Working Remotely - Here’s How You Can Stay Productive
It has been over two months that many of us have been working remotely, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For a lot of people, working from home is an entirely new experience and requires time to get used to it. If you are among those people, follow these tips to maximize your efficiency during work hours.
Working remotely, whether by necessity or by choice, comes with its own set of benefits, like not having to commute every day.
On the other hand, it means you need to keep yourself motivated to complete as much work as you would if you were in your regular workplace.
Here are six tips that will ensure that you stay productive, accountable, and collaborative while you work remotely.
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Follow a Routine Strictly
Don’t stop doing all your morning rituals just because you no longer have to commute to work.
Get up at the time you normally would when going to work, take a shower, and dress up in “real clothes” (not your pajamas!), take your hair skin and nails vitamins. Although this might sound a little pointless, it does help you mentally by getting you into the right mindset for work.
You can also prepare a schedule for your day. If you’re used to working 9-to-5, for example, then continue to keep those hours at home.
Since it is very easy to put off work with domestic chores, create an everyday routine so that you can achieve a balance between your personal and professional lives. This also helps ensure that you don’t burn yourself out.
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Create a Professional Environment
Even though you might feel tempted to work on your sofa or in bed, it’s best to set up a separate workstation. If you don’t have a desk, you can use the dining room table.
Apart from providing that office vibe, this approach enables you to avoid distractions, maintain correct posture, and shut down your work when your office hours are over.
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Don’t Simply Sit in Your Workspace
Sitting in one place all day long, even if it’s your office, is not good for your health. When you’re working remotely, you don’t have to commute, and that further reduces your overall amount of movement.
You can purchase a standing desk if you want to. However, make sure you step away from the space a couple of times during the day and stretch a little.
If you have an extra hour or two in the morning, don’t start work early. Instead, keep yourself physically active by exercising at home. During your lunch break, you can take a short walk if you have space, or simply relax.
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Stay in Touch with Your Team
If you work with a team, make sure that you check in with them regularly, the way you used to in your workplace.
Prepare a to-do list that helps you stay focused and organized at all times. You can share the list with your team to make sure they also remain motivated and productive throughout the day.
Along with sending messages and emails, conduct regular video calls via Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime.
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Avoid Multitasking
When you’re working from home, it might seem like a good time to complete your household chores. That is one of the easiest ways to distract yourself and make the work pile up.
Office hours are not the time to do laundry or put away your clean clothes - you don’t do laundry at the office, do you?
Of course, there is no harm in taking breaks, but don’t get involved in tasks like preparing lunch during work hours, since that will lower your productivity.
If you are used to packing snacks or preparing meals the night before, stick to that routine when you’re working remotely.
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Create a Schedule for Every Task
Just like working in an office building, working from home requires you to set a schedule. The difference is that you have to hold yourself accountable when working remotely.
Having a schedule doesn’t mean you work the whole day - it’s vital to take breaks at regular intervals. It means that you include tasks that are not work-related in your plan.
When preparing a schedule, consider your other important commitments and make sure they are written in. For example, if you have kids at home, making sure you spend enough time with them is essential.
Once your schedule is prepared, share it with your team to let them know when you’re available and when you’re not. This lets them know that you aren’t free the entire day simply because you’re working remotely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still trying to get used to this new normal, know that you aren’t alone!
Yes, it is a bit difficult to remain productive and stay on top of your schedule within the comfort of your house, particularly when you have other family members at home. At the same time, it’s crucial to keep yourself on track, follow your schedule, and take enough breaks.
When it comes to working remotely, the key is to strike the right balance between your personal life and your work. By following these tips, you can make sure you meet your daily work goals while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.