Remote work might sound like working from home in your pajamas. For many people, this is the case. However, the ability to work remotely and remain efficient is truly a skill. For many people, it’s a skill that’s taken years to master. However, there are plenty of tips to help you get started today. Consider some of the best ways to work remotely yet remain highly efficient.
1. Create start and end times
When you’re working remotely, always remember to maintain a start time and an end time for your work. When you get engulfed into all of the tasks, you’d be surprised how quickly time will fly. Before you know it, you’ll look up and realize that it’s the wee hours of the morning. If you focus on making sure you have clear deadlines, it’ll help you to separate your work life from the rest of your life.
2. Create balance
Separating your work life from your regular life is important because you don’t want to become a burnt-out workaholic. In order to be the best worker you can be, it’s wise to strike a balance. This even means that you’ll want to schedule time off for vacations, social activities and quiet time. Instead of eating lunch in your home office, schedule a lunch date with a friend at a local restaurant. Enjoy a vacation with friends. Plan to go glamping in Utah with a few friends, or stay at a resort in Mexico for a few nights. Make amazing memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. When you live with balance, it’ll make work more efficient and meaningful.
3. Use the right tools
Granted, there are times when you’ll have unexpected deadlines. If you’re in the middle of a glamping trip with your friends and receive an unexpected request from your boss, it’s helpful to have ways to respond in emergencies. A part of being efficient with your remote work involves having a great WiFi connection and a laptop or a tablet. Most phone companies offer hotspot capabilities through your monthly service. Even if it’s the most inexpensive package, maintain a hotspot connection as it’ll be a great tool to keep you connected for remote work.
4. Eliminate distractions
One of the hardest parts of working efficiently involves procrastination. It’s so easy to scroll through a social media app for thirty minutes without realizing the time passed. Take note of what your distractions are. If you’re distracted by internet browsing, social media, and YouTube, delete those apps from your phone during the workday. You can also opt to enjoy those apps during a quick 15-minute break. Once you take a break, get back to your work. If you work more efficiently in silence, find some noise-canceling headphones if you’re working in a public space. If you need some white noise, turn on a sound machine. Many phones provide reports that show you how much time you’ve spent on certain apps. Once you’re clear on what takes up a bunch of time, adjust accordingly.
5. Look the part
If you’re working remotely in a shared workspace, you’ll have to get dressed. However, when you’re at home, it’s tempting to stay in your pajamas for days on end. It’s much better to develop a great wardrobe that allows you to comfortably work without looking raggedy. For a lot of people, looking their best helps them to feel their best. If you feel great, you’re more motivated to produce your best. Create a remote work schedule that includes waking up a specific time, taking a shower and getting dressed. When you look the part, that’s half of the battle.
6. Find ways to remain motivated
Think about your main reasons for working. Find your ‘why’ in order to keep you motivated. If your reason is your child, keep a photo of your child at your work desk. When you’re tempted to become distracted, look at that photo as a reminder. If you’re working in order to purchase a new home, get a picture of your dream home to use as a screensaver. You’ll see it every time you look at your computer screen.
While there are plenty of ways to strategize and plan to be productive, you simply have to choose to beat the urge to procrastinate. Put one foot in front of the other when it pertains to getting work done. If you need to take it one moment at a time, that’s fine. Once you create the right environment, implement these tips and remain committed, you’ll look up and see the fruit of your labor.
