Remote Work Productivity: Be More Effective Working From Home

Since 2022 a lot of people have adopted remote work or a hybrid working schedule. This shift has brought about a lot of benefits such as; time and cost savings. fewer distractions, and increased levels of comfort. However this change has brought about a new set of challenges which can affect ones productivity when working from home. So before we delve into the strategies for success in a remote work setting. we must understand the context of the rise in remote working.

The year 2020 marked a significant turning point in the way organisations work. As the covid 19 pandemic forced organisations worldwide to adapt to remote work arrangements. This shift was primarily driven by health concerns and the World Health Organisations push for social distancing. So as a result remote work became not just an option but a necessity for organisations and employees.

Remote Work Advantages

The absence of office noise and conversations can create a more focused work environment employees to focus on their tasks without interruptions. By eliminating the need to travel to and from work this saves time, and the cost associated with commuting. This is especially valuable for individuals who spent significant time and resources on their daily commute. Remote working often provides greater flexibility in terms of working hours and work life balance. However, as with any major shift, remote work comes with it’s own set of unique challenges.

Remote Work Challenges

One of the first challenges remote workers encounter is the need to establish a structured schedule. In the absence of colleagues, co workers and managerial oversight. Setting clear, structured goals for each day is vital. This not only keeps you organised but helps you stay motivated and focused. Task management tools such as Asana, Monday.com, and Trello can help you break down larger projects into small more manageable chunks. By organising your tasks this way, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and better track your progress.

Stay Organised Whilst Working Remote

1. Create a to do list and focus on high priority tasks first. By tackling high priority tasks early in the day, you can maintain productivity and maintain significant progress towards what you are trying to achieve.
2. Effective time management is the cornerstone of successful remote work.  And Google calendar is an effective tool in managing your days, weeks, and months ahead.
3. Google Calendar allows you to colour code activities, making it easier to visually differentiate between certain activities and events. This type of visual organisation is a powerful way of maintaining clarity in your schedule.
4. One of the great features of Google Calendar is the ability to attach Zoom links or other virtual meeting information in the description of your event. So when you schedule a task or a meeting Google Calendar will automatically email the participants, streamlining the coordination process.
5. Google Calendar allows you to share your calendar with others allowing them to see what scheduled events you have coming up, and check your availability. This is especially useful collaborating with colleagues, collaborators, and family members.

Remote Work Physical Well-Being

1. Prolonged periods of sitting, can have a detrimental effect on your productivity and physical health. To combat the physical challenges of working from home, consider the following strategies.
2. When you sit for extended periods of time, this can limit oxygen and blood flow to the brain, causing fatigue. To counteract this, it’s advisable that every 30-60 minutes you stand up for a few minutes and move around in order to get the blood flowing. This will counteract the negative impacts of sitting and working remotely all day.
3. By eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, this can significantly boost productivity. Even a 30-60 minute workout in the morning, before you start your work day, can leave you feeling energised and ready to tackle your day. Consider options like lifting weights, yoga or running as ways of increasing your physical health.
4. Staying well hydrated is essential for cognitive function. Dehydration can lead to reduced alertness and lack of concentration. Have a water bottle on your desk and make it a habit to drink it throughout the day.
5. Eating a balanced diet provides your body with essential nutrients and energy. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary and highly processed foods and this can cause a crash later in the day and causing fatigue. Instead focus on eating nutritious meals and snacks which sustain your energy throughout the day.

Remote Work Communication Tools

Effective communication is vital to stay connected with colleagues and maintain a sense of belonging. Here are some effective communication strategies;

1. Video conferencing tools like Zoom and MS Teams make it easy to have real time face to face communication with colleagues.
2. Message platforms such as Slack provide a quick and direct way to send messages and communicate with team members. These platforms offer a real time mode of communication which can facilitate collaboration and discussion.
3. Schedule specific times for checking emails and social media during your breaks. Avoid the temptation to constantly check for updates. Instead limit these activities to designated time slots.

Remote Work Desk Set-Up

A well-defined clutter free workspace is crucial for minimising distractions and maintaining focus during remote working. Consider the following tips for creating an optimal workspace:

1. If possible, designate a seperate room to your home office.
2. If this isn’t feasible, set up a designated desk or corner of a room for specifically your work. This separation signals that when you’re in this space, you’re working.
3. Keep your workspace organised and clear from clutter. A clean workspace is correlated with better organisation and increased productivity.

Learn To Say No

Overcommitting can lead to stress, burnout and decreased productivity. So it’s essential to understand your capacity and set clear limits. Don’t hesitate to communicate with colleagues and supervisers when you feel like you’ve reached your capacity. It’s ok to explain your current workload makes it difficult to accept any additional tasks.

Prioritise and Delegate

Prioritise your tasks and focus on those that align with your goals and responsibilities. Delegate when appropriate to ensure you maintain a manageable workload.

Set Clear Boundaries

When you live in the same house as housemates, or family members, it’s important to set clear boundaries about when you should not be disturbed. It all boils down to communication. Communicate your work hours and your availability for other activities. Creating a structured routine for everyone in the household can help maintain a sense of order and predictability.

Take steps to minimise distractions by turning your phone on silent, muting social media notifications, and setting specific work hours.

Experiment and Adapt

Ultimately what works best from person to person, so it’s essential to be flexible and experiment with different strategies.

Remember that remote work is an ongoing journey of learning and adaptation. Regularly assess your productivity habits and make adjustments as needed to find the strategies that work best for you. With the right approach and mindset you can not only overcome the challenges of remote work, but thrive in this evolving landscape.

Thanks for reading, and good luck in your remote work journey.

– Sam Horton