You’re working remotely as an administrative assistant. How can you stay productive?

1 Set clear goals and priorities

One of the first steps to staying productive is to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and how you will measure your progress. Set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals for yourself and your team. Prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance, and use a calendar or a planner to track your deadlines and appointments. Review your goals and priorities regularly and adjust them as needed.

2 Establish a routine and boundaries

Working remotely can blur the lines between your personal and professional life, so it is important to create a routine and boundaries that work for you. Establish a regular work schedule that suits your preferences and responsibilities, and communicate it to your team and clients. Stick to your working hours and avoid distractions and interruptions. Create a dedicated workspace that is comfortable, organized, and equipped with the tools and resources you need. Respect your own and others' work-life balance and set expectations for availability and response time.

3 Communicate effectively and frequently

Communication is key to any successful administrative assistant role, but especially when working remotely. You need to stay in touch with your team, clients, and stakeholders, and use the appropriate channels and tools for different purposes. Use email for formal and detailed messages, phone or video calls for urgent and complex issues, and instant messaging or chat apps for quick and casual updates. Be clear, concise, and courteous in your communication, and confirm understanding and follow-up actions. Check in regularly with your team and manager, and provide feedback and support.

5 Keep learning and improving

Working remotely as an administrative assistant can also be a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. Take advantage of online courses, webinars, podcasts, blogs, and other resources that can help you enhance your knowledge and abilities. Seek feedback from your team and clients, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Set aside some time for self-reflection and evaluation, and celebrate your achievements and milestones.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?