Tips to Maximize Productivity in a Remote Work Environment
Before we discuss the tips to help you maximize your productivity, let’s start with not minimizing the value of remote work.
Many people are still skeptical about both work models showing similar productivity levels. Because of that, productivity in a remote work environment is subjected to a somewhat higher standard. And part of the reason for it is that productivity in a remote environment is measured differently compared to in-office work. So, in office, your physical presence and hours spent on work are the initial criteria for evaluating productivity. Regarding remote workers, their productivity can be harder to assess for some managers, primarily for those that haven’t yet witnessed the wholesome fruits of “remote labour”. Thus, the whole concept is harder to comprehend.
But since you can barely control how others see your work, the important thing to start with is recognizing the value of your input when it comes to remote work.
Regarding actionable steps that would enhance your productivity, we hope the following can be helpful for you.
Create and invest in your remote workspace
Working from home allows freestyling when it comes to your workplace. Whether you like to work from the comfort of your own bed, cozy couch or favourite chair, dedicating the specific space for work can significantly increase your productivity.
The thing is that our brains associate place with activities. For instance, your bed is associated with rest and recuperation. So your body (your brain included) habitually switches on the “rest mode” if you’re in bed. With that said, by isolating a work space in your home, you can train your body to activate productivity. By working in the same place, you cue your brain to get into the workflow; from there, it’s just leg work.
It might also be helpful to invest some energy into creating a space that also works for you. Remote work provides a wonderful opportunity to set up your work environment the way you want. And once it feels more like you, the productivity is likely to follow.
You can declutter your desk. Purchase a comfortable chair if you don’t have one (bad posture or back pain are unlikely to keep you productive), and invest in devices you think might help you work comfortably from home. If you’re a person who loves nature, put plants on your desk or purchase some to go with your workspace. You can also hang printed inspirational quotes on the walls if they help you stay motivated.
Make your workspace your productive sanctuary so that when you enter it, your intention follows.
Communicate your boundaries at the workplace
Boundaries for remote workers are vital for productivity in two different ways.
The first one is about making sure that people you share your home with are aware of your boundaries. If you live alone, this might not apply to you. But, whether you have children, a spouse that likes to sing or watch YouTube without headphones, or a roommate that wants to bring company, it is essential to communicate your needs regarding your work environment. This can mean that you have someone to look over your kid while you work, let people you live with know your schedule (i.e., when your have meetings, etc.), and require no-visiting hours.
The second way your boundaries can help you stay productive is by letting your co-workers know your “don’t disturb” time zone. If you don’t have a schedule that is set in stone, it might be hard to know when your professional communication oversteps your personal boundaries. One thing you can do here is to pick a specific timeframe for your work: say, you get everything done by 17.00, and after that time, you tune out and don’t respond to work-related messages. Don’t be scared of letting your co-workers know the ways that help you stay most productive. The bottom line is people won’t know how to support you at the workplace if you don’t tell them.
Ultimately, remote work crosses all borders, but it shouldn’t cross your boundaries.
Pause
We all carry this idea that productivity is about doing, but sometimes it’s about being. We are human beings, not “doings” at the end of the day. To maintain the pace, you have to take a breather from time to time. And our wisdom-bomb is over 🙂
It’s important to schedule your breaks the same way you do your work hours. Alternatively, take a break whenever you feel you need one. Humans cannot maintain concentration for 3 hours straight, and this is scientific. Some studies suggest we can only stay focused for up to 1.5 hours.
So, pause. Grab something to eat (meal prepping can be helpful here), brew yourself some tea or coffee, go outside for a 15-minute walk, have a conversation - whatever the pause represents for you, go for it. Breaks like this remind us that our lives don’t revolve around work entirely. And that is how pausing keeps you from burnout.
Sync your workflow with your routine
Working from home saves you a lot of time, it’s true. And this is a great opportunity to complete your routine or establish one if you don’t have it. Why would you need it? It can help with productivity tremendously.
Routine is always about habits, and our body loves consistency. A routine helps your body beat stress not only through healthy habits but also predictability. Having a personal regimen doesn’t leave you guessing how to spend your free time. Studies show that people with established routines have low-stress levels, which always results in higher productivity.
With work, don’t sacrifice the rituals that are important to you. Build your workflow around your routine. This can largely reduce stress and anxiety.
A “routine” is basically a scheduled “me-time” of the day. It can include having breakfast, reading a chapter of a book, working out, going outside, fasting, unwinding in the evening, or really anything that gets your day going or signals its ending. You pick the time for your routine, whether it’s before or after work. Scheduling can sometimes be the gateway to satisfaction. Don’t skip yours.
Use tools for staying present and organized
Productivity shouldn’t be based entirely on will. Many tools can help you and your teammates stay present, focused, organized, and updated.
Here’s a short list of popular tools for project management:
Hive
Notion
Jira
Wrike
Kintone
MeisterTask
Miro
And here’s a short list of tools to help with your productivity and focus:
Escape
Pomodoro Focus
RescueTime
Forest
Endel
One Big Thing
Using tools like these is fun. Staying productive can be fun as well.
Do what you need to do
Advice is great, but nobody knows what you need better than yourself. And don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
Work is incredibly important - not only does it pay bills, but it can also add to your personal and professional growth. But it can only be rewarding if you prioritize yourself. Thus, whatever you need to do to feel like your productivity is organic and not pressured, do it. Take time to do it.
Take care of your mental health; don’t minimize that. Without it, no motivation will be significant enough for you to do your best at work. Do what you need here.
Take time to care for your body. As much as we like to take our physical health for granted, our body is what allows us to attend virtual meetings, speak, type, and code. Sometimes, if not always, showing our bodies a little care can go a long way in terms of our well-being. So do what you need here.
And now, what you shouldn’t do:
You shouldn’t think about taking time for yourself as the opposite of productivity.
You shouldn’t feel like you don’t have the right to enjoy a little home while working from home.
And you shouldn’t think that all you need to do is work.
Do what you need to do for yourself to do what you must at work.
