The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly accelerated the shift to remote working, and many people are now working from home full-time or on a hybrid basis. This shift has had a profound impact on the workplace, and it is likely to continue to shape the way we work for many years to come.
Whilst this shift in the workplace has been hugely beneficial for those who have children and pets at home as they spend more time away from the office, let’s take a look at how we can make our time more productive and meaningful.
Tips For Remote Working
If you are new to remote working, or if you are looking for ways to improve your remote working experience, here are a few tips to get you on track:
- Create a dedicated workspace: This will help you to stay focused and productive. I have set aside a space in my home for my laptop, files and equipment to remain safely in place to be able to work from home without having to pack and unpack everything that I need each day.
- Set regular working hours: Whilst it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of burning the candle at both ends, setting yourself regular working hours will help you to maintain a healthy work-life balance without sacrificing quality time, rest and your relationships.
- Take breaks throughout the day: Set frequent timers and try to get up and move around, step outside for some fresh air or have a hug with your dog to prevent yourself from working tirelessly and burning out.
- Communicate regularly with your team members: You can use video conferencing, instant messaging, email or other tools to stay connected and remain in the loop no matter your location.
- Use the right tools: There are a number of tools available that can help you to be more productive and efficient when working remotely, speak to your tech department to ensure that you are using the correct technology, have a suitable strength internet connection and appropriate desk, chair and equipment necessary.
Productivity Hacks
Once you have your work space and hours setup and outlined, it’s time to make the most of your minutes! Here are a few productivity hacks that can help you to be more productive when working remotely:
- Eliminate distractions: This means turning off your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, switching off the television and finding a quiet place to work undisturbed.
- Set goals for yourself: This will help you to stay focused and motivated. I like to use a whiteboard on the wall for my to-do’s which I can prioritise and be mindful of each day. Having short, medium and long term goals to sight is a great way to be conscious of taking steps for progress and completing tasks and deadlines on time.
- Take advantage of your commute time: If you are working from home you can use the time that you would have commuted to a workplace to go to the gym, take a walk before work, listen to podcasts, read books, or learn new skills.
- Delegate tasks: If you have the ability to delegate tasks, do it! This will free up your time so that you can focus on the most important things instead of becoming tangled in daily admin.
The Future Of Work
It appears that the future of work is likely to be hybrid, with a more balanced mix of remote working and in-office hours. This will give employees more flexibility and choice, and it will also allow companies to tap into a wider pool of talent without needing such large and expensive work spaces.
In the future, we are also likely to see more automation and artificial intelligence in the workplace. This will lead to some jobs being eliminated, but it will also create new opportunities. Employees will need to be adaptable and willing to learn new skills in order to stay ahead of the curve so always be open to personal development, adding to your skillsets and qualifications and keep an open mind towards change.
Conclusion
Remote working is here to stay, and it is likely to have a major impact on the workplace in the years to come. By being mindful of, and maximising your home workspace, you can set yourself up for success in the remote working environment and keep ahead of the curve!
What are your top tips for making the most of your working from home hours and environment?
