As a remote worker, you know productivity may suffer at some point. It isn’t always easy to stay on task with distractions all around. Even if you have been working remotely for years, you may still struggle from time to time.
While this is true, there are some tips you can use to improve your productivity while working remotely. From having a dedicated office space to using technology like the public cloud, keep reading for some tips to improve remote working productivity.
Stick to Regular Hours
Set a schedule, and then stick to it (as much as you can). Having guidelines for when you should work and when to stop working will help you achieve that all-important work-life balance.
While this is important, one of the biggest benefits of working remotely is the flexibility it offers. In some situations, you will need to start early or work late to accommodate someone else. When you must do this, be sure to compensate for that later. This may mean sleeping in some the next day or leaving early.
Create a Dedicated Work Area
The idea that you can “work from anywhere” is a benefit of working remotely. However, don’t take this to the extreme.
You should dedicate a specific space to your home office. Finding and using a central location will ensure that your work-related material is ready and help ensure your things don’t get lost. This will help you save your time and sanity. You don’t have to create a fancy office space; however, you do need enough room to handle day-to-day tasks.
Make sure you consider noise levels too. Finding somewhere quiet will help create a professional area where you can concentrate. Having a door to close can also be beneficial.
Have a Morning Routine
Starting work every morning at the same time is a good start. However, you also need to create a routine that helps you get started and going each day.
Having a routine is often a stronger motivator at the start of the day than the clock. For example, what do you do that will be a signal you can start working? It could be making a cup of coffee or going for a jog. Look for a habit that you already have, such as walking your dog or brushing your teeth to use as a signal. By doing this, you can make it the habit that starts your workday.
While a morning routine was mentioned above, you can do this whenever you start working each day. The key is to find something you can use to signal that it is time to start working.
Minimize Distractions
When you work from home, you have countless distractions. Pets, television, kids, and more can all keep you from optimal productivity.
Because of this, it is up to you to set boundaries. Let everyone in the house know that you should not be disturbed if your office door is shut. You also need to take steps to reduce temptations. This may include closing out social media until the end of the workday.
Schedule Your Breaks
When working for a business on-site, you have set break times. This is the law. However, when you are self-employed, you may not think about taking breaks. You need to.
Take time away from your computer and phone. It is best to schedule a minimum of two 15-minute breaks and an hour for lunch. This is especially important if you do sedentary work. You need to stand and get your blood flowing from time to time. It’s also beneficial to take your eyes off the screen for 20 to 30-second intervals regularly to reduce cases of eyestrain.
Working remotely offers many benefits. While this is true, you have to learn how to make the most of this situation. One of the best ways to do this is by using the tips and information above. These will help you remain productive while working from home or another remote location.
