As in any profession, developing a set of productive and healthy practices is important — and remote workers are not an exception. In fact, it may be even more important that remote workers establish healthy practices than in-office workers because of the lack of structure in their workday. Make use of your freedom and flexibility as a remote worker by implementing these seven practices in your life. From staying active in the remote community to knowing when to turn off for the day, here are seven practices that every remote worker should aim to establish.
Staying Active in the Remote Community
These days there is an entire network of remote workers on nearly every country around the globe. Staying active in your local remote community is an excellent practice for remote workers who want to network and stay open to new opportunities. Joining social media groups that are dedicated to local remote employee communities and attending remote employee hangouts is a great place to start.
Getting Dressed in the Morning
Just because you don’t have to get dressed in the morning doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. On the contrary, getting dressed can lead to more productiveness during your workday. Mentally, it helps to put you into “work mode”, which can be imperative for remote workers who struggle with starting up their work day as they mosey around in their pajamas. Get up, get dressed, and get to working!
Sticking with a Routine
Similarly to getting dressed, setting a consistent routine for yourself can be one of the most useful practices that remote workers can employ. Whether this means working from nine in the morning until noon and then taking an hour-long lunch break or starting your day with a jog, a cup of coffee, and thirty minutes to answer all your emails is up to you. The important thing is that you create structure for yourself.
Making Use of Technology
Hopefully, if you’re a remote worker, you’re not afraid of technology. But are you making the most out of it? There are literally hundreds of useful work applications that can assist you during your workday as a remote employee. Want to know where to start? We recommend these seven apps that will increase your productivity level.
Creating a Dedicated Workspace
Think working from bed is a good idea? Think again. When you work from a space in your home that is also a space for relaxation, you run the risk of being less than productive because of your body’s automatic understanding of these spaces. Instead, create a dedicated workspace in your home where you only work. A table or desk setting is ideal, as it can keep you from falling back into relax mode.
Dividing Up Your Day
Along with creating a consistent routine and establishing a dedicated workspace, dividing up your workday by task is also hugely effective in getting more done during the day. For example, if you have to make three Skype calls, do them back-to-back. If you’re answering a dozen emails, do it all at once. In doing this, you’re able to be more productive with one task, rather than constantly having to switch gears between tasks,
Knowing When to Turn Off
Last but certainly not least, productive remote workers know when to “turn off” for the day. Because of this, they resist burnout and set themselves up for a full day of productivity ahead. Remote workers often fall victim to answering emails and working on assignments throughout all hours of the day and night. Know when to turn off. After all, there’s always tomorrow.
Originally posted on Remote.com