Bhavin Turakhia's 7 tips to work from home like a boss: To-do lists, mid-day meetings & multiple breaks

Man on the go, Bhavin Turakhia, CEO, Flock, knows what it’s like to make your workspace work for you, irrespective of where it is. And now, he too is working from home, but this remote setup is something he’s used to.

“Millions of people are now working remotely for the first time ever and experiencing that it isn't as simple or exciting as it may sound. But working remotely can be hugely satisfying and productive, but it can also be challenging at the same time,” he says. Here are the CEOs tips.

1. Prepare for multiple distractions

Working from home does not mean fewer distractions—just different ones. If you’re working from home for the first time, here’s a quick list: family, kids, OTT platforms, neighbours etc.You can’t avoid all distractions. Therefore, be prepared for distractions and set common-sense boundaries.Set aside major chunks of your day for work, and explain your family members about why it’s important that you stay focused.

2. Start your day early, comparatively
Beat the rush of distractions later in the day by starting work as early as you can. If you’re used to a long commute that helps you organize yourself for the day ahead, working from home can take a little getting used to. Simply getting started on a task in the morning keeps motivation levels high and helps you stay focused almost throughout the day.

3. Pretend you’re in your office
In the office, our actions are sometimes motivated by bosses or colleagues looking over our shoulders. Pretending to be in the office helps you start or continue productive habits, like daily to-dos, and keeps you focused. Set dedicated hours for work, connect with teammates on collaborative platforms, schedule and conduct video calls, do everything you do in the office—as much as you can.

4. Plan your day – Create a To-Do List!
A lot of us probably do this already, but planning your day is all the more important when you work from home. Planning your day doesn’t have to be a big fancy task. Simply think of hours you want to set aside for work. Then you want a list of things to do in those chunks of timeAnd don’t forget to check things off that to-do list every time you finish a task, because that keeps you going!

5. Take multiple breaks, it’s not a crime!
Working from home—in a study or in the living room, or even your bed—means working in a space of comfort. While this can be fun and comforting, it can also mean getting lost in the flow, and at times for hours. That’s probably alright, once in a while, but you want to take regular breaks to get up, stretch those fatigued muscles, and hydrate and nourish yourself.

6. Save meetings for mid-day (or later!)
Early mornings—when energy levels are high—should be saved for your best work. Setting up meetings towards the middle of the day means you can continue being productive for the rest of the day. When you take meetings in the middle of the day, you can take a power nap immediately afterwards—in your own bed. Naps are a superpower, and working from home means you can get more of it every day.

7. Make time for video calls
Unfortunately, working from home also means missing office banter. Over time, the lack of in-person collaboration when working remotely can foster a feeling of isolation. But connecting over a quick video call with a teammates to talk about your respective days can be a big help.