A remote worker’s greatest challenge is finding a balance between work and life.
By now, you’ve probably heard that working from home can be great for productivity, but it also comes with some challenges. It’s crucial to find the right mix of work-life balance and communication tools that will help you get things done while you’re at home. Here are 12 ways to foster your productivity as a remote employee:
1. Set Up Your Work Environment Properly
Before anything else, you need to set up your workspace properly. Make sure you have enough room to spread out comfortably. If you’re working from home, make sure there’s plenty of space to move around. Consider buying furniture that can double as a desk, such as a fold-up table. Also, if you’re working from home for long periods of time, invest in some noise-cancelling headphones so you don’t have to listen to other people’s conversations.
2. Practice Self Care
You might think that by now, you’ve gotten used to being alone in your workspace, but that’s not necessarily true. The opposite could be true. You may find yourself spending less time at your desk because you’re worried about disturbing someone who’s trying to work. That’s why it’s important to practice self-care. Try setting aside time each day to do something you enjoy. If you like reading, read a book or watch a TV show. If you prefer to exercise, go for a walk outside. Whatever you choose, make sure it helps you unwind and relax.
3. Create a Ritual Before You Start Working
When you sit down to work, you should start with a ritual. A ritual is something that you do every time you begin working. It can be anything from checking your email to meditating for five minutes. What matters is that you do something that gets you into the right mindset. You’re more likely to be productive once you’re in the right mindset.
4. Plan Your Day Ahead of Time
Planning your day ahead of time will help you stay focused on the tasks at hand. When you know exactly what you need to accomplish during the day, you’re more likely to stick to your schedule. Also, planning lets you know when you’re running behind, which helps you avoid procrastination.
5. Be Consistent
You need to be consistent to build trust among your co-workers. When everyone knows what you’re doing, they’re more likely to come to you for advice. They’ll also be more willing to follow your lead, which will improve your team’s overall performance.
6. Don’t Get Distracted
It’s easy to get distracted at work. People are always sending emails, making phone calls, and popping in to ask questions. The best way to deal with distractions is to put them off until later. Permit yourself to ignore these interruptions unless it’s urgent. If you can postpone answering the email, do so. Or, if you need to take a quick call, use a headset instead of picking up your phone.
7. Take Breaks Regularly
Taking breaks is essential to staying productive. Too often, we get caught up in our work and forget to stop and breathe. To avoid this, try taking regular breaks throughout the day. This doesn’t mean you have to stand up and leave your desk. Just take a moment to stretch, walk around, or drink some water. These breaks will refresh your mind and allow you to get back to work with a clear head.
8. Set Goals
Setting goals is another way to stay focused on what needs to get done. Whether working from home or in an office building, you need to keep track of your progress. Otherwise, you won’t know if you’re meeting your objectives.
9. Focus on What Matters Most
What matters most is what you do when you’re not working. You should focus on what you need to get done when you’re working. But while you’re working, you should also spend some time thinking about what you want to achieve in life. Focusing on the future is a great way to stay motivated and excited about your job.
10. Ask for Help
If you need help with something, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Your co-workers are here to support you, and they’ll feel honoured to lend a hand. Plus, asking for help shows your peers that you value their input.
11. Practice Confidence
Confidence is key to leadership presence. No one wants to work with someone who seems unsure of themselves. Being confident means knowing your stuff, having poise, and showing your authority. So, even if you don’t have all the answers, act as though you do. Show your co-workers that you’re comfortable in your skin.
12. Keep Track of What You’re Doing
Keeping track of what you’re doing is essential. Writing things down helps you remember, making it easier to complete projects. You can also use a calendar to track your progress. For example, you could write “Paid bills” next to each bill you pay, then look at the calendar to see how much you’ve paid.
Here’s What Leadership Coach Stavros Baroutas Says About Boosting Your Positivity During Remote Working Hours
It’s no secret that remote work is becoming increasingly popular. With flexible hours, you’re able to work remotely without sacrificing your income. However, it can be challenging to know where to start with so many options available. According to leadership coach Stavros Baroutas, you should consider boosting your positivity during remote working hours.
Baroutas’ management skills have been recognized globally. He first earned an MBA from Kingston University and then in 2007 went on to receive his Ph.D. In 2009 Baroutas became a Chartered Manager (CMgr) in leading people and leading change skills. Baroutas is a certified Innermetrix Consultant for Greece and has also trained under John Mattone as an Intelligent Leadership Executive Coach.
Baroutas says, “We tend to become more negative when we’re away from others. This is because we’re constantly surrounded by reminders of our humanity—the fact that we’re not perfect, that we’re not in control of everything. When we’re isolated, we’re reminded of just how vulnerable we are.”
To combat this negativity, he recommends using a few simple techniques. One is to create a gratitude list. By writing down three things you’re grateful for, you’ll be able to remind yourself that you’re still human. Another technique is to make sure you’re spending time with friends and family. Spending time with loved ones is proven to boost your happiness levels.
“The more connected you are to your community, the happier you’ll be,” says Baroutas. “So, if you can find ways to connect with people, do it. The more you spend time with your loved ones, the more you’ll be able to appreciate the small things in life. This will help you realize that you’re still alive and not alone. It’s a reminder that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
Final Words
Remote working has its benefits, but it also comes with its share of challenges. To be successful, you need to plan and ensure you have a good work environment. Make sure you set up your workspace properly and make sure you take breaks regularly. You also need to practice self-care and maintain a positive attitude. Finally, make sure you keep track of what you’re doing and ask for help when you need it.