The work-from-home revolution is here! According to Benefits Canada, as of 2017, 47% of Canadians work remotely, and that number keeps growing. If you don’t work from home, you may be wondering how those who do stay productive. Here are some tips and tricks we’ve put together to help you stay focused and on task, including some from our own work-from-home-r.

1. Dress for the job you have.

First thing’s first, get out of those comfy and cozy PJs and put some “real” clothes on. Mentally, this will get you out of the “I’m at home” vibe and into the “let’s get work done” mindset.

Lindsay, Rakuten’s Senior Account Executive suggests, “Lululemon will be your best friend. Just because you shouldn’t wear pajamas all day working from home doesn’t mean you can’t be comfy. Leggings, joggers and sweaters has to be one of the top perks of being remote (goodbye heels!)”

Shop Lululemon, Hudson’s Bay, Club Monaco, Kit and Ace, Frank & Oak, Roots to make sure you look the part, even if it’s just from the waist up on video calls.

2. Your home office needs.

If you have a spare bedroom, space in your basement, or a den that’s not being used, we recommend carving out a place you can use as your home office. That means – no kids toys, no TVs, no laundry, etc. A separate space makes it infinitely easier to get in the work headspace.

“As much as it’s convenient to work from the couch, having a space that’s dedicated for work is necessary. You’ll be much more productive and have an area in your home that should be treated as though you’re in a regular office environment. Once you leave that space at the end of the day, it’s a lot easier to shut off from work (otherwise, you can easily end up working from the couch into the late hours of the night),” says Lindsay.

You’ll also want to make sure that you have the basic supplies you need to do your job, which you can get at any Staples.

• Desk organizers
• Laptop stand
• Comfortable (ergonomic) chair
• Wireless headphones
• Phone charging dock
• Pens, paper, sticky notes, etc.

Décor is also something to consider. Just like when you worked in an office, those boring old cubicles became yours once you add something personal. Think lamps (desk or floor), curtains (if you have a window), wall art, a white board or corkboard or a kitschy calendar. These items can be found at Chapters-Indigo, Bouclair or Bed Bath and Beyond.

3. Productivity tips for the home office warriors.

One of the hardest things to do when working from home (at the beginning) is being productive. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by distractions, but you’ve to learn to get ahead of those before they get the better of you.

One of the easiest things to forget to do when working from home is taking a break. Whether it’s a 10-minute break to go outside or eating lunch at the kitchen table, these little things surprisingly get easy to forget.

Also, give yourself some deadlines or timelines. A Timer Cube can be a great tool to keep you on track and on task.

Lindsay recommends “Change your environment. It’s easy to stay home all day, especially in the cold winter months, but changing your location every once in a while, can make all the difference. Head to your nearest coffee shop for a few hours every week to get a change in scenery and refreshed outlook.” You might also try the local public library for free Wi-Fi and a subdued atmosphere.

Make lists of your to-dos and schedule appointments for yourself in your calendar. These will also help you stay on track of what you need to accomplish throughout the day. Plus, there’s nothing more rewarding than crossing things off a list.

Start your day like you’re headed to an office. Lindsay explains “Working in your pajamas may be the comfiest option but having a morning routine that includes getting dressed and ready for the day will make a huge difference in your work performance. You’ll feel better about yourself and in turn, will be more productive.”