The overwhelming support for remote work makes companies emphasize productivity more than anything else. Although productivity must be a worker’s top-priority whether on-site or working remotely, it is a challenge for remote workers to remain productive.
Most remote workers go through phases of feeling unproductive or experiencing mind block while working from home. Some of them even deal with a lack of motivation.
So, being productive is more than just learning how to retrieve accidentally deleted files on your computer or delete PDF pages. It goes beyond mastering how to use your Windows or Mac computer. Continue reading if you have felt hopeless working from home and want some helpful tips to stay sharp.
Design a Routine for Yourself
No doubt, working remotely offers employees more flexibility than working from the office. However, it is good to maintain a routine to feel optimistic. A well-designed routine will also ensure you remain proactive and don’t lose focus.
You can create a timetable for yourself. For example, select a signal to start working. It can be after you have had your morning tea or come back from the gym.
Developing a habit or routine will be an investment in yourself and help you achieve great things in life. For example, a routine will give you structure and help establish momentum so you can finish tasks on time.
Also, it would be best if you were not skeptical of experimenting with new habits. Instead, observe how they impact your daily life and if they make you feel motivated, include those habits as part of your daily routine.
Quit Multitasking
People think multitasking makes them productive. But, unfortunately, it delivers the opposite results. Doing different tasks simultaneously does not improve productivity, but it costs more time.
Instead of helping you finish tasks faster, multitasking diminishes the quality of the tasks. Therefore, do not try to do too many things simultaneously. Set aside specific time for completing specific tasks and chores.
Create a Dedicated Work Area
One of the primary reasons why remote workers lack motivation is because they’re working in a non-productive environment. For instance, most remote workers prefer working while sitting on their couch, sofa, or bed. Unfortunately, this not only hinders their productivity but also results in back and neck aches.
Moreover, avoiding distractions is one of the top-most challenges when working from home.
So, you must select a location in your home where your office tasks won’t interfere with the lives of your loved ones. Also, creating a dedicated workspace will give you the inspiration and motivation you need.
Finding a stress-free, tranquil environment where you can concentrate solely on your tasks would be best. If your job demands you sit in front of a computer for long hours, you must invest in ergonomic furniture like chairs, tables, etc.
Select a corner or area in your home and design it as your dedicated workspace. You can also place plants or a whiteboard to make it feel like an office.
Enable the Do Not Disturb Mode on Your Phone and Computer
Who doesn’t keep checking their phones every time they hear a chime? Checking notifications is a waste of time.
If you are working on something important, it is recommended to switch off all notifications on your computer and phone. You can set your gadgets to the Do Not Disturb mode, where only emergency contacts can reach you. This will dramatically augment your efficiency.
While activating the Do Not Disturb mode, you can customize the modes to choose the notifications and messages that can reach you while you are working. You can even set different modes for when you are driving or sleeping.
Do not forget to Take Breaks
Most people think working for long hours is a sign of productivity. The opposite is true. You must focus on finishing tasks as quickly as possible to return to living your life. Sitting in front of the computer or laptop the entire day does not mean you are efficient at work.
Therefore, you must take regular breaks in between to allow your mind to feel refreshed. If you’re trying to complete a task for a long time but cannot get a breakthrough, it might be because your brain is exhausted. You need to recharge and then get back to your tasks.
Complete Meal Prep the Night Before
When you are working from home, you may have to take care of preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You may even have to do all the cutting and chopping yourself.
It is not wise to spend time cooking food during work hours. Instead, you must prepare your meals the night before. Doing so will ensure you can utilize your meal times to eat and not perform other activities that may make you tired.
The Bottom Line
These productivity tips are for remote workers trying to enhance their efficiency. Keep these in mind, and you’ll be one of the top employees your company has ever seen.
