Whether it's by choice or due to the circumstances engendered due to the pandemic, you may have started working remotely. Not being in the office environment and around your team members can put a damper on your mood and your overall productivity, especially when you can attend an online work meeting from the comfort of your bed. And while working from home sounds exciting, it brings forth its own set of challenges which is why you should set up a workspace in your home which is conducive to productivity and makes you feel highly motivated.
How to make remote work productive?
Set up a place that is comfortable and inspiring
In healthy surroundings, productivity thrives because you can concentrate with minimal interruptions. Keeping this in mind, you must set up your laptop in a comfortable place as your first step to effective remote working. Ideally, it should be in an area of peace and quiet, such as a desk placed before a large window, which will help you to avoid ordinary distractions and boost productivity.
To make the workplace more inspiring, you can set up a mood board on the adjacent wall of your desk. A mood board is a collage of pictures that evokes motivation. You can make a collage of motivational quotes, positive affirmations, and your favorite memories to help you stay inspired throughout the day!
Setting up a schedule that will instill productivity
You will confront the double-edged sword of setting yourself a timetable without the framework of a typical workplace. Various studies have illustrated how a shorter yet more intense working day is more productive than one with long hours when it comes to productivity. You have to determine at what time of the day you are the most motivated and alert, as this will enable you to reap the maximum amount of productivity and efficiency in those respective hours.
Stay focused by avoiding distractions
To maximize productivity out of the hours you work, it is essential to avoid distractions. Telecommuting provides fewer distractions than working in an office without scheduled meetings, coffee breaks, and unexpected communications with staff. However, this does not mean that when you are alone with your computer all day, you can't get sidetracked.
Learn to understand the time when you feel disconnected and develop strategies to manage distractions efficiently. Schedule distracting tasks such as calling a friend, watching a movie, or reading a book after your work hours. A suggested technique to assist you in staying focused in listening to white noise. It aids you in tuning in to the task at hand and significantly stimulates concentration.
Communicate with your colleagues
When working remotely might provide numerous advantages, it can lead to feelings of solitude or isolation. Remote employees often voice how they lack a good dosage of connection with others. This is particularly the case if you work all alone without any company to keep.
Fortunately, due to technology, video conferencing, chat applications, and smartphone apps allow you to remain connected to your fellow colleagues. It will also help manage projects and ensure that the goals and time limits are followed up, thus, proving to be increasingly productive.