the timer buzzes.

Last updated on Jul 30, 2024

You’re working from home and have a big deadline. How can you stay focused?

Working from home can be challenging, especially when you have a big deadline looming. You may face distractions, interruptions, or lack of motivation that can affect your productivity and performance. How can you stay focused and deliver your best work on time? Here are some tips to help you manage your time, energy, and attention while working remotely.

1 Set clear goals and priorities

Before you start your workday, make a list of the tasks you need to complete and rank them by urgency and importance. Break down large or complex projects into smaller and manageable steps. Set realistic and specific deadlines for each task and track your progress. This will help you stay focused on what matters most and avoid getting overwhelmed or sidetracked by less relevant or urgent activities.

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2 Create a comfortable and dedicated workspace

Find a spot in your home where you can work comfortably and without distractions. Ideally, it should be a separate room with a door that you can close, but if that's not possible, choose a quiet corner or a table that you can use exclusively for work. Make sure you have enough lighting, ventilation, and equipment to support your work. Avoid working from your bed, couch, or kitchen table, as these can make you feel too relaxed or tempted to multitask.

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3 Establish a routine and boundaries

Working from home can blur the lines between your personal and professional life, so it's important to create a structure and a schedule that works for you. Try to stick to your regular working hours and take breaks throughout the day. Communicate your availability and expectations to your colleagues, clients, and family members. Let them know when you are working, when you are taking breaks, and when you are done for the day. Respect your own boundaries and don't let work spill over into your personal time or vice versa.

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Phakamani Ntimbane

Market Research | Marketing | Business Consulting | Customer Insights| Project Management | Published Author| Looking for Brand Partnerships
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Staying focused while working from home can definitely be a challenge, especially with tight deadlines. But there are some strategies you can try to help stay on track. First, try to create a dedicated workspace, separate from your living space. If possible, set up a home office or workspace that's just for work. This can help you get in the right mindset and minimize distractions. Next, try to create a schedule and stick to it. Set specific times for working, taking breaks, and eating. And try to avoid working outside of those times.

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Robert Rucker

Emerging Marketing Professional | Strategic Thinker with Sales Experience & Passion for Brand Storytelling, Digital Engagement, and Market Research
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An example of this important step is having the mental structure that you are in-office (with your door closed in a sense). Be sure to take breaks but establish the expectation that when you are working, that is what you are dialed in on. Creating a schedule for yourself with clearly defined starting and ending times. When you’re done for the day, “close the door of your office” to help distinguish the end of your work engagement for the day. Creating structure like this can give you an advantage when it comes to hitting your crucial targets in a timely and consistent manner.

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4 Eliminate or minimize distractions

Distractions can be either external or internal, and they can disrupt your focus and waste your time. External distractions may include phone calls, emails, messages, notifications, noises, or people. Internal distractions can be boredom, fatigue, stress, or anxiety. To reduce or prevent distractions, you could turn off or mute your phone and other devices when working on a priority task. Additionally, checking your email and messages at certain times of the day and avoiding opening or responding to irrelevant or low-priority ones is also helpful. Furthermore, using headphones or earplugs to block out noises, as well as playing some background music or white noise to help you concentrate are good strategies. Additionally, informing family members or housemates of your work schedule and asking them not to disturb you unless it's an emergency is beneficial. Finally, it's important to set aside some time for yourself to relax, meditate, exercise, or do something fun to recharge your energy and mood.

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Saleh Bilal

Growing the Best Tech Companies on LinkedIn ™ | Top Writing and AI Voice | #1 Ranked Copywriter & Digital Strategist on Freelancer.com
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Here’s how you can reduce distractions when you're working from home: ⭕ Set boundaries with family and friends: Clearly communicate your work hours and avoid socialising during these times. ⭕ Close non-work browser tabs: Turn off personal accounts and avoid unnecessary email chains to focus better. ⭕ Shut off non-essential notifications: Disable alerts on your phone or devices, especially from non-work apps. ⭕ Limit social media interaction: Restrict social media use to scheduled breaks to avoid distraction. ⭕ Maintain specific work hours: Track your time to understand when distractions occur and manage your schedule effectively. ⭕ Set rules for personal activities: Establish clear boundaries for personal time during work hours

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5 Seek feedback and support

Working from home can sometimes make you feel isolated, disconnected, or unsure of your performance. That's why it's important to seek feedback and support from your manager, colleagues, or mentors. They can help you clarify your goals, monitor your progress, provide constructive criticism, or offer encouragement and recognition. You can also reach out to them for advice, collaboration, or social interaction. Use various communication tools, such as phone calls, video calls, emails, chats, or online platforms, to stay in touch and build rapport.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Janine Jellars (MBA)

Brand Marketing | Digital Communications | Author | MBA (GIBS)
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I'm a big fan of the Pomodoro method, in which you set 25 minutes of focused work time, followed by a 5 minute break. There are specially made Pomodoro timers, but I use the timer on my smartphone. I set the 25 minute timer, stick my phone in my desk drawer and attend to my to-do list task until the timer buzzes.

Like

You’re working from home and have a big deadline. How can you stay focused?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Set clear goals and priorities

2 Create a comfortable and dedicated workspace

3 Establish a routine and boundaries

4 Eliminate or minimize distractions

5 Seek feedback and support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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You’re working from home and have a big deadline. How can you stay focused?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Set clear goals and priorities

2 Create a comfortable and dedicated workspace

3 Establish a routine and boundaries

4 Eliminate or minimize distractions

5 Seek feedback and support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

Rate this article

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