Remote Working: Tips to Plan Your Day
People across the world are finding themselves having to work from home. For many, this new working environment is an unfamiliar situation. Here are some tips on how to integrate your professional tasks into your daily routine and be as productive as possible when remote working.
Remote Working: Your Personal Checklist
1. Set your alarm and observe the dress code
The first step to an effective work day at home is to make sure to keep your usual morning routine. Set your alarm for around the same time you would normally wake up. Take a shower and dress in appropriate clothing. Staying in your pajamas might be tempting, but dressing up for remote work helps separate your work day from your personal time at home. Your day working from home will be more productive if you prepare yourself as though you were physically going into the office.
2. Create a daily to-do list
Keeping yourself organized is an essential prerequisite for successful remote working. Before you start your day, create a realistic to-do list of tasks you can complete. This will provide you with structure and guidance, as well as help you with concentrating on each individual task.
In addition to your to-do list, you should also set an exact time frame for your daily goals. Allocate time for each task to ensure you can complete each one before your work day is over. Make sure to also incorporate regular breaks between the completion of each task.
3. Designate a home office space
It’s difficult to separate work from your personal life at home. Finding an area in your home that is both comfortable and free from distractions can positively impact your productivity when working from home. The human brain becomes more focused if it can assign certain places to a certain activity.
You should also furnish your work area so that you feel comfortable. For example, decorate it with plants, photos of your loved ones, and keep essential supplies like pens, notepads, and sticky notes nearby. Try not to go overboard with decorations as too many accessories can become distracting. Also, if possible, invest in an ergonomic chair to prevent discomfort from sitting for extended periods of time.
4. Get some fresh air and exercise
Employees who sit in front of their computers all day often forget to take short breaks. It is crucial to consider your physical well-being when remote working: step outside for a short moment, go for a short walk, or grab a drink or snack to re-energize. When remote working, it is incredibly important to break the monotony of your day in order to main productivity.
5. Avoid checking social media
Unless it’s crucial for your profession, keep logged out of social media. This will increase your concentration and efficiency. It’s easy to lose track of time when checking in on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
6. Keep contact with your colleagues
Stay in regular contact with your colleagues, whether it is by phone, webcam, text message, or email. Say hello in the morning and say goodbye when signing off for the day. Exchange ideas with them about your daily planning, learn from each other, and share successes. Staying in regular communication with your colleagues can help with productivity as well as preventing feeling isolated.
7. Call it a day
Set a time to end working each day and stick to it. Studies have shown that people who work from home often put in longer hours. While it is important to avoid distractions while working, it’s equally important to not get caught up in work during your personal time. Give yourself time to relax, unwind, and recharge.
We are happy to share more tips and guides on how you can work effectively from home.
Contact a Progressive office for more information.
If you are a business needing assistance with setting up your team for remote working, you can contact us here.
