5 Tips for Staying Productive While Working Remotely

How are you most productive when working remotely? Is it setting aside a designated workspace, taking periodic breaks, or is it working from your bed in your pajamas as comfortable as can be?

Many companies that value flexibility allow their employees to work from home to be productive in their own environments.  While some of us find ourselves to be most productive at the office, others are most effective when working remotely from home. But how can we remain productive at home where there’s room for endless distractions while having no face-to-face interaction with our colleagues?

Here are five tips to help you conquer the set of challenges faced when working from home:

1. Plan and prepare. You should plan for your day by designating a workspace, creating a task list and setting a start and end time. Listing your objectives and tasks will help you to measure the time and tools needed depending on the intensity of the work. Set aside an area you will use to work and check that you have the tools you need to work effectively (laptop, internet connection, phone, etc.). Not only should you have a plan, but you should also have a backup plan in case you lose internet connection. Know your company’s procedure and who to contact for technical hitches, and keep this information accessible.
2. Minimize distractions. One of the toughest challenges faced when working from home is blocking out the distractions. Have self-discipline and be mindful that these are “working hours.” Don’t turn on the TV, get lost on Facebook or walk away from your computer 10 times to play with your puppy. Set boundaries for yourself and those around you, and stay in your designated work area to remain focused and on task.
3. Communicate and collaborate. When working remotely, communication becomes even more important – especially when collaborating with coworkers. You can’t easily walk over to a colleague’s office and ask a question or get a status update on a project. Therefore it is essential to communicate effectively. Check in with your supervisor or subordinate, let your colleagues know the best ways to contact you, and return calls and emails promptly.
4. Maintain work/life balance. Take a break! Yes, even at home we can burn out if we work for too many hours at a time. Get up to stretch, go for a walk outside or take a quick trip to Starbucks to re-energize. Whatever break you choose, set aside some time for yourself.
5. Stay motivated. Checking tasks off your list (see tip #1) and making progress on bigger projects so you can see the fruits of your labor can help you to feel productive and stay motivated. Above all, remember why you are working. Think about what it is you want out of your job and the goals you’ve set for yourself, and stay focused on the future.

Working remotely can be very beneficial for you and your employer. You’ll appreciate the  flexibility and your employer will appreciate the limited absences. So make the most of it and continue contributing to the success of your business by being as productive, if not more, as you would be in the office.