Working from home isn’t as glamorous as it might seem on Instagram. Yes, not having to endure the stress of commuting every single day is definitely liberating, but that doesn’t mean working from home is without challenges. While many people appreciate the flexibility they get in their hours and tasks ( and even better life balance), in many instances, remote work blurs the lines between relaxation and productivity, and you may easily find yourself procrastinating ( after all, you’re at home, so it can be more tempting to do at-home things rather than working, right?)
There’s no one there to hold you accountable, so you have to learn how to build discipline and stay focused in order to complete your day-to-day tasks with ease. So, how do you set yourself up for success as a remote worker? Check our 6 tips below to find out!
Have a morning routine
Your day needs structure because it helps you know what to expect as soon as you wake up. Having a routine (and keeping it consistent) will also set you up for the day ahead, so it’s important to choose things that make you feel good when you get up, whether it’s a shower, sitting to enjoy your morning coffee, or reading your favourite book.
Besides nourishing your soul, a morning routine will also help you avoid diving into work mode right after waking while you’re still in your pajamas in bed. Remember: structure goes a long way when you work from home and keeps you efficient throughout the day.
Designate a workspace
It may feel tempting to work from the couch; however, it’s not recommended. To stay productive, create a dedicated work zone in your home to signal to your brain that this is time to work until you finish the tasks. Even if you don’t have a room to spare and turn it into your home office, you can still use a corner of your living room (even a closet works if you don’t have another alternative!). As long as it’s a quiet spot free of distractions and clutter, anything will do.
Consider optimising this workspace for productivity as much as possible by positioning the desk near a window (if that’s possible), and invest in ergonomics to boost comfort, such as a chair with good back support and a desk at an adequate height.
Make the most of digital tools
As a remote worker, one of the most important skills to master is being exceptionally organized, because every little misstep, like falling behind on your tasks or not replying to emails, can be costly. There are many project management tools that let you break down projects into manageable tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress, ensuring you stay on track and meet your goals. Many of these tools are fully customizable, allowing you to create your own dashboards and workflows.
You can also use productivity apps, such as Todoist, to help you stay focused on your work and manage your time better. When working from home, there’s a higher risk of security-related disruptions, so it's paramount to leverage the right tools to avoid the stress of password hassles and cyber threats and to focus on your core tasks. Using a password generator, for example, will help you create a strong, unique password for each of your work accounts, giving you peace of mind knowing your information is always protected. Consider also using a VPN to secure your internet connection and antivirus software to keep your devices protected from malware and other threats.
Eliminate distractions
Let’s face it: when you work from home, distractions are literally available on the device you’re working from, including social media, Netflix, YouTube, and so on. Fortunately, you can use blockers to avoid getting sucked into the mindless scroll and stay focused on the tasks you have to complete. The goal when working is to access a state of deep work, namely the state of mind when you’re in that zone where you can get a lot done with little effort. Once you experience an interruption, it takes about 25 minutes to get back into that focused state, so it’s best to avoid them.
If you’re the type of person who gets distracted easily and you feel unproductive, it can help set a time for completing tasks. For example, starting with 20 minutes can give you the push you need to get into a focused state, and once you get the momentum going, continuing becomes much easier.
Take intentional breaks
Not only is it unrealistic to expect that anyone can sit at a desk for two hours straight and perform at their best, but it’s also a recipe for burnout. In an office, breaks happen naturally when you grab coffee with a coworker and chat about the latest episode of your favourite show.
However, things are different with remote working, and it can be tempting to do other necessary tasks, like paying your bills, during your breaks. The result? You’re actually never taking a break.
But it’s imperative to give your brain a break for a minute if you want it to keep functioning for the rest of the day. Besides, stepping away from tasks creates space for more creative brainstorming and helps sharpen your focus, allowing you to return to work with more energy. So, stand up, stretch, go for a walk, meditate, do anything that takes your mind off work for a little while.
Have an end-of-workday ritual
Once you finish the tasks for the day, you can end with a routine to make you feel like you’re “leaving work, even if you aren’t doing it in the literal sense. Just like having a nighttime routine helps you get ready for bed, an end-of-work routine helps you get out of “work mode”.
Some ways you can create this routine include going offline, taking a walk (without checking your phone for notifications related to work), cleaning up your workspace, and crossing items off your to-do list.
The bottom line
Working from home offers excellent advantages, giving you greater flexibility and allowing you to create your ideal day where you can balance work tasks with quality self-care, but it can also bring overwhelm if you don’t have the right strategies to stay productive.
Ultimately, efficiency as a remote worker isn’t about doing all the tasks at once, but about working smarter and creating a system that suits your lifestyle.
