Working remotely is becoming more and more popular, as people look for ways to cut down on commuting time and have more control over their work-life balance.
But it can also be a challenge to stay productive when you’re not in an office setting.
If working remotely was not your choice, it might be even harder still to feel connected and productive.
Here are some tips for managing remote work successfully:
Make sure everyone is clear on what hours you’re working, what tools or software you’ll be using, and how you will be communicating with them.
Try to set aside specific times of the day for working on specific tasks, and stick to that routine as closely as possible.
Keep a folder or document where you track all of your deadlines, to-dos, and ideas so you don’t lose anything important.
It’s important to get up and move around every once in a while, even if it’s just for a quick walk around the block or a trip to the kitchenette.
There are lots of great tools out there designed specifically for remote workers – take advantage of them!
Let them know when you’re working and when you’re available to talk, so they don’t interrupt your workflow.
It can be easy to feel isolated when you’re working by yourself, so make sure to schedule some time for coffee dates, happy hours, or just general catching up with friends.
Sometimes it can be helpful to change up your surroundings, whether that means working from a coffee shop or taking your laptop to the park.
It might take some time to get used to this new way of working, so cut yourself some slack and know that it’s okay to have some off days.
Remember that working remotely comes with a lot of great perks, so enjoy them!
Working remotely can be a great way to have more control over your work-life balance, but it can also be a challenge to stay productive. These ten tips will help you manage remote work successfully and increase your productivity.
Let us know in the comments! And if you’re struggling with remote work, why not talk to us about coaching?
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Susan Rochester has been managing director of Balance at Work since 2006. Susan has a natural tendency to balance analytical thinking with an optimistic outlook to set direction and solve problems. She is an effective facilitator and constantly creates new and more effective ways of doing things, motivated by helping others to achieve their goals.
