HOW TO STAY PRODUCTIVE SPOTLIGHT | WORK « BACK TO CONTENTS ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM »

The workforce landscape has changed in recent years due to several factors. The increased accessibility of technology has contributed to the rising popularity of remote working arrangements. These variations have allowed employees to work from home, in coffee shops, or in any other environment that suits their needs. Plus, the global pandemic which affected economies worldwide has further driven this trend, with many companies having to shift to work-from-home policies.

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hile many people have adjusted well to remote work setups, others still find it difficult to focus and be productive. This is especially true for those who are working from home or in any location that is not ideal for productivity. Thus, you must know how to stay productive while working from anywhere. Here are a few tips on how you can do just that.

Try To Limit Distractions

Working remotely often means being surrounded by distractions like the television, social media, or other people! You may be a parent who

Wneeds to take care of your kids while working at home. You may be surrounded by noisy neighbours. Or, you may not have enough space at your place, so you tend to work in public places like a coffee shop or restaurant.

To help stay focused and productive, create a dedicated workspace and block out any distractions by turning off notifications and alerts that can derail your focus. If you do not have the space at home, try working at co-working hubs or public libraries so you are sure to have some peace to boost concentration.

It also helps to set a clear schedule and discuss it with the people who may distract you during work hours. This way, you can establish fair expectations while also preventing disruptions and staying on track with your tasks.

Break Projects Down Into Bitesized Pieces

Tackling large projects may seem daunting, especially if you are working from home. To make it easier to handle them, break them down into smaller tasks that are more manageable. When you have a list of smaller tasks to do, you can check off each one as you complete them and feel a sense of accomplishment. Also, make sure to give yourself time to rest between tasks, so you don’t get overwhelmed. ›

REMEMBER THAT TECHNOLOGY IS YOUR FRIEND!

Technology is a remote worker’s best friend! Many technologies are now available that can make your work a whole lot easier. Choose from the numerous digital apps available to help you streamline tedious processes like data entry, scheduling meetings, or checking emails.

Aside from administrative tasks, a lot of software is now available to help you collaborate with your team virtually. Select a video conferencing app, chat platform, or other online collaboration tool to help you work more efficiently. Using these types of software, you can communicate with your colleagues and share files easily so that everyone is on the same page. This will ensure that your team can stay connected even if you’re scattered geographically!

Take Regular Breaks

No matter how much of a workaholic you are, taking regular breaks throughout the day is important. Taking short breaks in between tasks allows you to recharge your energy and focus to be more productive. It also helps to prevent burnout and allows you to stay creative and motivated throughout the day.

During your break, you can opt to have a quick snack, take a short walk, or simply go outside to stretch and breathe in the fresh air. Being cooped up all day in front of your computer isn’t healthy, so make sure to take breaks and move around as much as you can. Plus, these breaks can clear your head and are especially useful when you feel like you are stuck with something!

SET CLEAR GOALS & DEADLINES

When working remotely, you should always set clear goals and deadlines for yourself. Having a list of goals will help you avoid procrastination or getting sidetracked by other tasks. Create a ‘To-Do’ list and prioritise tasks based on their urgency or importance. This will help you stay organised and motivated to get things done!

Make Time For Your Other Responsibilities

It’s easy to get consumed with your work while operating remotely and to let other responsibilities slip. Thus, it would be best to incorporate your personal errands into your daily schedule. Schedule time for meal prep, cleaning the house, doing laundry, walking the dog, and other errands so that you don’t have to worry about them after work!

Don’t be afraid to explore other digital apps that can help you manage your errands more efficiently, such as grocery delivery apps or meal delivery services!

Aside from the household chores and other errands that you need to run, make sure to set aside time for your family and friends. Schedule days or nights spent with your loved ones so that you can still maintain a work-life balance even when working remotely. You will find that having a healthy social life is especially important in keeping yourself productive and motivated throughout the day! e