15 Remote Work Hacks To Work From Anywhere & Maximize Your Time
The opportunity to work remotely is rising, and more people are weighing their options in terms of what type of job they can do in a remote setting.
With the work from anywhere model, the structure in which we work doesn’t necessarily have to be one certain way. It’s estimated that by the end of 2021, 25-30% of the workforce will work remotely. The opportunity to work remotely is rising, and more people are weighing their options in terms of what type of job they can do in a remote setting.
Working remotely can seem daunting, but there are many benefits you can receive from switching to a remote lifestyle. By enforcing good work habits in your lifestyle, you will improve your productivity and your team will benefit overall.
Here are some work hacks you can incorporate into your everyday routine to get you more used to working from anywhere.
Remote Work Hacks
1. Set up a dedicated working area
Try to keep your work area separate from the rest of your house. The best way to do this is to set up a small office in an unused room or section of the attic. Make sure it has a door, so you can close off the area when you need to concentrate on work. You can even set up a separate phone line for your work calls. This will help you to avoid distractions and focus on the task at hand.
2. Clear out background noise
Sometimes it can be hard to concentrate with the TV or radio on in the background. If you work better in silence, then try to find a quiet space where you can concentrate on your work. You might even want to wear noise-cancelling headphones if the rest of your house is particularly noisy. Following these steps might take some time and effort, but it will help you to stay focused and productive.
3. Decide on a schedule
It can be tempting to work when you feel like it or when you have free time. However, this can make it difficult to get anything done. Make sure you have a set schedule with specific working hours. This way you’ll have more control over your day. If possible, try to stick with that schedule even during weekends and holidays. You’ll find that your productivity will increase significantly.
4. Use technology to be more productive, not more distracted
There are a lot of apps out there designed to help you to be more productive. You can use these to your advantage. For example, you could use a task-management app to make sure that you’re on top of your workload. You could also use a note-taking app to keep track of everything you need to do. There are lots of productivity apps available, so take some time to find one that suits your needs.
5. Keep in touch with colleagues, friends, and family
It’s important to maintain a good work-life balance. Try not to spend your whole day working. Make time for your friends and family and remember to keep in touch with colleagues. This will help you to stay motivated and focused.
6. Take interesting breaks
Even the most productive people need a break from time to time. Try to take a short break every couple of hours. This will give your brain a chance to rest and recharge, so you can return to work with renewed energy. You could do something as simple as going for a walk. Or you could catch up with friends on the phone or on social media.
7. Communicate what you are working on
You don’t have to answer hundreds of emails or calls, but it’s important to keep your colleagues updated with what you are working on. This will help you to plan your work accordingly. It will also give you a sense of accountability, so you won’t have any unfinished tasks sitting on your desk.
8. Get out of the house/work in different locations
It’s important to remember that working from home isn’t the same as working from an office. You may have a lot of free time, so try to get out of the house and work in a coffee shop or a library.
9. Flexible work schedules
Working from home doesn’t mean you have to work during traditional working hours. You can set your own schedule, as long as you get the work done. Set strict deadlines for yourself and stick to them. This will help you to stay organized and focused on your work.
10. Learn how to say "no"
As a remote employee, you have the freedom to work on what you want. So, you might find yourself taking on too many tasks. This is fine for short periods of time, but you should learn how to say ‘no’ when it’s necessary. This will help you to prioritize your tasks and get more done in less time.
11. Keep yourself moving
Even if you are working from home, it’s important to stay physically active. You can try taking a walk or doing some yoga. Exercising will not only keep you healthy, but it will also benefit you mentally and help you to stay focused and productive.
12. Eat the biggest frog first
This is a popular time management technique that will help you to stay focused on the tasks you need to complete. It’s important to work on your most important tasks first thing in the morning. This will help you to focus and get more done in less time.
13. Become part of the remote community
It’s important to stay connected with other remote workers and remote companies. Joining a remote community will help you to share your experiences and learn new skills. You can also find more opportunities to work from home, which is always a good thing.
14. Separate your work tools from your personal tools
While it is critical to have the necessary work from home essentials when working remotely, you should also try not to use your personal computer and mobile devices for work. If you do, you may find yourself distracted by personal things, such as emails and social media. By separating your tools, it will help you to stay focused on your work. You can use your personal computer and mobile devices for personal things but try to use work tools for work.
15. Separate your work life from your personal life
Try to treat your home office as a workplace. This will help you to stay focused and motivated. Try not to use your work clothes outside of work hours. If you have a separate laptop, then try to use it at home for work only. Remote work is only hard if you don't separate yourself from your personal life.
How Can I Make My Remote Work More Fun?
The best way to make work more fun is to do what you love. If you don’t really enjoy what you’re doing, then try to find something else that will spark your interest. This may not sound like the most productive thing to do, but it can be a great way to figure out what you want the most out of your career. It’s worth considering whether your current job is right for you. As stated by Owl Labs, 77% of people would be happier if they could continue to work remotely after COVID-19.
How Can I Maximize My Work Remotely?
Maximize your work with a daily planner. A daily planner allows you to see your whole week at once. It also helps you to have a constant view of your current tasks, so you can prioritize them easier. Just note the key information in each task and its priority level. You can use different colors or symbols to show the status of each task.
Remove all your distractions. It’s said that 57% of workers find that distractions are a challenge to working remotely. It’s a simple thing to say, but an even simpler thing to do. Sometimes we must remind ourselves that it’s okay to take a break from our work and get some fresh air. If you find yourself constantly being distracted by other tasks, you might want to consider putting them aside, and working on them outside of your normal working hours. What if you got an idea while at home, but didn’t have time to work on it? You could make a note of it in your daily planner and bring it up during a meeting the following day.
How Do You Stay Positive Working From Home?
This is not an easy question to answer, but there are some things you can do to make working from home a positive experience. For example, try to keep your working hours separate from your personal time. That way you won’t feel like you’re missing out on the best parts of the day.
Also, try to get out of the house every now and then. Get some fresh air or go for a walk. You can even take the dog for a walk or stop for some coffee at a cafe. If you’re feeling down, it can be hard to get back into work mode.
How Do You Work From Home?
Your home office is your sanctuary. You can’t be productive if you’re not comfortable. That being said, don’t overspend on this area. If you have a room that is just for work, then try to use it only for work. This way your mind will associate that place with working.
This will help you stay focused. If you have a separate work area, try to keep it clutter-free. Clutter can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed. Don’t forget to take breaks from time to time.
How Friday Can Help You Work Remotely
With Friday you can take control of your workday and you can stay focused and organized on your important tasks. One view will show you what's going on at work.
- Use the daily planner to write out all your tasks, projects, and meetings to stay on track
- Block any unnecessary websites with Focus Time and the Chrome Extension
- Hold yourself accountable by using Friday’s routines and templates on a regular basis
- Have all your work tools in one place for organization
By staying persistent with the way you work, you will slowly start to see improvements over time. Also, you’ll get more comfortable with the remote routine, and it’ll just come naturally to you.
