Though remote work has proven to be a viable option for businesses, it does present productivity issues. The home office offers a safe and flexible work environment, but it also harbors factors that can be distracting and affect productivity. Fortunately, this article will provide you with tips and tricks to boost remote work productivity.
What is the state of remote work now?
What was once a pandemic-induced compromise has increasingly become common practice. According to a 2023 study published by the American Sociological Association, before the pandemic, employees worked less than 5% of days from home. By May 2020, this percentage had spiked to 61.5% workdays, which was followed by a decline to 37% by the end of 2020, before eventually falling to 29.5% in August 2022 where it has remained mostly consistent.
Remote work has become widely accepted across multiple industries to some extent or another, whether as a fully work from home arrangement or different variations of hybrid setups. If remote work is an option for your business, ensure productivity by taking the necessary steps when working from home.
10 ways to boost your remote work productivity
There are many ways to keep productivity up while working remotely, either for yourself or for your employees, including the following:
- Maintain a morning routine. Even if your workday doesn’t begin in the morning, stick to a consistent pre-work routine. This includes getting up, showering and freshening up, getting dressed, having breakfast, and maybe even exercising a little. This routine prepares your mind for the workday ahead. If you have video meetings or conferences, it’s best to dress professionally according to your organization’s dress code.
- Establish a work space. Designate a specific workspace within your home where you can work without distractions. Make it clear to others in your household that this area is off-limits during your working hours. This is for both practical and psychological reasons. Having a space specifically for work further helps you get into a work-oriented mindset.
- Manage your time. Create a schedule for your workdays, including start and end times. Avoid overworking and prioritize maintaining a work-life balance. Set a timer for your work hours, perform your tasks diligently, and once the timer goes off, turn off your device and step out of your workspace.
- Pace yourself. Incorporate short breaks throughout your workday to prevent burnout. Taking short breaks allows you to reset and refresh your mind, improving your overall productivity.
- Take care of your health. Ensure that you maintain a healthy diet while working remotely. Make conscious choices about what you eat to maintain energy levels. Incorporate fruits, nuts, and berries into your diet and stay hydrated. Regular exercise is also vital for your physical and mental well-being. A quick 15-minute workout or a walk can make a significant difference.
- Stay organized. Keep a to-do list and use a planner or calendar to track your daily activities. Use a task management application if your employer doesn’t already assign you one. Prioritize tasks, focusing on the most critical ones during your most productive hours. Cross out completed tasks to stay focused and motivated.
- Communicate clearly. Maintain regular communication with your team and manager. Reach out at least once a day through email updates or video chats. Clarity in communication is essential when working remotely, so make sure your wording avoids ambiguity that can result in misunderstanding.
- Minimize distractions. Try to distance yourself from potential distractions as much as possible. Television, streaming, social media, and video games have the potential to sidetrack you. When selecting your workspace, try to find one that limits your proximity to these possible distractions. Turn off the television. Deactivate your social media alerts. Don’t play video games for the entirety of your work shift, no matter how briefly you tell yourself it will be.
- Use work-designated equipment. Request the necessary work equipment from your employer if they do not already provide it, as many companies have budgets for work from home equipment. Working on your personal computer is not recommended for multiple reasons. For one, your personal computer likely provides easy access to countless distractions including social media, streaming, and video games, so it would be best to avoid those temptations entirely. What’s more, depending on your industry, using your personal device may violate privacy or legal requirements. In addition, it will be more difficult getting into a workplace mindset on your personal device.
- Ask for help. Don’t hesitate to ask for support when you need it. Reach out to your colleagues and communicate your challenges. If you feel overwhelmed with your workload, discuss flexible arrangements with your supervisor. Seeking help when necessary is crucial for maintaining productivity.
Want to learn more about creating an effective remote workplace? Call us at Refresh Technologies today.