7 ways to stay productive while working remotely in COVID

Home & Lifestyle Blog | MATE | 29 June 2021

Working remotely is continuing to grow in popularity and becoming a huge part of today’s workforce due to COVID-19.

According to a study conducted by the International Workplace Group (IWG), almost 50 per cent of employees in Australia work on a remote basis for at least half the week.

Additionally, more than two-thirds of the workforce in Australia work at least one day a week outside of the office.

What does this mean for remote workers?

Although working remotely has its advantages, it is very easy to get sidetracked or work during hours that are usually reserved for rest. This adds unnecessary stress, which may cause productivity to wane.

How do remote workers stay productive, especially when working at home? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Create a dedicated workspace

When working remotely, setting up a dedicated workspace can help establish set work patterns and alleviate the inconsistency of working all over the home. Having a desk and comfortable work chair will not only increase productivity but also help with ergonomic safety.

2. Create a schedule

Having a set work schedule helps your body remain in work mode during these hours and will make getting up and ready for work a lot easier. It is important to take breaks and a lunch hour as well to keep your productivity levels high. This will also help you to reduce eye-strain. Operating as if you were still in a corporate office will assist in getting your tasks done.

3. Get organised

It’s important to have the right tools in place to work effectively. Having a planner (whether online or standard) is key in staying on task and keeping up with everything. Taking notes and tracking progress is a good way to stay organised and on top of things that need to get done.

4. Make time for others

Working remotely can keep you isolated for long periods of time. Keeping in touch with friends and family can give you a different perspective on things. Getting out and being around others is a good thing – take advantage of those opportunities and infuse social activities into your workday.

5. Maintain connections with the office

Keeping in close contact with your colleagues and manager will provide an insight into what’s happening in the office, the things going on with the company, and maintain the relationships you have when working in the office. Your co-workers may be a resource you can tap into for projects or gather the information you need to get your job done.

6. Establish boundaries

One of the most important things you can do is establish boundaries with your friends and family members. Let them know your work schedules and make sure they respect them. Even if you are working at home, you are still at work and have a job to do. In many cases, family members or friends consider working at home a situation where they can interrupt whenever they want. It is up to you to make sure they understand that you are still working and they should adhere to your working hours.

7. Have a plan

You are the only person that knows and understands your capacity for getting things done. Having a plan in place that includes external factors, such as having to take your child to daycare, or things you do at certain times to accommodate your schedule is key. One of the best things you can do when working remotely is to track your time. This will help highlight when you get the most done, allowing you to capitalise on those times. Your plan should include both short and long-term goals that will help make a difference.

Wrap

Implementing these suggestions will help you stay productive, enhance your workday and avoid stress when you are working remotely.