Last updated on July 6th, 2023 at 11:12 pm
Productivity hacks for remote workers are timely as people struggle to maintain productivity when working from the comfort of their homes. The temptation of leaning back on the sofa and watching that favourite program on Tv must be overcome.
As more companies shift towards remote work, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to maintain productivity away from the traditional office and the discipline therein.
I have been working remotely for two years, of which the first year was like a struggle to remain productive.
I was working from home with no defined space, just a desk, and my computer which was set in my sitting room as I couldn’t afford the luxury of a separate studio or library.
I had to make do with the desk in a small space where I would pause for a while to watch an interesting scene on the Tv, rest on the cushion a bit, and sometimes fall asleep.
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It was difficult for me to acclimatize to the comfort at home while being productive.
This went on for months but I was able to overcome the situation with the few productivity hacks you will see below.
However, here is a list of things that kept me low on productivity.
Reasons people may find it hard to focus when working remotely
- Distractions: When working from home or other remote locations, the same environment may also serve as a place for relaxation, entertainment, and socializing, creating potential distractions that may disrupt work focus.
- Lack of structure: Remote workers are often responsible for managing their own time, which can lead to a lack of structure and discipline, ultimately impacting productivity and focus.
- Isolation: The absence of coworkers and office colleagues can make it challenging to maintain focus, particularly if remote workers experience feelings of loneliness or disconnection.
- Technological disruptions: Technical issues such as connectivity problems, slow internet speeds, or computer malfunctions can disrupt workflow, leading to frustration and distraction.
- Multi-tasking: Working remotely can create a temptation to multitask and work on non-work-related tasks, such as cleaning the house or doing laundry.
- Emotional stresses: Remote workers may also face additional emotional stresses, such as family obligations or feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, which negatively affect their focus and motivation.
If you are like me and can relate to the above, then you will find these productivity hacks below handy to help you beat the temptation to relish your comfortable environment when you are supposed to be productive as a remote worker.
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Productivity Hacks for Remote Workers to Reach their Goals
- Establish a routine: One of the biggest advantages of working from home is the flexibility to set your own schedule. However, it’s important to establish a routine to maintain productivity. Set regular work hours and stick to them. This will help you create a sense of normalcy and structure, making it easier to dive into work each day.
- Define your workspace: Another challenge with remote work is creating a workspace that is conducive to productivity. Find a dedicated space in your home where you can work without distractions. Try to avoid working from your bed or couch, as this can make it difficult to focus. Make sure your workspace is well-equipped with all the necessary tools you need to be productive.
- Take breaks: Just because you’re not in an office doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take breaks. In fact, taking regular breaks is crucial to avoiding burnout and staying motivated. Set a timer to remind you to take breaks and step away from your screen. You might try getting up to take a short walk or doing a quick bodyweight workout to get your blood flowing.
- Prioritize your tasks: When working remotely, it can be hard to stay focused on your goals. However, prioritizing your tasks can help keep you on track. At the beginning of each day, write a list of your most important tasks and rank them in order of importance. Focus on completing the most urgent tasks first then move on to fewer pressing ones.
- Minimize distractions: Working from home can be challenging when it comes to managing distractions. To stay productive, it’s important to minimize distractions as much as possible. Turn off your social media notifications and put your phone on silent. Try using noise-canceling headphones to block out any external sounds that could distract you.
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- Communicate with your team: As a remote worker, it’s important to stay connected with your team. Use communication tools like Slack or Google Hangouts to stay in touch throughout the day. When you’re working on a project with others, make sure to communicate your progress regularly. This will help keep everyone on the same page and ensure that the project is completed on time.
- Take care of your mental health: Working from home can be isolating, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. To stay productive and healthy, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Take care of yourself by eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends or family members for emotional support when you need it.
Frequently asked questions on productive hacks for remote workers
What are some tips to stay focused when working remotely?
Some tips to stay focused when working remotely include setting a schedule and sticking to it, creating a designated workspace, minimizing distractions, and taking breaks as needed.
Why is it important to stay focused when working remotely?
Staying focused when working remotely is important to ensure productivity and efficiency, maintain a work-life balance, and meet deadlines and goals.
How can I avoid distractions when working remotely?
To avoid distractions when working remotely, try limiting access to social media, turning off notifications, using noise-canceling headphones, and communicating boundaries with family or roommates.
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What should I do if I find myself procrastinating when working remotely?
If you find yourself procrastinating when working remotely, try breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts, setting deadlines for yourself, and using productivity tools like Pomodoro timers.
How can I maintain motivation when working remotely?
To maintain motivation when working remotely, set goals and rewards for yourself, stay connected with co-workers, and take breaks as needed to refresh and recharge.
How to manage remote workers when their productivity dips?
- Communicate regularly: Schedule regular check-ins with remote workers to discuss their progress and any issues they may be facing. Use video conferencing tools to simulate face-to-face interactions and improve communication.
- Set clear expectations: Make sure to clearly communicate the work requirements and deadlines to remote workers. Provide detailed instructions on how the work should be completed and the quality expected.
- Offer support: Offer assistance and support to remote workers when they need it. Provide coaching, training, or access to additional resources as needed.
- Motivate and recognize achievements: Keep remote workers motivated by recognizing their achievements, offering incentives, or providing positive feedback on their performance.
- Use performance metrics: Use performance metrics to track their productivity and identify any dips or areas for improvement. Set goals and review their progress regularly.
What is the trickiest thing for you in remote working?
The trickiest thing for me is overcoming the desire to lounge or watch a favourite program. However, I overcame discipline after performing abysmally for a whole year.
What are your top 3 productivity hacks for getting things done?
- Prioritize tasks according to importance: Determine which tasks are most important and need to be done first, then tackle them in order. You can use a to-do list or a task management tool to help you with this.
- The Pomodoro Technique: Focus on one task for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break, and repeat the process. This technique can help you stay focused and break tasks down into manageable chunks.
- Eliminate distractions: Avoid checking email, social media, or any other distractions that could prevent you from getting your work done. Try using a website blocker or noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions.
Conclusion
Working remotely can be challenging, but with these productivity hacks, you can stay on top of your workload and achieve your goals.
By establishing a routine, creating a dedicated workspace, taking breaks, prioritizing your tasks, minimizing distractions, communicating with your team, and taking care of your mental health, you can reach your full potential as a remote worker.
REFERENCES:
23 Remote Work Productivity Hacks
28 Best Productivity Tips for Working from Home
Remote Workers Share Their Best Productivity Tips For WFH & Travel
Pious Clements is the insightful voice behind "The Conducts of Life" blog, where he writes about life ethics, self-development, life mastery, and the dynamics of people and society.
With a profound understanding of human behaviuor and societal dynamics, Pious offers thought-provoking perspectives on ethical living and personal growth.
Through engaging narratives and astute observations, he inspires readers to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and integrity, encouraging a deeper understanding of the human experience and our place within society.
