5 Surprisingly Smart Ways to Stay Productive When Working From Home

Good Vibes Only
Aug 5, 2025

Working from home sounds like a dream—until you find yourself three cups of coffee in, still wearing slippers at 11 am, and arguing with a toddler about who gets the Wi-Fi.

But for many South Africans, home is also HQ. Across the country, garages have been turned into workshops, granny flats into beauty salons, and kitchens into catering hubs. From freelance accountants to aunties selling the best bobotie in town, home-run businesses are thriving.

So, how do you stay productive when your lounge is your boardroom and your Labrador thinks every Zoom call is a bark-a-thon?

Here are five surprisingly smart (and slightly cheeky) ways to stay on top of your game:

  1. Dress for Success (Even if It’s Just the Top Half)

You don’t have to wear heels or a tie, but putting on real clothes (read: not pyjamas) gets your brain in business mode. Bonus: you won’t have to hide behind a dodgy webcam filter in your next virtual meeting.

  1. Respect the Roster

Make a simple daily schedule. Not a military timetable, just enough structure to stop your “quick snack” break from turning into a binge-watch of Netflix. Set office hours—and stick to them (mostly).

  1. Claim Your Corner

Whether it’s the kitchen table or a sunny spot on the stoep, designate a workspace. This helps you mentally “go to work” even when you’re only travelling three metres from the kettle.

  1. Set Boundaries with Love (and Maybe a Sign)

When you’re at home, everyone thinks you’re available. You’re not. Let family know when it’s work time. A simple “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door goes a long way—unless your coworkers have four legs or wear nappies and have no respect for signs.

  1. Protect What You’ve Built

It may be a small operation, but your home business is a big deal. Whether you’re mixing lotions, balancing books, or baking quiches, having the right insurance gives you peace of mind so you can focus on growth.

At Howdie, we’re proud to support South Africa’s home-grown hustle, and we salute the men and women who make it happen every day.

And as we roll into August, a special shoutout to the incredible women who run homes, run businesses, and somehow still find time to run the world. Here’s to you.

#StayProductive #WorkFromHome #HowdieHuddle #WomensMonth