Top Tips for Productive Remote Working

Improved tech and the demand for more flexible working has led to a surge in people working from home over recent years, which doesn’t look to be slowing. Remote workers who are recruited and managed correctly for this style of work (i.e on work output rather than time spent at your desk) are also reported to generally be more productive for their employers.

Whether you are working at home one day a month, or every day, it is critical to follow some ground rules to maintain motivation and avoid the many distractions that are present at your home.

 1. Find your own work area

When working at home, it can be tempting to sit on the couch in front of the TV or possibly even stay in your bed! By working in these sorts of places though, you will feel too relaxed and your motivation to work will be low. It is important to create a specific work area in your home, however small, where you can separate your home life from your work life.

 2. Smarten up

It may be tempting to stay in your PJs all day, but by smartening yourself up you will set your mind into a more professional work mode (plus it’s a lots less embarrassing when your boss calls you on a Skype Video call!)

 3. Create a plan

It’s really important to create a plan for yourself and keep to it. By creating a list of tasks you will keep focussed and are more likely to deliver what your boss expects from you. It’s also important to stick to a time limit – make sure you’re up and ready to work as if you were arriving to work as normal, and finish work at your regular time also. This sort of daily routine will ensure your work and personal life do not blend together.

4.  Take a break

Ensure you take breaks and reward yourself for completing certain tasks. By allocating yourself a dedicated work area, you will also benefit from taking your breaks somewhere different, such as the kitchen or living room, appreciating a different, more relaxed surrounding. Moving away from your regular work area will clear your mind and give you a fresh perspective when you return to work.

 5. Separate your personal time from your work time

You obviously mustn’t ignore family member’s that need you, but making people aware that you’re working and need privacy will lessen the interruptions that will break your focus. Treat your work area as your office and leave chatting with family or friends as much as possible to your personal time.

6.  Go out!

Staying inside and working by yourself obviously means a lot less human interaction than you would have if you worked in an office. It is not only important to talk with work colleagues by phone / Skype / IM, but to also meet with co-workers or your clients or suppliers in person. Interacting face to face is important and is something you should actively incorporate into your working week.

We all work in different ways and you will soon find your own style of working, however, sticking to these key points will almost certainly improve your effectiveness and productivity when working from home.