How do you deal with interruptions and distractions when working from home?

1 Set boundaries and expectations

One of the first steps to deal with interruptions and distractions is to communicate clearly with the people who share your living space. Let them know your work hours, your availability, and your need for privacy and quiet. Explain that working from home does not mean you are always free to chat, play, or help with chores. You can also use signs, headphones, or closed doors to signal when you are busy or on a call. Respect your own boundaries as well and avoid checking personal messages, social media, or news during your work time.

2 Create a dedicated workspace

Another way to minimize distractions is to have a designated area for your work, preferably separate from your living or sleeping areas. This will help you mentally switch to work mode and avoid the temptation of relaxing on the couch or bed. Make sure your workspace is comfortable, organized, and well-lit. Equip it with the necessary tools and supplies for your administrative tasks, such as a computer, a phone, a printer, a filing system, and stationery. Keep your workspace tidy and free of clutter and noise.

3 Plan and prioritize your tasks

To stay on track with your work, it is important to have a clear and realistic plan for each day. Start by reviewing your goals, deadlines, and expectations from your manager or clients. Then, prioritize your tasks according to their urgency and importance. You can use a calendar, a planner, or a to-do list to organize your tasks and schedule your time. Break down large or complex tasks into smaller and manageable steps. Allocate some buffer time for unexpected issues or emergencies. Also, plan some breaks throughout the day to refresh your mind and body.

4 Manage your phone and email

One of the most common sources of interruptions and distractions is your phone and email, which are essential for communication and collaboration but can also disrupt your workflow and concentration. To avoid this, you can turn off notifications for non-urgent or irrelevant messages and apps, check your phone and email at specific times, set up an auto-responder or a voicemail message to inform contacts when you are available or not, use filters, folders, and labels to sort and prioritize messages, respond to urgent or important messages promptly and briefly, and delete or archive messages that you don't need.

5 Eliminate or reduce other distractions

Besides phone and email, there may be other distractions that can affect your focus and performance, such as web browsing, online shopping, gaming, watching TV, listening to music or podcasts, snacking, drinking, smoking, or caring for pets and plants. While some of these distractions can be beneficial in moderation, they can become addictive or detrimental if they interfere with your work. To reduce or eliminate them, you can try using a browser extension or app to block access to distracting websites or games; choosing background noise or music that suits your preference and mood; keeping healthy snacks and drinks within reach; training your pets to respect your work time and space; and scheduling time for hobbies after you finish your work. Working from home can be a positive experience if you know how to manage interruptions and distractions effectively. By following these tips, you can create a productive environment that supports your efficiency and satisfaction as an administrative professional.

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?