10 Remote Working Productivity Tips

Working remotely comes with its own unique set of challenges, although for many of us, it isn’t a choice. Perhaps you are working in a home filled with distractions - family, kids or pets, or maybe you are struggling to motivate yourself to stay at your desk and not check your Insta feed. 

Even if you are getting stuff done, you still feel guilty, unsure if you are doing enough, or struggling to juggle the balance without that distinct line between home and work.

Help is at hand! We’ve scoured the net to offer you our top 10 tips for staying productive whilst working remotely.

1. Organise Your Workspace

The number one tip is an obvious one - get organised. Make sure you have an adequate workspace and all the tools you need and speak up if there is something you feel could be a valuable addition. For example if your work-from-home space is not big enough for a permanent setup, consider a Remotable mobile workstation to allow you to work in any comfortable space. 

There are also a number of useful online tools to allow for communication, employee engagement, productivity and wellness, so do some research to find out which of these would help the organisation of your workday. 

2. Plan ahead

Part of being organised is planning ahead. It’s not productive to roll out of bed and then realise that your laptop battery needs charging, forcing you to work from your bed where the closest plug-point is! Make sure that you’ve bought anything you may need, including printer ink and paper, stationery or even mobile data.

Also much like you would if you were going into the office, organise your lunch and work outfit the night before, and check your schedule at the end of the day so that you know what you need to work on the following day so that you can wake up on top of things and ready to be productive.

3. Stick to a Routine

It may be tempting to throw all the old office rules out of the window, but remember that you are still doing the same job that you were before. You don’t need to necessarily start and end at the same time as you used to - find what works for you - but then stick to it. Include in your routine things like your morning coffee, shower and getting dressed - after all it’s much harder to get into work mode if you are lounging around in your sweats. 

Set structured break and meal times during your work day, and try as much as you can to stick to your personal close-of-business time to ensure you still have time for family, exercise and other personal pursuits. 

4. Don’t procrastinate!

While remote working does give you the option to organise your own time, it’s easy to fall into the trap of ‘maybe later’. Yes not having a daily commute does mean that you can start your day a bit later, but getting things done while you are fresh and alert is optimal for productivity, rather than lazing around in your PJs until lunch time.

Another thing to consider is that dreaded afternoon slump. If you struggle with this, rather plan your complex work for the morning and use the afternoons to catch up on emails, have online check-ins or plan for the next day.

5. Avoid Distractions

Working from home does come with its disadvantages! You may have your kids around you, your cat trying to get cozy on your laptop or the neighbour’s barking dog. Alert those around you of your working hours and make arrangements for a quiet space to increase productivity.

Another major source of distraction is your mobile phone! It is so easy to get stuck into the endless scroll of social media while enjoying a cup of coffee. We are all entitled to a break, so set a timer to remind you to get back to work, before time slips away from you!

6. Take a Break!

While we are aiming to be as productive as possible, it is still important for your brain and body to have a break every now and then. This doesn’t have to be at a set time every day, but can be after completing a specific task. 

A break shouldn’t be a cup of tea at your desk while scrolling through social media. Step away from your workspace, go for a short walk or go and sit in your garden or on your terrace for a breath of fresh air.

7. Change it Up

Working remotely doesn’t mean that it has to be at your kitchen counter. Opt for a change of scenery at your local coffee shop and enjoy your favourite brew at the same time. Or perhaps you have a friend in your bubble with a similar set up and you need some company for a couple of hours.

Investing in something like a Remotable mobile workstation also allows you to enjoy some fresh air sitting on a local park bench - with mobile technology there are all kinds of ways to be creative to avoid getting stuck in a rut.

8. Keep it Healthy!

It is a well known fact that high carb, high sugar snacks can kill productivity. When doing your grocery shop make sure you have plenty of healthy but quick to prepare options to keep you going - think smoothies, nuts or rice-cakes, and of course stay hydrated. Make sure you also aren’t tempted to skip meals as this will cause sugar lows which in turn lead to low energy levels and poor concentration and productivity.

Make sure you also make time to exercise, even if it’s a quick run through the park, as exercise is known to lower stress levels and improve concentration. Make sure you also get enough sleep, so set a time to pack away all electronic devices for the night to ensure a restful night.

9. Be Mindful

One thing that has come out of the pandemic is that we’ve learnt to do many things remotely - from shopping, to work, and even medical consults. It is easy to slip into a pattern of never leaving the house, but it is important not only for your physical wellbeing but for your mental wellbeing to get out occasionally, even if just for a walk. Use these occasions to practice mindfulness, focussing on your steps, your breathing, and the nature around you. If you are able to meet a friend for a socially distanced coffee for a mental debrief.

Be aware of signs of burnout, such as change in sleep pattern, headaches, stomach aches, or just feeling exhausted despite enough rest - all things which could affect your productivity. Speak to your manager if you are feeling overwhelmed so they can work with you to find solutions. 

10. Stick to Closing Time!

It’s so easy when working remotely to get sucked into project after project, with just another five minutes easily turning into an hour. Everyone needs downtime, with a mental and physical break from work. Close your laptop, step away from your workspace and abandon your phone.

Nobody expects you to be working 24/7, and should the work-home expectations start to get blurred, speak to your manager. To remain engaged and productive you need rest, exercise and other forms of mental stimulation, so don’t feel guilty at the end of the day when you physically and mentally switch off from work!