Once upon a time, we all believed that working from home was what dreams were made of. Get out of bed 5 minutes before you’re due to log on, stay in your PJs all day and take as many breaks as you need without anyone questioning how long you were in the bathroom.
The truth, however, is somewhat different. You might not have a commute to contend with, but the children around your feet can certainly hold up your morning. Persistent distractions keep you from your targets and your inability to manage your time effectively, without the structure of a traditional office is suddenly apparent, and rapidly turns this naive dream into a nightmarish reality.
Time management is one of the biggest issues facing remote workers. But with some simple changes and a shift in your working approach, you’ll be able to improve your productivity and keep those stress levels at bay. Read on for how remote workers can manage their time effectively.
Time management software
While some individuals appreciate their own diaries and printed schedules, others simply struggle at the possibility of managing their own time. Thankfully, this simple and easy time tracking software from FreshBooks can help you understand how you are spending your time and highlight where you can make productivity improvements. Every second of your working day counts, even if you’re working from home. When you can see for yourself how and where you’re spending your time you’ll be able to take on more responsibilities and work in a less stressed and frantic environment.
No more multitasking
Multitasking doesn’t work. You might think that you’re saving valuable minutes by working on two separate tasks at the same time, but the reality is you’re only hindering your own progress. Moving between different tasks means you’re more likely to make mistakes and overlook important factors, causing more issues further down the line. When you decide to focus on one task at a time, you can give it your full attention before moving onto the next one.
Don’t let home life distract you
Stacking the dishwasher after lunch might only take a few minutes, but then you might decide to put on a load of washing. Collecting more laundry in the process. These home life distractions can tear you away from your work and upset your working day, leaving you in a stressed state and struggling to catch up. Overlook these home-based tasks during your working hours. They can wait.
Understand WHEN you are most productive
Are you more productive in the mornings? Or do you spend all your morning counting down until lunch so you can take advantage of a fully fuelled afternoon? Deciphering when you’re at your most productive can help you prioritize your workload and take care of the more demanding tasks when you’re at your best. We’re all different!
And finally, act as though nothing has changed
Did you previously get up at 6am for your commute? Why change your habits now? Sticking to a similar routine can help prepare your mind for a day of work and help you settle down at your desk, fresh and ready to work. Create a strong morning routine with productivity in mind.
This is a collaborative post.