Remote Work - Be Happy AND Effective

Tips for Happy Effective Remote Work

Now that the kids are back at school, working remotely has been a little easier for many but there is always room to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

1. Set Dedicated Work time

This seems to be the golden rule, the 101 of efficient remote working. 

The blurring of lines between work and home life drastically affects productivity. It can be tempting to check your emails when you wake up, join team Zoom meetings throughout the day and constantly switch between work and home tasks until bedtime but this is unsustainable.

High quality, efficient work habits rely on flow; blocks of time where you concentrate on one task. As humans we actually cannot multitask, we simply get used to switching tasks which is very inefficient.

2. Be Organised

A leisurely breakfast and spot of procrastination first thing is an easy habit to get into now that we don’t have a commute but it is a sure fire way to set you up for a sluggish day. 

Simply getting up and doing something work related can really help you focus and get momentum for the day. If possible plan the first thing you will do each day the night before. 

Being organised is essential, there is probably nobody else telling you what to do or when to do it. Help yourself stay on top of the day by creating a “to do list” and set calendar reminders for tasks throughout the day. Try to keep the tasks and times realistic as this will help you stick to them…. a series of calendar reminders you end up ignoring won’t help you. 

3. Commit to do more

As with all phrases that stand the test of time, there is some truth in it. Often, the busier you are, the more you'll actually do. Create your own momentum to the day, stay busy and you’ll power through the work. Procrastinate long enough and you’ll come to a halt. 

 4. Ignore the housework 

This is self explanatory but the washing can wait, meal preparation can wait and the dishes won’t get dirtier. It’s vital to take a disciplined approach, remembering your work day is still a work day, no matter where you are.  

5. Remind People you are working

Significant others, kids, flat mates (all these lovely people you share a space with) may need reminding from time to time that, although you are home, you are working. Their projects and quests for you may have to wait until the weekend!

6. Be healthy in mind and body

We know one of the keys to good mental health is good physical health. 

Consumption is a good starting point; when the fridge is just meters away, it can be easy to fall into bad habits. Alternatively, it’s much easier to drink plenty of water and cook fresh, healthy meals when at home, so make the most. 

When you have a structured day be careful to make room for breaks and when you get the chance, venture outside and enjoy the fresh air. A 15 minute walk around the block reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, and helps produce endorphins, all of which should put a smile on your face. 

Getting some exercise, fresh air and a clearer head is a great motivational tool, and you’ll find yourself becoming more productive after even a short work-out. If you go for a gym session, walk or run, you might find that you have more creative ideas for your next task....Just get up, get on with it. 

7. Use your tech 

Options are endless: laptops, smartphones and tablets mean we can communicate in many ways but they are not always efficient. 

Work out how best to communicate with your co-workers. Some people work best with a phone call, others like an email whilst others find the messenger apps most effective. Google messenger / chat works well as do the suite of MS Teams products. Spend time finding the most effective way for you and your key stakeholders, it will pay off.

8. Choose a dedicated work space.

If possible try and work in a space that isn’t where you sleep. Having a specific space for work is important in helping switch between “work mode” and “home mode”. If restrictions in your state allow it, leave the house and set up for the day at a coffee shop, library or similar. Sometimes a change of scenery can really help.

Next week we will be publishing our paper - Skilled Leadership and Remote working in the wake of  Covid 19. Please contact me if you`d like a copy