TIPS ON HOW TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AS A REMOTE WORKER

Being a remote worker comes with many perks - no commuting fees, more time for you, and increased flexibility are just some - but it can also come with difficulties, and staying productive can be one of them. In this article I explore why staying productive as a remote worker can be challenging, and share my top ways to stayincrease productivity.

Staying productive as a remote worker can be challenging, as it requires a combination of self-discipline and the skillset of setting boundaries. Remote work often lacks the structured environment of a traditional office setting so without the external cues provided by a physical workspace and colleagues it can be more difficult to maintain a consistent routine and stay focused. It can also be super isolating, especially for people who thrive with social interactions. If you start feel disconnected, it can lead to feelings of demotivation within your work.

There are also lots of distractions when you remote work, from household chores to hobbies. I write this as the sun is shining for what feels like the first time in ages in Cornwall, and it’s taking some willpower not to pack up the laptop and get outside! Leaning to manage these distractions requires discipline and self-control, and is something every remote worker needs to practice.

Routine

Not being tied to a 9-5 set up is one of the biggest reasons I stepped into freelancing - I prefer not being dictated by office rules and regulations, and to have the flexibility to work when I want, i.e when I feel most productive. However, I do find that having some routine helps me to get into the frame of mind of working. I always start my mornings with movement, as I find this gets me out of bed early and sets me up for the day. Remote work offers flexibility, but it can also blur the boundaries between work and personal life, so having some routine helps me seperate the two, and allows me to disconnect when I’m no longer on ‘work mode’.

Processes in place 

This may depend on what you do for your remote work, but as a freelancer I always advise people starting out to have all their processes in place, ie contracts, onboarding processes, finance trackers etc. With these in place you know you can sit down to work without the added stress of running your business. 

TECH ISSUES 

Don’t worry I’ve been there - feeling very smug as I open the laptop from a stunning tropical location but realising the WiFi signal is dodgy, and nothing loads of my laptop. It is the most frustrating thing ever! Reliance on technology for remote work means that technical issues like internet outages, software glitches, or hardware malfunctions can disrupt productivity and cause frustration, so try to avoid places with dodgy wifi. If you are working abroad, I always suggest investing in a local sim so that if the WiFi stops working you at least have the 4G to fall back on. 

Change of scenery  

As someone who has ‘worked from home’ for the last six years I can safely say that I get the most amount of work done when I’m in my little office on my own. No distractions, just me and my laptop. However, having a change of scenery bu going to a co-working space or cafe to work for a few hours is great for your mindset.

Co-working

Networking at co-working spaces can be really good for your output, especially if your remote work means you aren’t constantly talking to people. By going to co-working spaces you can meet fellow remote workers and bounce off them! Humans are social creatures, and remote work can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation due to the lack of face-to-face interaction with colleagues - so making sure you put in effort to interact with other humans is really important, especially if you thrive from social interactions.

SET CLEAR COALS

Without direct supervision, some remote workers may struggle with accountability and self-discipline. It's easier to procrastinate or become complacent when there's no one watching over your shoulder, so a top tips for this is to outline your daily goals - even better, write these down every morning to help you stay on track with what you need to get done each day and to stay focused.

PRIORITISE SELF-CARE

And finally, makeing time for activities that promote your well-being, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones is so important. You need to make sure you are utilising the freedom and flexibility you have as a remote worker, whilst also maintaining a good work output. Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining productivity and overall happiness, so ensure that this is part of your daily remote working life.