7 Tips for Remote Work Productivity You’ve Never Heard of
Over the past several months, the world has changed drastically — especially when it comes to the workplace. Switching up your routine and making the transition to work from home permanently may have been daunting at first, but has quickly become the new normal.
As you’ve gotten more used to working from home, you’ve probably heard the traditional tips — separating your office from your living space, implementing productivity software, limiting distractions, etc. Now it’s time to level-up in your remote productivity journey.
Here are seven of our favorite productivity tips for remote teams.
Create and maintain a schedule
Working remotely can result in an unusual or chaotic schedule — especially if you have kids, pets, or other family members to contend with during your day. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t create some structure in your workday! It just might look a little different than it did when you are going into an office.
Try and keep your work, break, and play blocks consistent throughout the week, and maintain a regular sleep schedule (turn off Netflix!) on workdays so that you aren’t getting burnt out.
Leave your home every day
It’s sometimes too easy to go from your bed, to your computer, to your kitchen, to your couch, and then back to bed.
Whether it’s to pick up a coffee, run an errand, or just go for a walk around the block, getting away from your home office and your computer screen will give you a mental reset and help you refocus.
Get dressed
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress to impress — or at least change out of your pajamas.
It’s amazing how just a simple outfit change can also change your energy levels. Wear something that makes you feel powerful and ready to take on the day. Whether it’s a blazer, power suit, or your comfiest cardigan, make sure you feel energized and ready to tackle your to-do list.
Meal prep
Cooking is no small task and can take up a lot of time, or pull you away from a task at an inopportune moment.
Unless you are planning on ordering takeout daily, we highly recommend meal prepping on the weekend to save you hours throughout the week. It takes the guesswork out of meal planning and the time out of midday cooking. On the weekend, set aside a few hours to completely prepare your lunches and snacks for the week.
Create a power playlist
Good energy leads to good output.
Since you don’t have other coworkers to keep the energy up in your office, curate the perfect playlist to motivate you and add a little white noise to your space throughout the day. Make sure the music you choose helps you focus and doesn’t distract you.
Invest in a good chair
Raise your hand if you’ve been working form your couch or an uncomfortable kitchen chair for the last few months.
Back problems, carpal tunnel, and neck strain can quickly diminish productivity levels. Invest in products that will help provide your body the support it needs throughout a busy work week – like a good office chair that keeps you sitting up straight with your legs firmly planted on the ground and keeps your eyes level on your screen.
Move your body
Even when working in an office, you are moving around more throughout the day than you do at home — walking from your car inside, to a boardroom, to the lunchroom, etc.
Amid your hectic to-do list and a busy schedule, set aside some time to get active when working from home. Whether it’s a quick yoga flow, workout class, or a walk around the block, getting your blood flowing is good for your heart and your productivity levels.
Learn more about tools that you can use to help you with working remotely here.
About the Author
Celina Dawdy is a freelance writer in Edmonton, Alberta. When she isn’t writing, she’s volunteering and spending time with her three dogs.
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