How not to lose focus while working remotely.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit us, over 4.7 million people around the world were working remotely. It's safe to say that remote work is the new standard. Whether that location is your home base, a coworking space, or a coffee shop down your street, one of the biggest challenges workers cite is dealing with loneliness.
According to Flexjobs, 75% of remote workers report being more productive without disrupting the office. Regarding the above point about feeling cut off, you shouldn't be guilty of wanting social contact. However, the ways to do this can be questionable, especially if you spend your time scrolling through social media or mindlessly surfing the web. What starts innocently as a quick check-in or break turns into hours that turn into company time.
Here are some tips to help you stay focused when you're working remotely, whether you're new to it or experienced!
1) Create a dedicated work area.
Rethink your workstation layout. The place where you work says a lot about your work style, movements and comfort. Depending on the equipment you will need in the form of monitors, desktops, keyboards, and other devices, make sure you have room to accommodate them without crowding your living space. A neat and organized desk makes it easier for you to get into this productivity setup because everything has a place. You know where to look for what you'll need, whether it's a notepad and pen to jot down notes on the fly, or hardware and software.
The ideal location has enough light and cross ventilation. Surround yourself with comforting personal items such as a potted flower or photograph. Don't compromise on ergonomic comfort, especially if your job is at a desk or standing where you spend several hours. Invest in a chair with height and posture adjustments to keep your eyes, spine, neck and fingers in optimal position.
2) Block out digital distractions.
Digital distractions refer to websites and platforms that are not relevant to work. You can use remote management tools like Krisp.ai or Freedom. Before doing so, find out your productivity window, i.e. the hours you observe yourself doing most of your work. In this way, you allow yourself to take breaks without spending time spent in the company. Kris mutes background noises, which is useful during work calls. After all, you can't afford to lose track of what individual speakers are talking about. Freedom detects sites and pop-ups and blocks addictive apps and games while you're working, discouraging you from visiting.
3) Timed breaks.
According to Airtasker, 37% of remote workers say they are more productive because they take regular breaks. This is reflected in a Forbes article, which states that the pulse-pause technique helps people recharge while keeping an eye on the deadline. Schedule your breaks and take them at fixed times within your work window to build predictability into your overall routine. Divide your breaks between meal times, exercise, or just a quick sit-down or social visit to keep in mind how much time each break will take. You can even plan ahead for unforeseen events. For example, preparing a meal the night before can cut cooking time for the next day and allow you to enjoy your meal instead of rushing it, so you don't waste another minute. This is an optimization measure that allows you to make the most of the time you free up during work.
4) Rework your priorities.
Organize your day according to prioritize. Call your manager and try to provide as realistic an expectation as possible of when the work can be completed. Flipping the other way, the remote manager should communicate goals through a unified platform that is accessible to all affected team members. Agree on what to delegate and to whom. This is also the part where team members determine how to divide work among themselves and the levels and channels to resolve bottlenecks. Check in with members regularly and establish reporting and return guidelines. Don't narrow down estimates when you know the task is more time-consuming or labor-intensive. Work out a schedule with co-workers who will either finish before or after you. Pin the priorities in a place where everyone can see them and refer back to them when needed, so they can align their efforts with their progress. Keep the lines of communication open when you make changes, so other teammates aren't thrown off track and end up overwhelmed or uninformed.
5) Talk to others.
If you live alone, this point may not apply to you. However, if your living arrangement involves sharing space with family, friends, or roommates, schedule a conversation with them to clarify times when you'll be busy and need them to attend to personal matters. This will be harder with small children or pets, but consistency is the key to instilling discipline. Create ground rules as well as unpredictable situations where you might be interrupted. Make it clear to the people around you what type of support you expect, so you don't lose focus. You'll find that communicating your needs and hearing what others think about them will make your work environment at home more harmonious!
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