Remote work has become increasingly popular over the years, especially now with the current health crisis which has forced many people to work from home. For some, remote work is a dream come true. It’s the opportunity to ditch the commutes, work from the comfort of your own home, have more flexibility on your schedule, and spend more time with family. However, for others, remote work can be a complete nightmare filled with distractions, lack of focus, and a feeling of being disconnected from the team.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few simple changes and habits, you can turn your work-from-home experience into a success. In this long-form blog, I will expound more on each of these tips for making remote work productive.
Create a designated workspace
One of the biggest challenges of remote work is feeling like you’re always “at work”. If you don’t have a home office or workspace, this problem is multiplied. It can be hard to draw the line between work and personal life when everything is in the same space.
To counter this, it helps to set up a dedicated workspace in your home. It doesn’t have to be an entire room, just a specific corner or desk where you can sit down and focus on your work. Ideally, this workspace should be free from distraction and have adequate lighting.
Having a designated workspace will help you establish a work-life boundary and signals to your brain that it’s time to work. Once you’ve designated your workspace, make sure you set it up with everything you need to be productive. This includes a comfortable chair, a desk, a monitor, a laptop, and any other tools or equipment you need for your work.
Establish a routine and stick to it
One of the benefits of remote work is having a flexible schedule. However, having no set routine can also be a double-edged sword. It’s important to establish a daily routine and stick to it. Wake up at the same time every day, take breaks at the same time, and set regular working hours. Having a routine will help you be more productive and will give structure to your day.
When setting your routine, consider your energy levels throughout the day. If you’re a morning person, schedule your most important work at the start of the day, and if you’re a night owl, work on tasks that require less brain power in the morning and save the more challenging tasks for later in the day.
Don’t forget to schedule breaks throughout your day as well. Taking regular breaks is important to increase productivity and avoid burnout. Take a walk outside, have lunch away from your workspace, or read a book during your break time. Taking breaks will help you recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next task.
Dress for success
It’s tempting to work in your pajamas, but getting dressed as if you were going to the office, even if you’re not leaving the house, can help put you in the right mindset for work. Dressing professionally will also help you feel more confident and prepared for online meetings and calls.
While the level of formality for your work attire may vary based on your job and company culture, aim to dress in a way that makes you feel professional and respectable. This can include wearing a collared shirt, button-up blouse, slacks or skirts, or dress shoes. Remember, when you look good, you feel good, and this can help you be more productive and motivated throughout the day.
Minimize distractions
Working from home means being surrounded by multiple distractions such as social media, kids, pets, household chores, entertainment, and more. These distractions can make it tough to stay focused and productive.
To minimize distractions, create a schedule with specific breaks for checking social media, doing house chores, or tending to kids or pets. Turning off notifications or using an app that blocks social media during working hours can also help you stay focused.
You can also create a sign or a system that indicates when you’re not available. This can be as simple as putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your office door or using a specific color on a shared calendar to let others know when you’re busy.
Use communication tools
Working remotely can make communication with the rest of your team challenging. It’s important to establish a clear line of communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Take advantage of communication tools such as instant messaging, video calls, and email. Set up regular check-ins with your team to make sure everyone is on track and to provide support and feedback. These tools can also help you stay connected with your coworkers, boost team productivity, and keep everyone informed about project progress.
Set boundaries
One of the biggest downsides of remote work is feeling like you’re always “on.” Working from home doesn’t mean you’re always available. It’s essential to set boundaries with your coworkers, family, or roommates to avoid burnout and maintain work-life balance.
Letting people know your working hours, when you’re not available, and when you need privacy will help you establish a sense of control over your time and ensure that you’re not constantly working.
You can also use smart technologies such as scheduling apps that automate responses to messages or divert phone calls to voicemail during working hours. This can help you avoid the guilt of not answering messages when you’re working while still maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Invest in the right tools
Working from home requires having the right tools to be productive such as a reliable computer, high-speed internet, and software for collaboration and productivity.
Invest in the tools that work best for you and optimize your workspace to make remote work more efficient. This could include getting a separate phone line for work, investing in a comfortable chair, purchasing dual monitors for better multitasking, or buying a headset and webcam for video calls.
By investing in the right tools, you can make remote work feel closer to working in the office and set yourself up for success.
Take care of your mental and physical health
Remote work can be isolating and can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Working in the same environment every day, with little social interaction, can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress.
Make sure to take care of yourself by practicing self-care activities such as exercising, meditating, or spending time with family and friends. Prioritizing your mental and physical health will help you be more productive and enjoy the benefits of remote work.
You can also reach out to colleagues, friends, or family for virtual coffee dates, online happy hours, or team-building activities that can help you stay connected. These small activities can have a significant impact on your well-being and help you stay grounded and fulfilled.
Conclusion
Working from home can be a dream come true, but the transition can be challenging, especially if you’re used to working in a traditional office setup. By implementing these tips, you can optimize your remote work experience and make it more productive, efficient, and enjoyable.
Remember, creating a designated workspace, establishing a routine, minimizing distractions, using communication tools, taking breaks, setting boundaries, investing in the right tools, and taking care of your mental and physical health are all essential elements to ensure remote work success.
It takes discipline, focus, and a willingness to adapt to new habits and routines, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can turn remote work into an empowering and rewarding experience.