Working remotely gives you the freedom to get work done when and where you want, away from the distractions and lost productivity of an office. However, working from home comes with its own set of challenges.
Everyone is comfortable with a different type of work from home, but the best we can do is give you some advice and tell you the story of how to survive working from home.
Here are a few suggestions to help you structure your day as a remote worker.
- Tasklist
Without a supervisor around or co-workers dropping by to discuss projects, you may spend hours down the proverbial rabbit hole on a task when you have others to attend to. Make a list of the tasks you need to complete each day with the estimated time you will spend on each task. Review this list as you start your day and refer to it frequently. At the end of the day, assess your progress and make your list for the next day. It will help you stay on course and on target.
- Working hours
While you can probably decide, at least in part, when your workday begins and ends, it’s wise to schedule some regular work hours. If you change your schedule every day, it can be difficult for you to find a rhythm. , both physically and mentally. If you’ve set your own schedule, be sure to share it with your boss and co-workers as well. You need to know how to structure your time so they can reach you when they need it.
- Check-in times
It is important that everyone is on the same page as their boss and colleagues. Scheduling regular meetings will also help you build a more structured day as it forces you to be present and prepared at those checkpoint times.
- Organise your workspace
If you want to have a structured day, you first need the right workplace. Reserve a spot in your home as your workspace, and choose a spot that helps you focus and avoid distractions. Make sure you have all the gear you need while going about your daily chores. Keep your workspace organized and clutter-free for a more productive day.
- Take breaks
Some people who work from home get so engrossed in a project that they forget to take a lunch break or even stretch their legs. Without cues from your colleagues to take a break, it’s understandable how this can happen. However, it’s important to step away from the computer from time to time to take breaks to charge, refuel, and refocus.
If needed, set an alarm to remind you when it’s time to take a break. In such cases, be sure to leave your workplace. When you return to work you will find that you are far more productive than you otherwise would be. You skipped the break
- Log out when the day is over
Some remote workers are finding their hours are getting longer. However, since you can’t actually leave work when you’re at home, you force yourself to finish things and take a break for the day. If you really find that you work better in the evenings, you can adjust your work schedule to take advantage of that. But do it on purpose
