How To Work Productively at Remote Work

When 2020 rolled around with work-from-home becoming the new norm, most viewed it as a luxury that offered more flexibility and freedom. Being within the comfortable walls of our home, wearing comfy clothes all day long, and earning money seems like a dream come true. But over a period of time, this flexibility may turn into a bane instead of a boon. Productivity dips are equally troubling for employers and staff alike. At times, you may never realise where the time went. So how you can work productively at remote work? Here are a few tips for employees to work as effectively and productively from home as from the office.

1. Create a distraction-free workspace

First things first, create a dedicated workspace at home. While at first, working lying in bed may seem like an attractive feature of remote work, it is a habit that will not be helpful in the long run.

A well-lit, ventilated room that’s free from distractions will have a positive impact on your productivity. If you’re unable to assign a whole room for work, you can select a comfortable corner inside your home that is dedicated wholly to work hours.

All you’ll need is a comfortable chair and a desk which can hold your work system. Keep this space clean and uncluttered so you can focus on your tasks easily. Before you start working, make sure you have all the required materials by your side.

2. Have a fixed work schedule

Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” It may seem like a dramatic statement, but dig deeper, and it is the truth. The first step to having a productive work life is to create habits. And sticking to a proper work schedule is on top of this list of productivity-enhancing habits.

If you’re planning on working, let’s say eight hours a day, from 10 am to 6 pm, then make sure you follow this timetable during the working days. Be dedicated and complete your daily tasks during these eight hours. Use to-do lists and timers to get your mind on track if it tends to wander. 

While being a hard worker is good, don’t exceed your limits and work yourself into an exhausted state. Doing so will affect your mental, physical, and social health and eventually make you unproductive. So, create and follow a work schedule that gives you a proper work-life balance. 

3. Use productivity apps

One of the main reasons an office environment naturally makes you productive is the limits to spending time on the internet. You control yourself from checking social media and surf the internet only for work. The scenario is different when it comes to remote working. It is often the many hours spent on social media that causes productivity dips.

Using productivity apps is an excellent way to combat this situation. Apps such as Mindfulness and Google Tasks will help you manage your time more efficiently. You can also use apps and extensions which limit the time you spend on them. This software will block the website or application once you reach the daily limit and thus help you develop more self-control. To learn about productivity apps in detail, click here.

4. Adopt healthy eating and sleeping habits

Working from home gives you free access to the kitchen. No, we don’t want to spoil your fun, but overeating can make you feel sluggish. Remember that a healthy diet is essential for productive work life. So, eat healthy every day. Keep yourself hydrated. Have an energising lunch of vegetables, eggs, fish or meat, and whole grains. Try to include fruits and nuts in your diet as well.

Sleep is something that most workers compromise for work. But having a proper sleeping schedule is crucial to delivering the best results. Sleep for at least 6 hours daily. Go to bed at a fixed time and wake up early. To keep your mind clear and your energy high, you should give your body the rest it needs.

5. Interact with your co-workers

Working from home can easily push you into a state of isolation that’s comforting for some and miserable for others. But communication has increased significance under remote working situations. You should reach out to your co-workers, leaders, and clients to nurture professional relationships. Don’t hesitate to ask your colleagues for help when you need it, and don’t turn a blind eye when others need your assistance. 

6. Get out of the house

One of the perks of remote working is that you don’t have to confine yourself to a work desk the whole day. When you feel overwhelmed or distracted, take a walk around your house. Just going outside your work environment and moving for a few minutes will make you feel better.

If you’re allowed to leave your homes and go to public spaces, take a stroll with your pet during lunch breaks. You can also work from local coffee shops or libraries if it’s hard to concentrate at home. Make sure you follow the required safety measures and avoid crowded areas. Also, keep in mind internet security when working in public spaces.

7. Take breaks in between

Looming deadlines and goals can make you lose track of time and get immersed in work completely. While an emergency meeting or assignment may justify no breaks once in a while, making it the norm can harm your health and productivity. Schedule breaks in between so you can leave the stress of work for a couple of minutes and get some air. Listen to some songs, play with your pet, walk for a while, or take naps if you can. Make sure you do not skip meals, as timely intake of food is necessary to avoid fatigue. Short breaks will also give your eyes the rest they need after staring at a computer screen for hours.

8. Take responsibility for cybersecurity

Whether you are remote working permanently or working from home till your office opens up, remember keeping your devices secure is your responsibility. As remote working increased since the onset of Covid-19, cyberthreats have seen a spike that is still rising. Follow good cybersecurity practices. Follow our blogs on how you can identify different types of cyberthreats and how to protect yourself from them.

“How can I work productively” is a troubling question that most employees face, especially when they just start working remotely. The pros that give your work hours flexibility can become disadvantages if you misuse them. The above tips can help you boost your productivity. If you need more assistance with remote working, you can always reach our IT team in Perth. Contact us or email us at helpdesk@computingaustralia.group for quick and easy IT solutions.

Jargon Buster

Remote work: Remote work, work from home, or telecommuting, refers to the working arrangement that allows employees to work from remote locations rather than the traditional corporate offices.
Productivity apps: Productivity apps are pieces of software that helps you work more efficiently.