A Guide to Conquering Remote Work: Part 2

Last week, we introduced Part 1 of our Guide to Conquering Remote Work and covered how to create your perfect workspace, personalizing your working environment, and prioritizing self-care. It’s time to thrive, not just survive, in this wonderful, home-based realm, so this week we’re focusing on time management, setting boundaries, and how to work best with others. 

With the rise of telecommuting, it’s never been easier to achieve that perfect work-life balance while staying in your sanctuary. 

Mastering Time Management 

Divide large projects into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This will help you maintain momentum and stay motivated throughout the day. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day! The Pomodoro Technique, for example, is a popular time management method that involves breaking work into short, focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by a brief break. This technique can boost productivity, prevent burnout, and help you make steady progress on even the most daunting tasks. 

Tip: Even with all the advances in technology, some of us still need to just write things down. David Allen, who wrote Getting Things Done, says the first step is to write down everything you need to do. This frees up brain power and allows you to prioritize your work. 

Set Boundaries 

Communicate with family members or housemates about your work hours and expectations to minimize disruptions. Establishing boundaries will help ensure that your remote work environment remains professional and productive. It’s also important to set boundaries with yourself; try to resist the temptation to multitask or blur the lines between work and personal life. Maintaining clear distinctions between the two can help you achieve a healthy work-life balance and reduce stress. 

Tip: This includes setting boundaries for yourself. You may decide that work stays in your office which means not bringing work to any other room in the house. 

Embrace Technology 

Take advantage of time management tools, such as Trello, Asana, or Todoist, to organize tasks and deadlines. These platforms can help you stay on track and efficiently manage your workload. Additionally, consider using productivity apps like Focus@Will, which provides background music specifically designed to enhance focus and concentration, or RescueTime, which tracks and analyzes how you spend your time on your devices. Utilizing these tools can help you optimize your work habits and make the most of your time. 

Tip: Utilizing planning and organizing tools when working with others will come in handy when needing to collaborate or keep them apprised of your progress on a project. Rather than having multiple people try to connect with you at different times, you can keep these applications updated and inform project managers to review for the latest updates. 

Stay Connected 

Maintain open lines of communication with colleagues and supervisors to ensure you’re up-to-date on projects and expectations. Utilize video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for virtual meetings and daily check-ins. Regular communication not only keeps everyone on the same page but also helps maintain a sense of team unity and cohesion. Remember to be proactive in reaching out to coworkers and providing updates on your progress to demonstrate your engagement and commitment to the team. 

Tip: Remain self-aware of what you need to stay on task and focused. If that means muting notifications or showing as Do-Not-Disturb, communicate any accommodations you might need to keep yourself on track during your workday to minimize disruptions. 

Embrace Collaboration Tools 

Leverage collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for seamless communication and file-sharing with team members. These platforms can help keep everyone in the loop and foster a sense of camaraderie, even when working remotely. Additionally, using project management tools such as Basecamp or Monday.com can help streamline workflows, centralize information, and facilitate collaboration on shared tasks. Embracing these tools can greatly enhance your team’s productivity and overall success. 

Tip: Ensure every member of your team knows how to use the tools in question, including yourself! These platforms are less likely to be used by everyone if there is confusion or trepidation between users. 

Practice Active Listening 

When communicating virtually, actively engage with your colleagues by attentively listening, asking questions, and providing feedback. This will enhance your understanding, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a positive work culture. It’s also important to be mindful of the nuances of digital communication; take the time to carefully craft messages, use clear language, and convey tone through appropriate punctuation and emojis when necessary. Practicing empathy and patience in your virtual interactions can go a long way in maintaining strong connections with your colleagues. 

Tip: Try to refrain from sending multiple messages on the fly and instead, stop to gather your thoughts and send in one message. This will help eliminate any anxiety or confusion you may cause when communicating any actionable requests from others. 

Combat Loneliness 

Working from home can sometimes feel isolating. To combat loneliness, schedule virtual coffee breaks or lunches with coworkers, participate in online team-building activities, and engage in social hobbies outside of work hours. Staying connected is vital for your mental well-being and overall happiness. Also, consider joining online communities or interest groups related to your field, as these can provide valuable networking opportunities and foster a sense of belonging. 

Tip: Focusing too much on work can also impact your social and personal life, so be sure you have a good balance between professional affiliations and things that bring you joy that don’t remind you of being on the clock. 

Manage Distractions 

Identify potential distractions in your home environment and develop strategies to minimize their impact on your productivity. For example, use noise-cancelling headphones, create a designated work area, or establish a specific schedule to accommodate family needs. You might also consider setting up website blockers or using productivity apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to limit access to distracting sites during work hours. By proactively managing distractions, you can maintain focus and increase efficiency in your remote work setting. 

Tip: Working from home when you have children around can be challenging. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family or friends, enroll them in supervised activities outside of the home, and invest in plenty of snacks that can be tossed in their direction when needed (we are kidding… kind of!). 

Balance Work and Life 

Remember, taking care of yourself and enjoying personal time is crucial for long-term success. To help strike this balance, establish rituals that signify the beginning and end of your workday, such as taking a short walk or meditating. This will help you transition smoothly between your professional and personal life, ensuring that you give each one the attention it deserves. 

Congratulations, you’re now equipped with the knowledge and tools to conquer the world of remote work! By being deliberate in your actions and creating meaningful structure in your day, you will find the success that has been eluding you.   

Did we miss anything in our Guide to Remote Work (Part 1, Part 2)?  What’s your secret sauce for the perfect work from home environment? Let us know on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!