If you work from home, do you ever feel like your productivity is not where it should be? Many factors can reduce your productivity as a remote worker. One of the main issues faced by remote workers is getting distracted. You may have children, pets, or other family members at home when you work, which can prevent you from getting your work done on time. Noise distractions are one of the most common complaints from remote workers when they struggle with completing tasks. While it’s impossible to prevent or eliminate all distracting noises, you can take some steps to reduce these noises so you can better stay on task.
Less noise in your workspace
The first step in reducing noise while you work is making some changes to your workspace. Invest in quality noise-canceling headphones that can be used while you work, especially if you have frequent work calls or meetings. If you’re especially distracted by noise, wearing your headphones even when not on calls can greatly reduce the ambient noise. If you work in a busy part of your home, consider moving your office to a different area when possible. If this isn’t an option, be sure your friends and family, those who live with you and those who don’t, are aware of your work schedule and know not to contact you during those hours unless there’s an emergency.
Reducing other sources of noise
If you get a lot of deliveries, consider investing in a silent doorbell. They can alert you in other ways but won’t make the traditional doorbell sound, which is especially problematic if you have dogs. If your schedule is flexible, you may benefit from working different hours, which can help if you have close neighbors who are active during certain parts of the day. Working early in the morning before others are awake or staying up late in the evening can help you get tasks done when others are not around to create noise.
Some people aren’t affected by noise, while others may be completely thrown off task by noisy interruptions. When you work from home, noise can come from inside or outside your home, which limits your ability to control the sources. To help yourself focus while you work, consider investing in some noise-cancelling headphones, modifying your workspace or schedule, and upgrading to a silent doorbell can prevent many of the most common household noises from disturbing you while you work.
