7 Remote Work Strategies to Boost Productivity

Technology has made it easier for us to build teams, communicate, collaborate, and manage projects with team members to achieve success in the comfort of our homes. In 2023, about 67.8% of tech industry employees globally were working fully or mostly remotely, and according to the World Economic Forum, remote jobs are estimated to grow by around 25% to over 90 million roles in 2030. As remote work is gradually becoming the new standard, it is important to know how to adapt and survive in this environment. 

Here are 7 strategies for you to boost your productivity while working remotely. 

1. Set Up Your Home WorkSpace: Choose a quiet and private area in your house and turn it to your workspace. Set up a table and chair, position them in a place with good natural light, and remove things that can distract you. This will help create balance and separate your work from your personal life. 

2. Set Clear Goals: For productivity, set achievable goals for each day, write out responsibilities, and set deadlines. You can use a calendar, task management apps like Trello, or sticky notes to prioritise tasks and schedule breaks. This will improve your productivity and give you a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.

3. Have a Routine: Develop a routine that will help you stay committed to your work and personal life. Wake up at a consistent time, work out when necessary, and have a specific time to start work. Set reminders to keep you on track and adjust if need be. 

4. Set Boundaries: There will always be a need to set boundaries, either between family members or co-workers. This will allow you to maintain a healthy work-life balance and focus. Let both parties know your work hours and respect your privacy enough not to interfere. 

5. Communicate With Your Team Members: Use video conferencing apps like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, etc, to communicate with your team members. Check your email regularly to avoid miscommunication, and use collaborative apps like Slacks, Discord, or Microsoft Teams to collaborate and get regular updates from your team.

6. Reduce Distractions as Much as Possible: When you are home, there is a tendency to scroll through social media, walk around the house, watch TV, talk and gist with your partner or family members while you need to get work done. This is why it is important to work from your designated space, turn off notifications, and set a do-not-disturb rule. 

7. Ask for Help: There are times when you feel stuck, overwhelmed with work, and disconnected from the real world. When this happens, reach out for help, seek support from your online communities, and take self-care breaks to recharge. Go out with your friends and make time for your hobbies.

Working from home requires discipline, organisation, and intention. It can also be very distracting, and without proper planning, you might lose focus and find yourself lagging behind at work, which can easily make you feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To avoid this, learn to stay focused, put all the above strategies into action, and enjoy a productive work-life balance.