Remote Work: Best Practices for Staying Productive and Connected
Working remotely has been the trend in modern workplaces. And for many, this setup is here to stay. While remote work arrangements have their benefits, many who've been working from home might have come across a few challenges.
Transitioning from an in-office to a work-from-home setup might be fun, but many might be caught blindsided when their productivity level takes a hit. See the best practices and put these to the test.
Tips to Maintaining Productivity with Remote Work Arrangements
With the shift from an office work environment to work from home setup, it’s possible to hit a roadblock with your productivity. Discover effective tips to ensure you stay connected and productive:
1. Set up your workspace.
Your surroundings can impact your overall productivity. It is best if the area where you will work is a separate space. Ideally, you should have a comfortable office chair and a clean desk, along with important office supplies.
If you want to achieve the highest productivity, it’s best to steer clear of the couch and your bed. If there’s no spare room available, pick a spot in your home with the least distractions. Keep it organized and clutter-free for maximum focus.
2. Set boundaries.
With remote work arrangement, it can be difficult to juggle your time between home and work duties. Setting expectations and boundaries with your family and coworkers is vital.
Family: Talk to your family or roommate about your work setup. Let them know when you’ll be on an important work call and how to know when you can’t be interrupted.
Coworkers: Setting boundaries will only work if you also do the same with your coworkers. Let them know about your availability and when you’re not working.
If you do not do this, they might expect a reply in the late hours of the night. It is best to establish a timeframe so you won’t have to sacrifice your personal time.
3. Work on your most productive hours.
Not everyone is a morning person, and it’s understandable. Some function best in the morning, while some would need a couple of hours before they can have the right headspace to work.
If your organization allows a flexible working schedule, you can come up with a work plan that overlaps with your colleagues’ schedule. This setup will allow you to achieve maximum productivity and better time management.
4. Dress for success.
When working from home, you might not think about changing from your pajamas. This may be tempting, but changing your clothes to your regular or even your work clothes can have a significant impact on your productivity.
Doing so can motivate and signal your brain that it’s time to focus on work and not relax.
5. Focus on difficult tasks first.
Being accountable for your work can be challenging on a remote work setup. Without your coworkers or boss constantly checking on you, you can easily get caught up on unimportant tasks.
If you tend to focus on smaller tasks to build momentum, try something different. Tackle the most demanding tasks first. Putting them off might only lead to a pileup of tasks and cause fatigue.
Avoiding Procrastination
Remote work productivity is affected by procrastination. However, the solution to this might be easier than people realize. You will just have to do something. If you feel like your productivity is going downhill, push through and tackle the task.
Just start and do something, even if it may not produce the best results. Remember, the goal is to overcome procrastination. Stay in this path, and soon enough you’ll notice a positive shift on your productivity.
Asking for Feedback
When working from home, many might feel like they’re losing track of their growth and how they contribute to the company. You might not feel motivated and productive due to the lack of performance discussion. You can avoid this by proactively asking your manager for feedback. Schedule regular one-on-one sessions to discuss work performance and goals. Doing this can give you ideas on where to improve and what to continue doing.
Taking Breaks
Working too much can take a toll on your productivity and motivation. Some people working remotely tend to spend longer hours in front of their computers — forgetting to take breaks.
However, taking scheduled breaks can have a significant and positive impact on your overall motivation and productivity. Make sure to step away from your desk from time to time to recharge.
Master Remote Work Arrangement
Your productivity, focus, and motivation don’t have to suffer in a work-from-home setup. With these tips, maintaining productivity is achievable. See what productivity tips work best for you and make adjustments along the way. You might encounter setbacks from time to time, but with practice and consistency, it will be easier for you to maintain your productivity. Master the art of remote work today!
