8 Tips to Stay Productive When Working Remotely
Working remotely is increasingly becoming the new norm as more organizations adopt it to offset the challenges of working within office constraints. In fact, it is estimated that the number of remote workers will likely equal or even surpass that of individuals working from an office setting by 2025. However, adapting to remote work is not without its share of challenges, especially on the aspect of maintaining productivity.
In the face of numerous distractions, some workers find it difficult to perform and ensure productivity. And if not addressed accordingly, this problem can take a toll on the performance of employees and the entire organization.
Thankfully, you can make a few adjustments to your work routine to be productive while working from home. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Learn to Separate Personal and Work-Life
Separating work and personal life is a requisite for being productive when working remotely. Here, there are a few things to keep in mind: Designating a specific workspace can help to keep you focused as it eliminates distractions. Also, avoid engaging in distracting activities such as eating or playing games while in the office. With discipline, your mind will gradually adjust to working from home without being distracted.
Equally important is for you to adhere to a work schedule: In addition to helping you conjure memories of working in an office, it lets the people around you know when it is time for work. Developing a task list is a sure way to divide your time and to understand what you should be doing at a specific time of the day.
Keep Your Communication Channels Open When Working Remotely
Maintaining communication at all times goes a long way in ensuring you are up-to-date with new developments. Engage with colleagues on matters pertaining to work and provide feedback where needed. This creates a feeling of being a part of a team despite the distance. Remember that even in working remotely, personal interaction is vital to keep the mind focused.
There are various communication and collaboration tools you can utilize to engage with colleagues remotely. Some of them include;
- Skype
- Slack
- Zoom
- Github
- Gitlab
Developing relationships with coworkers through communication can help to avoid loneliness and a feeling of solitude that is proven to affect productivity. While here, always keep your communication channels open, so you don’t miss out on important notifications.
Take Breaks in Between Work
Taking healthy breaks when working is good for your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, many remote workers sacrifice time-offs whether to beat looming deadlines or attend to house chores. However, this can be counterproductive for you and can affect how you perform your office duties, thus compromising productivity.
Taking breaks when working does not require much. For example, a ten-minute walk, a short yoga session, walking your dog, or even a few pushups go a long way in relaxing the mind, ensuring you remain productive.
Take Advantage of Technology When Working Remotely
Technology is a central component of working remotely since all the work is performed using computers, smartphones, webcams, and related devices. Workers who use the right tools and leverage technology remain productive as they are able to avoid equipment-related complications such as failing internet speeds and malfunctioning computers.
For instance, instead of using a convenient but less powerful computer, go for an optimally functional desktop and customize it to suit your needs accordingly. The idea here is to have reliable tools that will not fail in the middle of an important project.
Curb Social Media Addiction
Social media can be quite a distraction if you do not limit its access during work hours. You can avoid falling into the trap of checking your social media every minute by turning off all notifications. You can also install another web browser and dedicate it to work issues only. If you feel you don’t have the needed self-control, use a web browser plugin to restrict access to sites you frequently visit.
Making use of time trackers is also a sure way to manage everything you do on your computer. Trackers such as RescueTime, DeskTime, Toggl, Hubstaff, and Everhour can help to keep you away from distractions, including the urge to check social media when working remotely.
Create Time to Socialize
Allowing yourself time for self-care is just as important as work. Specifically, create time off your busy schedule to share a moment with family and friends. Remote workers suffer from isolation, disconnection, and loneliness. Thus, finding time to socialize can be a definitive remedy for these side effects.
Tools such as Skype and Zoom can help to connect you with colleagues and family members from wherever they are. Taking time to cook a meal with your family is also an ideal way to get your mind off work-related issues for a moment. Through socialization, you are able to evade stress and keep your mind sharp to achieve productivity.
Check Your Eating Habits
As the fuel to your body and brain, the food you eat plays a key role in boosting productivity. For example, eating heavy meals during the day can make you sleepy and lethargic. Conversely, having a meal rich in proteins, veggies, and eating fruits can help to keep you active throughout the day. In addition to feeding responsibly, learn to take plenty of water to keep your body hydrated at all times. Choosing hydrating snacks such as berries and watermelon can work magic in making you productive when working from home.
Adopt Time Management Techniques
Time is a valuable resource whether you are working from home or in a traditional office. Leveraging time management techniques can help you to get the most out of your working hours, in turn ensuring you remain productive. There are many time management techniques you can adapt depending on how you want to divide your working hours.
A good example is the Pomodoro Technique, which basically breaks down work into intervals of 25 minutes, followed by a short break. However, you can experiment with a technique that works well with you as long as you achieve the ultimate goal of productively working remotely.
Learn More About Working Remotely
Working from home does not have to compromise productivity. By learning how to manage your time, leveraging the necessary tools, and taking care of yourself, you can achieve productivity and reach your goals.
If your company is struggling with IT-related issues, V&C Solutions has the resources and expertise to help you out. Contact us for a range of IT services, from IT consulting to data backup and cloud services.
