Remote work isn’t just a trend. It’s rapidly becoming the norm for many types of businesses. Today, more people work remotely at least once a week than those who don’t work remotely at all. We’ve come a long way from the days when working at home was just a dream.
Of course, remote work has pros and cons. On the one hand, you get more space to yourself, can avoid the daily commute, and have the freedom to adjust your hours as needed.
On the other hand, a lot of people struggle to maintain high levels of productivity without a manager looking over their shoulders.
So, how do you stay productive in the age of remote work?
1. Choose Your Hours Carefully
Some companies offering remote options still require their employees to follow a similar schedule to the one they had in the office. Others allow professionals to choose their hours, provided they still deliver results.
If you belong to the latter group, take advantage of your ability to choose your hours.
You should have a good idea of when you’re most efficient and productive. If you tend to work better at night, consider adjusting your hours so you work later in the day. If you have times during the day when you lose focus, use those moments to take your breaks.
If you’re free to choose your hours, nothing is stopping you from experimenting with the methods that work best for you.
2. Create The Perfect Workspace
One of the biggest benefits of working remotely is you don’t have to make the journey to the office every morning. However, the lack of a dedicated office space can be troublesome in its own right.
While working from your sofa might seem comfortable, it’s rarely the best way to keep you focused and on the ball.
Instead, you need a dedicated workspace where you can focus and block out all distractions.
Ideally, you want a location with plenty of natural light and a strong internet connection. It’s also good to think about how you can optimize your workspace to make your life more comfortable.
Get an ergonomic desk chair, install a fan for the summer months, and make sure you have the perfect computer setup.
3. Take Breaks And Move Regularly
When you’re trying to be as productive, it’s tempting to try and spend every minute glued to your screen. However, it’s important to remember your brain can only focus for so long before you’re going to need a break.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to set a schedule, and include plenty of breaks in your workflow.
Stop typing and step away from your computer. Walk around, grab a drink of water, and get a breath of fresh air. Regularly moving will help keep your blood flowing and your brain working effectively. It’s also a great way to avoid a stationary lifestyle.
Make sure you actually stop working when you’re supposed to. As tempting as it can be to burn the midnight oil when you’re nearly finished with a project, you need to have some manner of work/life balance.
4. Create A To-Do List Everyday
To-do lists are extremely valuable. Working remotely can leave you feeling alienated, distracted, and uncertain. That’s why it’s important to have a step-by-step plan of what you’re going to do and when.
Try to tackle your most challenging tasks first. This is a good way to get motivated and ready for the rest of your day. If you’re really tired, you can leave your most difficult projects for when you’re going to have more brain power.
Try to assign more repetitive tasks, like answering emails, to moments when you know you’re going to be fatigued or less focused.
5. Use Tech To Your Advantage
One reason remote work has become so popular is that there are tools designed to make it more possible. Why not take advantage of the technology available to make yourself more productive?
For instance, if you’re often distracted by things like social media, you can use a dedicated browser for your work that stops you from checking those sites.
If you struggle with things like keeping track of deadlines, make sure you have an online calendar to send you reminders and keep you on the ball.
Don’t underestimate the power of regularly reaching out to your colleagues too. Communicating frequently is an excellent way to stay in contact and maintain the advantages of being part of the team.
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