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Remote Work Dos and Don’ts: Essential Tips for a Productive Home Environment
Whether you’re an experienced remote worker or just attempting it for the first time, there are some “dos and don’ts” that make a big difference in your productivity and mental health. Read on to learn more.
Do Set Up a Dedicated Home Workspace
The most important “do” on this list is to devote parts of your home to work-only use. A home office is preferable, but if you don’t have the luxury of a space to dedicate exclusively to work, at least make sure your work has its own corner. It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate, just a place where you can work uninterrupted with minimal distraction.
Do Establish a Clear Schedule
One of the biggest mental health stumbling blocks with remote work is that work and leisure time can blur together. To avoid this, you need to have a fixed schedule to structure your day. Include meal times, work start and end times, and other activities you schedule into your day. Having this structure gives you something to look forward to and helps you stay focused when it’s time to work.
Do Keep Track of Tasks
With no one watching over your shoulder, it can be easy to lose track of tasks and get overwhelmed. To prevent this, try to keep a running list of the things you need to accomplish. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — a simple spreadsheet can do the trick. Assign each task to a specific day, then cross it off as you finish it. Seeing tangible progress gives you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, motivating you to keep up the good work.
Do Take Breaks
Working from home can sometimes make you feel like you have to be glued to your seat from 9 to 5, but in reality, taking regular breaks can help you stay productive and focused. Allowing yourself to get up and walk around, step outside for some fresh air, or any other activity that helps you recharge is essential to make sure you don’t get burned out.
Do Stay Connected With Your Teammates
Just because you’re not in the same physical space doesn’t mean you should disconnect from the rest of the team. Try to have regular catch-ups with your colleagues via video or phone call, or at the very least use Slack or another messaging app to stay in the loop. Making sure you don’t feel isolated from your team is key to succeeding in remote work.
Don’t Overwork Yourself
Just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean you should be doing more than is expected of you. Working long hours won’t help you get ahead in the long run; it will only lead to burnout. Don’t forget that you’re human, and humans need rest. So make sure to stick to your clear schedule and don’t push yourself beyond it.
Don’t Procrastinate
At home, it’s easy to let things slip through the cracks. Make sure that you don’t let tasks fall through the cracks by staying on top of them. A great way to do this is to break down bigger tasks into smaller chunks that won’t be as daunting, and schedule them into your day. Taking small steps in the right direction is better than suddenly getting overwhelmed by a big task.
Don’t Neglect Self-Care
Working from home can sometimes make it hard to prioritize self-care, but doing so is one of the most important “don’ts.” Make sure you’re eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercise, and allowing yourself some leisure time every day. Neglecting your wellbeing will only lead to burnout and make it hard to concentrate on work.
Don’t Forget to Unplug
With the internet constantly at your fingertips, it can be easy to carry work with you into your personal time. Remember that it’s always good to unplug, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This time will allow your brain to relax and reset, and you’ll be ready to tackle tasks with a clearer head.
Conclusion
Remote work is a great way to stay productive, but it has its own unique challenges. Fortunately, by following the “dos and don’ts” outlined above, you can stay on top of your tasks and maintain your work-life balance. Here’s to your successful remote work experience!