When the COVID-19 pandemic began, many offices across the country switched to partially or fully remote workforce models. While some have transitioned back to having the entire team working under the same roof, others have decided to maintain a remote work environment.
Most office workers are happy with the switch. However, some people who are not used to working remotely are still having a hard time maintaining productivity. They can find some helpful tips and tricks for how to stay on track below.
Create a Dedicated Work Space
Working from home shouldn’t mean trying to complete complex tasks in a busy household. Kitchens, bedrooms, and couches simply don’t make good home office spaces, especially for workers with large families. Setting up a home office is one option, but not everyone has the extra space at home to set aside an entire room for work. Coworking can be a better alternative, especially for parents.
Have the Right Tools
People who work full-time for companies usually have the advantage of being able to access its many technical services and tools. These can include video conferencing apps, chat or messaging programs, and planning or management tools. Unfortunately, independent contractors who work from home may not have access to all of these extra tech tools. Investing in affordable apps and software programs is worth the money since it helps freelancers stay organized, provide a higher quality of work to clients, and avoid common mistakes.
Stay Connected
Working remotely with a team that’s predominantly office-based can create an entirely new set of challenges. After all, it’s much easier to maintain a sense of connection and group cohesiveness from afar, especially if everyone else has the opportunity to collaborate and socialize in person. Staying connected by using chat apps or other dedicated work-from-home programs will make it easier to keep up to date on a project’s progress and understand what’s needed moving forward.
Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Modern workers often have a hard time maintaining a healthy work-life balance even when they commute to physical offices. Remote employees are even more prone to taking their work home with them, which often leads to burnout. Setting limits and practicing self-care are both good ways to reduce the stress associated with remote work.
Create Routines
Most office workers develop specific routines without even realizing it. Some people wake up early to relax and catch up on the news or go for a run. Others stop at the same coffee shop every day. Breaks are often scheduled for the same times every day.
For remote employees, creating routines has to be an intentional act. Try implementing some of the same ideas at home or come up with entirely new ideas for adding structure to the day.
Remote Work Doesn’t Have to Reduce Productivity
Some people assume that working remotely automatically decreases productivity, but that’s not the case. Remote workers who are equipped with all the right tools and a dedicated workspace can be even more productive than their in-office counterparts.