According to a 2020 survey of 4000 remote employees, 51% report being more productive when working remotely. A few reasons these respondents reported their increase in productivity was credited to fewer interruptions, a more comfortable workplace, and avoiding office politics.
Albeit, designing a work-from-home environment that fosters productivity can have challenges. We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 remote working tips for women (and men) to help you curate an ideal workflow.
Eliminate distractions
Set up a designated office space at home that is free of clutter and distractions. It’s easy to get off track when you have no rhyme or reason for your day. Use productivity methods, like time blocking, to schedule everything that needs to be done for the day, week, and month, both in your professional and personal life. This time includes scheduling childcare, planning homeschooling or virtual schedules, meal plans, and weekly activities, and personal commitments.
Create a comfortable workspace
Get the home office tools you need to create a comfortable area. You’ll likely spend most of your time here and you should enjoy the space. Working on a computer all day can wreak havoc on your body, especially your wrist, eyes, and back.
Invest into an ergonomic chair and keyboard, laptop stand, air purifier, natural lighting, standing desk, and blue-blocking glasses. You might lessen body aches, computer migraines, and clutter. And your employer might reimburse you for these tools,
Keep the alarm
Stick to a wake-up time and avoid getting lazy with your schedule. Give yourself at least an hour before you begin your workday, especially if you work early and have morning meetings.
Wake up before the kids
Have kids? The past year of quarantining, virtual learning, remote work, and social distancing have taken a toll on everyone, especially parents. Wake up before them and do your morning routine before they get up give you uninterrupted time to handle your business. After they wake, enjoy breakfast together and soak up the intentional family time before everyone starts their day.
Implement morning rituals
Kickstarting your day with some motivational and stress-relieving elements. Listen to a podcast, get in work out, get housework out of the way, take a morning walk, drink a cup of coffee, or to music while you get ready. Try to do your ritual without your phone, or the very least, without using it.
Be 100% focused on getting your mind right for the day ahead because sometimes the only thing you have complete control over is your routine. Whatever morning vibe amps you up for the day–make it a religious practice!
Get out of your pajamas
Would you go in-person to work in your pj’s? Didn’t think so. So, get up shower, and get ready for the day(as you would in-person). Feeling refreshed can improve productivity. Having a hard time waking up? Try intermittent hot/cold showers to wake up your system and increase dopamine, also known as the “feel-good hormone’.
Begin your workday
Now that you have your morning success routine done, you can now open up your computer, grab your cellphone, check emails, review your schedule and prepare for meetings. Get the most important priorities done first and you won’t be scrambling towards the end of the day.
Schedule human interaction
Social distancing and quarantine have played a large part in the worsening of the rising mental health crises. Has it been a while since you’ve seen or talked to someone? Are you feeling lonely or isolated? Check-in with yourself and others and schedule some quality human interaction. Whether it’s a midday lunch break with friends, your partner, or kids, face-timing family, daily zoom meetings or monthly get togethers with colleagues.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get immediate help by calling the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). They provide 24/7 confidential assistance and will help guide you to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
Use productivity apps
Technology is going to be your best friend when remote working. Utilize productivity apps like Krisp, the background noise canceling app, Todoist organizing tasks app, Slack for faster correspondence with colleagues, and Trello for managing workflow.
Schedule your lunch break
This is your time to recharge, refuel, and reset with healthy food to fuel your brain. If you forgot to go shopping or don’t have time to cook, don’t worry MoneyLion’s got you covered. Earn up to $25 cash back at GrubHub, DoorDash, and other delivery services when you use your MoneyLion Debit Mastercard or RoarMoney virtual card.
Mix it up
Feeling stuffy at home and need fresh air or a new environment? Head to a new local coffee shop, move to a stand-up desk or work from the patio or backyard. A new change of scenery can breathe some life back into your work.
Take little breaks
Break up the monotony and take a short walk, practice a few minutes of yoga, get in a good stretch, call a friend, take your dog on a walk or have a solo dance party.
Prepare for the next day
Now, it’s time to finish up your workday and wrap up any projects your working on. Take a few minutes to review the following workday schedule and commitments. For freelancers, this might be the time you stop for a few hours and get back to it later.
Rest and relax
End your day the way you started it. Do something that helps you decompress and relax your mind and body. Read a book, hit the sauna, paint, or watch a movie. You deserve it!
Success is in your routine
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