Working remotely can offer many benefits, such as flexibility, autonomy, and cost savings. But it also comes with some challenges, such as isolation, distractions, and lack of structure. How can you make the most of your time as a remote worker and stay productive, motivated, and balanced? Here are some tips to help you.
One of the keys to effective time management is setting clear and realistic goals for yourself and your projects. Without a clear direction, you might waste time on irrelevant or low-priority tasks, or feel overwhelmed by too many options. Start by defining your long-term vision and then break it down into smaller and more manageable milestones. Use a tool like SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to help you create and track your goals.
Working remotely requires building discipline by oneself and for that starting day on a good note is important, i will keep myself dehydrated and will start my day by writing what all i have to do today then taking breaks of few minutes in between
I make sure to set clear goals and find a quiet spot to work. I use tools to chat with my team and take breaks to stay focused. Balancing work with personal time helps me stay productive throughout the day.
Remote work has a total different environment as compared to onsite. You already have minimal distractions if you have made your work desk in a secluded area of your home. But this can also cause boredom and creates stress. I personally find remote work more productive if planned accordingly. Keeping yourself on your desk for a long time is not healthy so first thing to consider is that the daily plan of work should include proper breaks and those are communicated properly so that they are un-interrupted. Secondly you need to have smooth communication channels with your team/office to make things easier for you. Goals & Targets should be clear and one should know how when to logout and avoid sitting extra hours to maintain work-life balance
Specially for those who are independent workers, setting clear and realistic goals is keen. A techniqueI really like using when I have my tasks to perform at once, is the “urgent, not urgent, important, not important matrix”. Sometimes we have 100 tasks to finish, and we want to start by the easiest one or usually the one who has the least importance for the moment. I personally really recommend using this technique just so you can know what to do first.
Um dos fundamentos para realizar um home-office altamente produtivo está n?o só no estabelecimento de metas, mas principalmente na constru??o de uma rotina. Tanto uma rotina pessoal, com horários específicos para realizar atividades de casa (caso n?o seja possível delegar) como também com horários específicos para o trabalho.
Another essential aspect of time management is planning your schedule and sticking to it. Remote work can offer you more flexibility, but it also requires more discipline and self-motivation. Plan your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks according to your goals, priorities, and deadlines. Use a calendar or a planner to organize your time and block out specific hours for focused work, meetings, breaks, and personal activities. Try to follow a consistent routine that suits your preferences and needs.
Employees working under supervision get their priorities from someone else who often makes sure they stay focused on them. For self-employed professionals or remote workers that is one of their most valuable skills. One way to get better at it is to record what you do every 30 minutes for 3-4 days, preferably in a graphical calendar such as Google. Then plan the next three days using the same graphical calendar. Revisit it during the day and adjust it to reflect changes in your day, new items popping up or lasting less or more than planned. Your sense of priority will get sharper and you will start to rearrange your time much better. Your calendar will now protect you from overloading your hours and choosing the wrong priorities.
In my experience, setting clear and concise goals makes it possible for you to achieve your work goals. I also believe that it is important to take breaks to avoid burnout.
The most important thing about working remotely is not just getting things done, rather, doing the most important and effective tasks first. Less people would care about how many hours you work, versus how many major/essential tasks you delivered. Focus more on getting things done than the hourly efforts, and when getting things done, choose the most important and the tasks that have a lot of effects on work load rather than the quantity of tasks/hours.
Make a plan, stick to it. more importantly, RESPECT it. If you cant respect your own time, how can you expect anyone else to? Put all the big aspects of your day into your diary. Don't neglect breaks like lunch in this, else you can find yourself on a slippery slope of working through them easily. This will also help provide clarity to your teams about what it is you're working on/doing, allowing them to decide if it is necessary to disturb you (although we hope this doesn't happen).
Fazer um bom planejamento dessa rotina de trabalho também é algo crucial. Responder as seguintes perguntas pode ajudar a trazer clareza para esse planejamento: - Quais horários do meu trabalho irei reservar para executar projetos importantes? - Quais horários do meu trabalho, irei reservar apenas para reuni?es e demandas menos críticas? - Quais horários irei reservar para treinamentos internos? - Quais horários irei reservar para fazer pequenas pausas ao longo do meu dia? De acordo com o relógio biológico de cada um, é possível construir uma rotina altamente produtiva e funcional.
One of the biggest challenges of remote work is dealing with distractions, both internal and external. Distractions can interrupt your flow, reduce your quality, and increase your stress. To minimize distractions, create a comfortable and dedicated workspace that is free from noise, clutter, and interruptions. Turn off or mute any notifications that are not related to your work, such as social media, email, or phone. Set boundaries with your family, friends, and co-workers and let them know when you are available and when you are not.
I have to have my phone out of sight if I really need to focus on some thing. Even if I have the phone flipped upside down sometimes the light reflecting off of the case makes me think it has lit up and I got a notification. It’s tough to focus in the modern world! You absolutely must turn off email and chat notifications. Switching back-and-forth between tasks kills your focus and makes it impossible to get into a flow state.
I would say that distractions are a major issue here. When you're working from home, it's easy to get distracted by things that go on in your personal life. Moreover, when you're not in that work environment, you may sometimes find it difficult to keep up with your motivation. Thus, 1. Find a quiet space to work where you can fully concentrate and limit distractions. 2. Consider putting your phone or mobile device out of sight or in a separate room where you can't see it. 3. Clearly communicate your work schedule with your family and friends so they don't distract you during your work hours.
To maximize productivity as a remote worker, it's crucial to minimize distractions. Designate a dedicated workspace, free from household disturbances, and establish a consistent daily routine. Prioritize tasks by creating a to-do list, focusing on high-priority items first. Implement time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to break work into intervals with short breaks. Turn off non-essential notifications on your devices to maintain concentration. Additionally, communicate your working hours to family or housemates, helping to create a boundary between work and personal life. Embracing these strategies fosters a focused and distraction-free environment, enabling remote workers to make the most of their time.
One of my favorite ways to stay focused is by using the Forest App. It allows me to lock my phone and also acts as my Pomodoro Timer. Keeping Distractions away, and taking breaks often keeps me going through the whole day.
"If possible, dedicate a room in your home to your professional activity. This will allow you to better separate your work life from your personal life. You can also establish rules, such as not being disturbed or interrupted when you close the door to the room. This can greatly help, especially if you have children old enough to understand these rules."
Communication is vital for remote work, as it helps you stay connected, informed, and aligned with your team and clients. However, communication can also consume a lot of your time if you don't do it effectively. To communicate effectively, choose the right tools and channels for different purposes and audiences. For example, use video calls for brainstorming, collaboration, or feedback, use instant messaging for quick updates or questions, and use email for formal or detailed information. Also, be clear, concise, and respectful in your messages and avoid unnecessary or redundant communication.
Don't be afraid to be direct. Emails can easily be ignored - calling someone directly can be more effective. Set up a Teams/Zoom meeting or a face-to-face meeting for more serious, in-depth discussions. Be sure to keep the entire project team involved so no one is "out of the loop."
In a remote setting effective communication is your superpower. Always get updates and feedback from relevant stakeholders. You’d have team members on different timezones and you can’t always hop on a meeting to discuss specifics. In a remote work setting it is important to try and keep the conversation as natural as possible, it doesn’t necessarily have to be all about work, make some small talk here and there.
Communication is a paradox, it can be essential for maintaining good levels of output, but it can also be one of the most time occupying or distracting elements of our day. The most crucial aspect is to consider who it is you are speaking to and adapt your communication style accordingly. The most in-person methods available are best, like video calls, because they allow you to relay types of non-verbal communication (e.g., body language/facial expression) that emails or instant messages don't. You may also want to consider the needs of your day, if you are deep working on a mission-critical tasks, then having all your communication channels open may not be a good idea because of the potential distractions this can cause.
Mycommunications are direct, but respectful. I'll use a phone, email, Teams, and WhatsApp (if necessary). I prefer written communications, if possible, because there is little room for error. I will use an emoji in an email to convey mood (if informal inter-team), but I tend to use formal, respectful language otherwise. I'm very aware of how I should communicate, and I listen to others' choices. I've started using WhatsApp with a recruitment contact because he suggested it was better for him. Interestingly, I once phoned a contact on a mobile number shown on LinkedIn, and he informed me he didn't answer it, or return my call, because it was his personal number and he didn't like using it!
Always remember, work hours are for work. Prioritize that when you are at work. Dress appropriately. Many companies have cameras watching you work at home, and dressing like you're ready for bed is not advised, as you may need to jump on line for a video meeting. always be ready for anything, and just as you were taught in Kindergarten: play nicely, be quiet when others are talking, respect other people, and if you're in a meeting that requires you to speak up, try using text messaging if you have to have side conversations, and be ready to answer any important questions as well. Prepare for any event. when you are prepared, communicating is easy.
Taking breaks is not a waste of time, but a way to recharge your energy, refresh your mind, and improve your performance. Working remotely can make you feel isolated, bored, or burned out, so it's important to take care of yourself and your well-being. Schedule regular breaks throughout your day and use them to do something that relaxes or energizes you, such as stretching, meditating, reading, or listening to music. Also, make sure to take longer breaks for lunch, exercise, or socializing with others.
Breaks are crucial for all workers. They provide opportunities for both cognitive and physical refreshment and are great opportunities to get some extra physical activity in through stretching or walking. Breaks do not have to be for long periods of time, even short micro breaks of 1-2 mins every 30mins, or following the Promodo technique can have great benefits. Finally, be mindful of what fills your break! Engaging with a mentally demanding break tasks will make it harder to refocus when you return to work. In this area, I recommend looking at Cal Newport's thoughts on "Deep Breaks"
Eye strain is a serious issue with the remote workplace. Getting up and walking away from the screen is extremely important. If you have a window close by, a birdfeeder is a great idea to give you eyes a break. Give yourself a chance to recharge. Another great consideration is a sit/stand desk. By adjusting your position you fight fatigue that is always around the corner.
Taking breaks is very important. it helps you to keep your mind fresh, and your concentration alert. walk around, eat something, do breathing exercises. every person needs to take a break, it's essential for proper alertness for the day. don't ignore the importance of this.
Short breaks about 5-15 minutes each depending on how long you work. I try to work for an hour and then take a 10-15 minute break before getting back started.
Schedule short breaks to stretch, move around, and refresh your mind. Implement productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method for focused work intervals. Step outside for a breath of fresh air to invigorate your mental state.
The final tip for time management is to review and improve your processes and habits regularly. Remote work is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you might need to adjust and experiment with different strategies and tools to find what works best for you. At the end of each day, week, or month, reflect on your achievements, challenges, and feedback. Identify what went well and what didn't, and what you can do to improve your efficiency, quality, and satisfaction. Keep learning and growing as a remote worker and enjoy the benefits of your time.
It is truly important to know yourself and understand what is most suitable for you. I deeply believe that what works for some may not necessarily work for others because we are all different. Don't hesitate to try different ways of working and observe yourself. Take note, particularly, of the working methods that allow you to be most focused and least tired.
Reflect on your daily and weekly performance to gauge productivity. Identify successful strategies and areas requiring improvement. Seek feedback from colleagues or supervisors to refine your approach. Continuously adapt and optimize your workflow for sustained efficiency.
Leverage technology for communication and productivity. Tools like Slack, Trello, or Microsoft Teams can help manage tasks and collaborate with teams. Over-communicate with your team. Regular updates and check-ins are crucial for remote work to keep everyone aligned and informed. Engage with colleagues through virtual coffee breaks or team-building activities. Networking is key for professional growth and maintaining social connections. Set boundaries to prevent work from spilling into your personal life. Log off at a set time, and make time for hobbies, family, and rest. Periodically review your work habits and environment. Be open to making changes to improve productivity and job satisfaction.
To maximize productivity as a remote worker, establish a dedicated workspace, set clear daily goals, prioritize tasks, take regular breaks to avoid burnout, and communicate effectively with your team. Utilize time management techniques like the Pomodoro technique and leverage productivity tools to stay organized.
“You can’t boil an ocean” Test yourself to see how much you can achieve if every minute was spent being productive. Try maximising this over a week. Now you know your limits you can plan to achieve realistic goals ?? Then the sky’s the limit ?? Do you know your daily limits? :)
Not completing everything in one day is okay for both personal and professional aspects. Stick to the schedule you set for yourself and know it will still be there tomorrow. Having a set area for work within the house can help with distractions and getting in the headspace for work only time versus leisure or personal time. Sometimes a change of scenery is best for productivity: the park, cafe, or your own backyard/porch can help too.
For over a decade in my remote working journey, I've been consistently employing the Urgent and Important Matrix. This powerful technique has proven to be instrumental in accomplishing my goals, providing a structured approach to prioritize tasks on a daily and weekly basis.