Working remotely can offer many benefits, such as flexibility, autonomy, and cost savings. However, it also comes with some challenges, such as distractions, isolation, and communication barriers. How can you improve your remote work productivity and make the most of your time? Here are some tips to help you manage your tasks, energy, and environment effectively.
One of the keys to remote work productivity is to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and how you will measure your progress. Start by setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals for your projects, tasks, and deadlines. Then, prioritize them according to their urgency and importance, using tools like the Eisenhower matrix or the ABCDE method. This will help you focus on the most valuable and impactful activities and avoid wasting time on low-priority or irrelevant ones.
Often it helps to distinguish between goals and tasks that help us achieve them. Ensure your tasks are clear when making them and ideally put them on a digital task list. When titling the task, imagine you are describing it to someone else. Start with a specific verb, instead of "follow-up" specify "email" or "call". Don't depend on your brain to remember the nuances of a task. Help your future self by giving as much information as possible. Most importantly, make it something that can actually be clearly marked as complete. Instead of "Research Project X" put something like "Create one page investigative summary into the scope and status of Project X by end of week."
Another way to improve your remote work productivity is to create a consistent and realistic routine that suits your preferences and responsibilities. For example, you can decide when you will start and end your workday, when you will take breaks, and when you will check your emails and messages. You can also use a calendar or a planner to schedule your tasks, meetings, and personal commitments. Additionally, you should set clear boundaries between your work and your personal life, such as having a dedicated workspace, avoiding distractions, and communicating your availability and expectations to your colleagues, clients, and family.
Working remotely can also affect your energy and focus levels, especially if you have to deal with stress, fatigue, or boredom. To optimize your mental and physical well-being, you should adopt some healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated. You should also use some techniques to boost your concentration and motivation, such as the Pomodoro method, the 80/20 rule, or the power of positive thinking. Furthermore, you should recognize and avoid the triggers that can derail your productivity, such as multitasking, procrastination, or perfectionism.
Build your focus time muscles. With all the distractions on our screens and on our phones, our ability to focus has weakened. For some, the pomodoro method works great, for others, it feels like you are watching the clock tick away while struggling to get focus. Similar to an insomniac watching the clock. Routines always help, but give your self some grace and start small. Try to get to 20 solid minutes of focus time in on a task or project but block out an hour to do so. Some need more time to warm up than others!
Technology and tools can also help you improve your remote work productivity by making your work easier, faster, and more organized. For example, you can use cloud-based platforms, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store and share your files securely and conveniently. You can also use project management tools, such as Asana or Trello, to track and manage your tasks, deadlines, and collaboration. Moreover, you can use communication tools, such as Zoom or Slack, to stay in touch with your team, clients, and stakeholders effectively and efficiently.
It's time to use the tools instead of them using you! There is a ton of technology that can help, but you always want to ensure that it is truly adding value and not hindering your work or make you feel more pressured to learn something new. Ask yourself, is this saving me time or saving me stress? If the answer is no, it may not be the best tool or there may be an alternative that would be better.
Finally, you can improve your remote work productivity by seeking feedback and support from your peers, managers, mentors, or coaches. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, improve your performance, and learn from your mistakes. Support can help you overcome challenges, solve problems, and cope with stress. You can seek feedback and support by asking for regular reviews, participating in online forums or groups, joining webinars or courses, or hiring a professional coach or consultant.
Seeking feedback and support does not necessarily need to equate to more meetings. Collaborative tools like Teams and Google Workspace can be great for asynchronous feedback that won't disrupt someone's focus time. Just ensure your team is on the same page with response rates or if feedback is needed in a certain time frame. Remember, clear is kind.