Steal This Hollywood Trick to Boost Your WFH Productivity

Working from home sometimes feels like starring in a sitcom. The Amazon driver with yet another package becomes your unexpected guest star, your pet makes a cameo appearance on your Zoom call, and your family members are the laugh track... except it's not so funny when you're on deadline. But what if you could signal "Do Not Disturb" without becoming the home office Scrooge?

And let's be honest, the "office sitcom" gets even more complicated when there's more than one actor vying for the spotlight. With housemates juggling Zoom meetings, kids needing tech support for online classes, and the shared Wi-Fi groaning under the strain, the home office can quickly turn into a chaotic comedy of errors. Finding a way to carve out individual focus amidst the shared space and competing demands is a challenge many WFH households face.

And it's not just the external chaos. A Udemy survey found that 70% of workers feel constant notifications hinder their productivity. Even brief mental distractions can reduce working memory by 30%, according to the University of Sussex.

But what if there was a way to signal "Do Not Disturb" without hiding in your office like a hermit? Enter the Tally light . This ingenious device, born in the film and media industry, is a simple red light that indicates when a camera is recording. Its origins may be shrouded in mystery (cue dramatic music), but its effectiveness is undeniable.

Why does it work so well? Because it provides a clear, unambiguous visual cue for everyone on set. And let's face it, most people have a touch of camera shyness. That little red light triggers a subconscious "fight or flight" response – nobody wants to wander into the shot and become an internet meme accidentally.

So, I started thinking... why not leverage this psychological power in the WFH environment? Imagine a Tally light for your home office, instantly signaling to your family, "Quiet on the set! Genius at work!"

But the Tally light was just the spark. I wanted a system that could communicate more than just "busy." Could I also signal availability, focus mode, or "danger, camera on!"? That's when I stumbled upon the Japanese Andon light.

Andon lights have a rich history, dating back to the Edo period. Originally used with paper lanterns, they evolved into electrical signals in the 20th century, becoming a cornerstone of lean manufacturing. In factories, these lights act as a visual control system, instantly alerting workers to issues on the production line, improving efficiency and teamwork.

The beauty of the Andon system lies in its simplicity and versatility. And luckily for us, it's evolved beyond a single red light. Enter the "Andon tower light" – a stack of colored lamps, each representing a different status. This opens up a world of possibilities for communicating our WFH state.

Bringing Andon Home: My Setup

Inspired by the Andon light's signaling power, I created a system for my home office. Here's how it works:

The Light Fixture

I opted for a visually striking Andon light fixture with multiple color options. The key is to choose something that stands out and grabs attention. This particular Andon ?is a single unit that can change colors and has a flashing red light for extra attention. Since we live in a loft, my partner and I have our own Andon lights, placed precisely where we can see each other's status.

Color-Coded Productivity

• Red: Just like the Tally light, this means "Do Not Disturb" and "The (web) Camera Is On." After all, if you live in an open loft like I do, you don't want to be caught off guard.
• Yellow: This signals "Focus Mode." I'm working on tasks that require concentration, and interruptions are not allowed. Note that this is the same as Red, except the camera is off.
• Green: I'm working, but time for collaboration and communication! Green means I'm available for quick questions and hellos.
• Off: I'm not working. I'm fair game!

The "Human Factor"

The success of this system hinges on clear communication and consistent use. My partner and I discussed and agreed on the above definitions, emphasizing that red and yellow mean "emergency interruptions only." It took some practice, but now everyone understands the signals, and we've been using them consistently for several years now. In fact, if one of us is on Zoom and our red light is not on, we make a dramatic deal about it, purposefully Zoom bombing the other person's meeting. That's humane, right?

Our Andon lights have a physical switch that acts as a 'mini-Andon' each. The act of flipping the switch to red helps me mentally shift into focus mode. It's a simple but powerful ritual that boosts my concentration.

Beyond "Do Not Disturb"

This system goes beyond just preventing interruptions. By incorporating the concept of "sprints" – short bursts of focused work followed by breaks – I can optimize my energy and productivity. The yellow light helps me stay on track during those sprints, while green signals time for a breather and less demanding tasks.

A Simpler Solution

Not ready to invest in a dedicated Andon light? No problem! You can achieve a similar effect with wireless LED pucks . These affordable lights come in various colors and can be easily controlled with a remote. Simply assign a color to each "work mode" and let your family know the code. It's a quick and easy way to boost your WFH productivity without breaking the bank. They're also great for smaller spaces or if you want a more portable solution.

Ready to Take Control of Your WFH Life?

Interruptions are the enemy of productivity, but with a little creativity, you can reclaim your focus and create a more harmonious work environment. Whether you opt for a dedicated Andon system or a simple LED setup, the key is clear communication and consistent use.

Now, I'd love to hear from you! Have you developed a similar solution or something even better? Share your WFH hacks in the comments below!