Sure, working from home is a dream come true for most. You get to avoid the dreaded morning commute, you lessen the risk of getting sick, you feel better rested and you get to spend more time with your loved ones – in the comfort of your own home. 

To put it simply, remote working is comfortable, blissful and presents introverts with their much-needed alone time. 

But, working from home also holds its disadvantages. Whether it's housework, noisy neighbours or the sweet siren song from your fridge, here are a few interruptions and foolproof ways to combat them. 

1. What schedule? 

Of course, working from home means that you'll be tempted to sleep in and start working late – don't. We are creatures of habit, and having your routine disrupted or completely annihilated will provide you with a lack of control and heaps of procrastination. 

Having an all-over-the-place schedule might take its toll on your mental health as well. So mimic your previous routine as much as you can. Wake up at the same time, maybe go for a jog, do some housework, or even read a book before you start work – on time. This will give you a sense of normalcy and motivation to work. Do not forget to stop for regular breaks, and eat your lunch away from your workstation, this hopefully put a halt to meaningless snacking as well.

When working remotely, avoid extra time, as this will result in an eventual burnout. Create boundaries, routines and schedules – for your sanity's sake.

2. Your not-so-quiet family 

Having kids or living with your parents means that you will have very little quiet time at home. From loud parents to needy kids, finding the mental capacity to concentrate on any tasks at hand might be super hard. While co-workers will totally understand these distractions (life sometimes gets in the way, it's fine) you should still try to set boundaries with your family. Explain to your children (or parents) that they should avoid bursting in your room during a conference call, or to leave you in peace and quiet during allocated times. 

3. The internet 

This is a major distraction for most. Everyone feels tempted to check their Facebook notifications, browse the web, stare at memes, or read meaningless facts online. Keeping a separate browser window on your computer dedicated solely to work means that you will be less tempted to spend the next three hours looking at funny dog videos or listening to prank calls. Your work browser should be kept bare and only filled with work-related bookmarks, extensions and apps. Your leisure browser, on the other hand, can be as colourful and full of distractions as you'd like it to be. All you need is some self-discipline, really. 

4. Your beloved pets

Pets are amazing. But they're also very good at hogging our attention. If you are a dog-owner, you need to start planning your day around your pup in a way that makes him less of a distraction. Take him out for early morning walks to burn off energy, reduce stress and most importantly – tire him out. Play fetch with your pooch and let him take care of his business. Another great way to keep your dog busy during the day is to get him a gnawing bone, rope, ball or toy. Cats, on the other hand, can be a bit easier to deal with. These slothful creatures tend to sleep for long hours – generally on your lap – until they decide that it's time to play. Set up a perch or hammock so that your cat can curl up away from your keyboard. If your beloved feline, on the other hand, is a highly energetic creature, you can invest in a zero-effort toy like a laser pen or an elaborate scratching post. 

5. Home sweet home 

It's normal to do your household chores if you're working from home. Whether it's a quick clearing up, a load of laundry or sweeping your living room floor, we all do it. 

However, now that so many people are working from home, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to ask for assistance from your partner, children or housemates. If you live on your own, you can allocate short breaks to complete tasks around the house. You can do a quick laundry load or clean your kitchen sink as you wait for your kettle to boil.

Here are some tips to help you manage your remote employees.