Work Remotely? Here Are 5 Ways You Can Boost Your Productivity

It can be difficult to stay focused while working remotely, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. 

 

It's common to feel like your non-job life interferes with your work on some days. 

 

Whether it's your doorbell ringing frequently, your kids were extremely needy, or Netflix summoning you, you've surely had "those days".

 

Here are a few useful tips for better productivity based on research and advice from remote workers, to help you stay productive at home while working remotely.

 

1. Prioritize Difficult Tasks

 

 

Remote work presents less immediate accountability because you're not physically on-site. 

 

There's no way your boss can see that you're actually watching your favorite Hulu program instead of completing that important presentation.

 

That's why it's so important to hold yourself accountable. 

 

Getting on top of the most difficult (or undesirable) items on your to-do list is a great way to accomplish this. 

 

In spite of the fact that you might think you can build momentum by tackling simpler, simpler tasks, recent research finds otherwise.

 

 Avoiding difficult tasks will result in an overwhelming amount of work and fatigue.

 

Take important, difficult tasks head-on first thing in the morning.

 

 You'll be able to put your best energy into the project before the stress of the workday sets in.

 

2. Organize Your To-Do List

 

 

We tend to feel less productive when our to-do list keeps growing rather than shrinking. 

 

While some studies suggest that we are all suckers for a good list, if they become unmanageable or never-ending, they can prove to be demotivating. 

 

Create a system for yourself for storing all your tasks in one place. 

 

Instead of keeping a list of tasks on your phone, a sticky note, and in your head, consolidate everything into one place.

 

All tasks are added to one list (without exception) when they are received. 

 

If you use tools like ClickUp or Trello for setting priorities, creating details, creating due dates, and much more, you'll get a lot more done. 

 

You'll get more done if you can apply a system you follow every time you get a new task.

 

3. Simple Task Automation

 

If you use tools like ClickUp or Trello for setting priorities, creating details, creating due dates, and much more, you'll get a lot more done. 

 

You'll get more done if you can apply a system you follow every time you get a new task. 

 

You can create automation for a number of tasks when you're working remotely. 

 

For instance, you can automate tasks such as invoicing, payment collection, or client communication when you're a remote freelancer.

 

To schedule meetings or automatically organize your email based on task or priority, use tools like Calendly if you work remotely for any company. 

 

Thousands of automation tools such as Zapier and IFTTT can help you automate your work and get more done in less time.

 

4. Make a Separate Area

 

 

Having a dedicated workspace will enable you to be more productive.

 

If you work from home, a desk in a separate room will be ideal. 

 

However, this doesn't mean you have to turn your kid's room into an office or spend money on remodeling your house. 

 

If you're not able to find a dedicated space in your own home, there are still other options available to you. 

 

Alternatively, you can use a library or a co-working space in your community to work, or ask a relative or friend for a room or use a local public space.

 

We're trying to find a place where your brain will recognize it's time to work. When you sit at the same desk where you eat, sleep, and relax, it's difficult to get work done.

 

5. Set Specific Goals

 

 

Setting clear boundaries with those who influence your work is also important once you are set up in your dedicated space. 

 

Family (including pets) and coworkers (including your team and your boss) are the two primary groups in your life.

 

Establishing Limits with Family

 

The simple act of telling your family and friends "when my door is closed, I am working and cannot be disturbed" can make all the difference in your productivity. 

 

Set boundaries with your family, roommate, or partner so you all know where you'll be working, how to handle interruptions, and what your working hours should be.

 

Establishing Limits with Coworkers

 

Setting limits with your boss and coworkers is essential to make this equation work. Additionally, you should be upfront about when you're available and when you're not. 

 

If your company has not fully implemented asynchronous communication, teammates and bosses may come to expect you to respond to email or Slack at all hours. 

 

You should instead set a reasonable response timeframe (both ways) to relieve the expectation that you will 'drop everything and be able to respect your own time.