You're working remotely and your productivity is slipping. What can you do to get back on track?

Go back to the office. You see people, colleagues, products and clients. There is energy in the office. Go back to the office.

Setting clear expectations is vital, especially in remote settings. At Amazon, for example, they use the PR/FAQ method to align expectations within teams. This method involves writing a press release and FAQ for a new product before development begins, clearly outlining goals and responsibilities. In a company like Google, where innovation and speed are crucial, tools like Asana or Jira can be used for project management to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Apple, known for its emphasis on design and detail, might lean towards more visually oriented tools like Trello. Utilizing these tools to clarify roles and responsibilities helps maintain productivity and focus, ensuring everyone knows what is expected of them and when.

Prioritize Tasks: Make a to-do list and prioritize tasks. Tackle the most important or challenging tasks when you are most alert and focused. Set Clear Goals: Define what you need to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly. Having clear goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Limit Distractions: Identify what distracts you (social media, household chores, etc.) and find ways to minimize these interruptions during work hours.

If productivity is slipping it could be a function of the following: try identifying which / what is impacting, you and then the solution becomes easy to determine. 1) You like to be amongst people - have corridor / water cooler conversations - then remote work might not be for you 2) Is anything bothering you? maybe a situation at home and/or work or even your locality? for instance you may be required to be a caregiver to ailing elderly or having to manage a toddler 3) Are you aligned and clear about the tasks/goals you have in front of you? any misalignment or lack of clarity can lead to dropping the ball or being unproductive. I would urge to consider hybrid work for some time if feasible. it helps me as a person to balance.

Get off your ass and get to work. You’re blowing a good thing. You have the freedom to work in a comfortable environment, no travel time and a schedule that fits you. Focus, get your schedule together or end of living the life you hated before. The choice and opportunity are yours. Seize it before it’s taken away.

Creating a dedicated workspace is a game-changer for remote work. Imagine a Google employee who works on complex coding projects; a quiet, organized space minimizes distractions, allowing for deeper focus. At Apple, where design is key, a well-set workspace can inspire creativity. And for someone at Amazon, dealing with fast-paced e-commerce challenges, an ergonomic setup with dual monitors could significantly boost efficiency. Personalize your workspace to fit your work style and tasks. It's not just about physical space; it's about creating an environment that mentally prepares you for productive work. Remember, a well-structured workspace can immensely improve your focus and efficiency.

Having a dedicated workspace will help to stay focused without any distractions. Have a very clear routine and maintain boundaries in terms of attending phone calls and spending time with family. This will help you perform tasks without getting interrupted.

Establishing a routine is key to successful remote work, balancing flexibility with productivity. Start by setting regular work hours, breaks, and meeting times, tailoring this schedule to your preferences and energy peaks. Organize tasks based on priorities, deadlines, and urgency. Utilize tools such as time trackers, timers, and calendars to maintain your routine and monitor productivity, ensuring you manage procrastination, avoid overwork, and maintain focus. This structured approach helps create a productive remote working environment.

Setting a routine is important as it puts you focused on your work, not your work environment; include prepping as if your are leaving home (or your remote location) which may include different approaches to your appearance (I.e. make-up vs no make-up), ironing clothes, different hair style, straightening the house, whatever was in line with prepping to leave home to go to work- by the time you start working, your brain is likely thinking more about work stuff and less about other distractions that negatively impact productivity

When working from home, it is easy for boundaries to become blurred. While seemingly insignificant, setting routines where you "go to work" and "go home" each day can work wonders. For example, before starting work, go for a walk in the morning. When it's time to wrap up, clean up your desk, write to-dos for the next day, shut your computer, and then go for another walk. These subtle clues will help you stay focused and productive.

I think it’s important to have a morning routine. Wake up, shower, get dressed. Do the hardest and most important stuff first instead of getting sucked into email and distractions.

Go back to the office. You see people, colleagues, products and clients. There is energy in the office. Go back to the office.