Tips for Productive Remote Work

3 Min

1) Create a routine

It might be tempting to wake up and start doing a little work from bed before really starting your day. Don’t do that. Set a schedule — including working, lunch, and break times — and stick to it. Establishing a routine helps you get into a working mindset at the right times, so you can be focused and efficient.

2) Set boundaries

Sometimes remote work doesn’t look like actual work, which can lead innocent family, friends, or nearby strangers to interrupt. Be firm. You don’t have to ignore them, but do let them know that you’re working, and you’ll be free to engage after work hours.

3) Remove online distractions

Just because no one's looking over your shoulder doesn’t mean you should spend the day on Facebook or Twitter. There are several apps and plugins that can restrict how much time you spend on certain sites, preventing you from being distracted.

4) Get the right equipment

There are certain things you just can’t be productive without. Some of the things you might need: a reliable computer and internet access, a VPN for security, a webcam, a headset, and an external hard drive. Ask your manager or your IT department what equipment you’ll need so that you’re set up for remote success.

5) Create your own workspace

Whether you’re working at home or in a more traditional workspace, making a designated space for work helps you enter the mental state to be productive. When you enter your workspace, you’re at work, ready to do your best.

Quiz 1 of 1

Jody plans on working remotely every Thursday. What’s one thing Jody can do to get the most out of her time working from home?

a
Check-in with her manager every few hours to let him know what she’s working on.
b
Keep her laptop by her bed so she can start working first thing in the morning.
c
Create a list of the tasks she needs to do and set a realistic schedule achieve them.
d
Turnoff notifications from the office so she can focus on her work.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: 

Try getting started — do you have the equipment you need to successfully work remotely?

Lesson complete

Close critical skill gaps and empower your people to be always learning.

Help people build today's most sought-after skills with expertly produced and curated learning content delivered in the flow of work.

Learn More