While working remotely has become increasingly popular in recent years (for good reason), it can sometimes be difficult to determine the best ways to set yourself up for maximum productivity and success from your remote location.
If you currently work remotely, or are considering taking a work-from-home job, explore our top tips to set yourself up for success below.
Benefits of working from home
Working from home is becoming increasingly popular for many reasons, in a wide range of industries. This is for many reasons, some of which include:
- Increased productivity—remote workers often report higher levels of productivity than their office-based counterparts. Without the distractions of a busy office, remote workers can focus more fully on their work and achieve more in less time.
- Increased flexibility—remote work often allows for greater flexibility in terms of work hours and location. This can be particularly beneficial for people with a busy schedule, or people who live with a disability, injury or health condition, that make it difficult to work in a traditional office setting. For example, some of the best jobs for people with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions allow for work-from-home arrangements.
- Improved work-life balance—working remotely allows for greater flexibility in terms of when and where you work. This can make it easier to balance your work responsibilities with your personal life, leading to a better overall quality of life.
- Reduced stress—without the daily commute and the distractions of a busy office, remote workers often report lower levels of stress and greater overall job satisfaction.
While working from home comes with many benefits, there are also some challenges that come with setting up your workspace from home.
Take a look at our top tips for staying focused, productive and healthy while working remotely.
1. Create a dedicated workspace
One of the keys to successfully working from home is creating a dedicated workspace. Here are some tips for setting up a productive home office:
- Designate a specific area for work. Set aside a specific area of your home for work, ideally a separate room or space that can be closed off from the rest of the house.
- Keep your workspace organised and tidy. A cluttered workspace can be distracting and make it difficult to focus. Keep your workspace organised and tidy to help you stay on task.
- Make sure your workspace is comfortable and ergonomic. Invest in a comfortable chair and desk that are ergonomically designed to help prevent back pain and other discomforts associated with sitting for long periods of time.
2. Stick to a routine
Maintaining a consistent routine is important for staying productive and avoiding burnout when working remotely. Here are some tips for sticking to a routine:
- Set a schedule and stick to it. Create a schedule for your workday and stick to it as closely as possible. This can help you stay on task and avoid distractions.
- Take breaks throughout the day. Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Try taking a short walk or doing some stretching exercises during your breaks.
- Avoid working outside of your designated work hours. It can be tempting to work outside of your designated work hours when working from home, but this can lead to burnout and a poor work-life balance. Try to stick to your designated work hours as much as possible.
3. Communicate with your team
Staying connected with your team is important for maintaining productivity and avoiding feelings of isolation when working remotely. Here are some tips for effective communication:
- Use video calls and instant messaging to stay connected. Video conferencing and instant messaging tools can help you stay connected with your team and collaborate more effectively.
- Set clear expectations and deadlines. Make sure everyone on your team is clear on their responsibilities and deadlines. This can help avoid confusion and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
- Check in regularly with your team. Regular check-ins with your team can help you stay on top of projects and ensure that everyone is working together effectively.
4. Set boundaries
Setting clear boundaries is important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance when working remotely. Here are some tips for setting boundaries:
- Establish clear boundaries with family and roommates. Make sure your family and roommates understand your work schedule and respect your need for a quiet workspace.
- Avoid household distractions during work hours. Try to avoid household distractions like TV or social media during your designated work hours. This can help you stay focused and productive.
- Learn to say no to non-work-related requests during work hours. It can be tempting to take care of household tasks or run errands during the workday, but this can lead to distractions and a poor work-life balance. Learn to say no to non-work-related requests during your designated work hours.
5. Take care of yourself
Prioritising self-care is important for maintaining good mental health and avoiding burnout when working remotely. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself:
- Prioritise self-care activities like exercise and meditation. Regular exercise and meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Make time for hobbies and interests outside of work. Taking time for hobbies and interests outside of work can help you recharge and avoid burnout.
- Avoid overworking and burnout. It can be tempting to work long hours when working remotely, but this can lead to burnout and a poor work-life balance. Make sure to take breaks and prioritize self-care to avoid overworking.
6. Utilise technology
Technology can be a valuable tool for staying organised and productive when working remotely. Here are some tips for using technology effectively:
- Use productivity apps and tools to stay organised. There are many productivity apps and tools available that can help you stay organised and on task.
- Automate tasks where possible. Automating repetitive tasks can help you save time and increase productivity.
- Use time-tracking software to monitor your productivity. Time-tracking software can help you stay on top of your work hours and ensure that you are using your time effectively.
Need a hand to get set up?
If you’re living with a disability, injury or health condition and have a job that requires you to work from home, you might be eligible for support from aDisability Employment Service provider, such as APMDisability Employment Services Perth.
These kinds of professional services specialise in helping you find and keep meaningful work, and help you make any required modifications to your working space to help you reach your full potential in your position.
While working from home is an incredibly useful option for many people, it can come with challenges of its own.
By implementing these tips, you’ll be able to boost your productivity, take care of your mental health and create a great work-life balance.