Remote work became vastly popular in the last couple of years. While many employees enjoyed staying at home and working in their pajamas, most had trouble staying organized.
Working from home requires peak organization skills as everything can become a distraction. Even though remote work provides us with numerous benefits, balancing between private and work-life can be tough. So, if you want to remain productive and organized even if you’re working from home, check out these tips that will help you succeed in your mission!
1. Create a designated workspace
Even though you are spending more time at home, you might feel like you don’t have enough time to do work and chores. Kids, dishes, pets, TV, can become great distractions when working from home. Therefore, you need to create a designated workspace in your house, where you’ll be able to focus solely on your job and leave private things behind.
The truth is, not everyone can make a home office. However, you can create a designated workspace. Get a desk and an office chair you’ll use for your job only. Ensure your desk isn’t located in the high traffic area as you won’t be able to mentally focus. Get noise-cancelling headphones and try to create a productive environment for you.
2. Plan your day
Great organization comes with even better plans. To stay on top of your game, you need to plan your days in advance. Even though sometimes you can’t predict the workload and sudden changes, you can create an outline of your day with time lapses for each task you need to complete. So, each morning while enjoying your first cup of coffee, write down all the things you need to do and make a plan. How can you make it efficient?
There is no “one size fits all” type of plan. Each individual has different preferences. Some may like to complete easier and simpler tasks first, while others solve tasks according to the priority. You can always jot down the “urgent-important” box, which will help you determine which tasks require your full focus, and which can be done quickly.
3. Set your hours
One of the main benefits of remote work is flexibility. Just like with plans, each person has different preferences. Some people may be productive during the morning, while others find inspiration in the dead of the night. As long as you’re completing your projects and assignments on time, you can set your own hours.
Such flexibility allows you to tailor your day however you like it. For instance, if you’re a morning person, get up earlier, finish your work, and have the rest of the day o yourself and your family. On the other hand, night owls can run errands during the day, and work efficiently during the night. Which type are you?
4. Focus on one task at a time
Multitasking is a killer of a good organization. Did you know that your brain physically can’t focus on two things at the same time? The focus just shifts from one thing to another, making you and your brain tired. On top of that, you can’t fully dedicate yourself to your tasks if you multitask, which will only make the process longer and you’ll waste more time!
So, try to focus on one task at a time. Plan your day with time windows which will allow you to pay full attention to only one thing. If the task is too complicated, it’s always a better idea to disassemble it into smaller goals and that way keep control over your work organization.
5. Communicate with colleagues
Every remote team has the same goal: to finish their projects effectively and on time. To make that happen, you need to communicate with each other. Staying in touch while working from home is also beneficial for your mental health as many individuals tend to feel isolated. On the other hand, internal communication channels, such as social media, can be extremely distracting. What can you do?
To stay on top of the game, organize your communication as well. Follow internal communication examples by famous companies who manage their employees on a whole another level. Receive important information, stay in touch but stay productive with their tips and tricks.
6. Don’t forget about the breaks
For amazing productivity and outstanding organization, you need to implement breaks into your schedule. Many people think that taking breaks is unproductive. Even though taking too many breaks is definitely wrong, having at least 4 mini-breaks and one lunch period can help you organize your day better. Why is that so?
During breaks, our mind rests from strenuous mental activity. If you can, it’s always a good idea to go on a short walk or do some light exercise. Physical activity helps you snap out of mental tiredness, which will help you remain productive and on schedule. So, don’t forget to take breaks during the day to maintain your mental and physical health.
Wrapping up
Depending on your organization, working from home can be a true dream or a real nightmare. If you can’t organize your work and day, chances are you won’t be productive. So, follow these tips that will help you stay organized and effective throughout the day!