Remote work has been normalised since the COVID-19 pandemic, yet many people struggle with focus, motivation, and separating work from home life. Working from home is not always easy, especially when you have distractions, blurred routines, and the lack of a professional environment. With this in mind, this post will show you how to maintain productivity and focus when working remotely.
Create a Functional Workspace
First, you need a functional workspace where you can work comfortably and free from distractions each day. Ideally, this will be in a quiet room of the house, but even a dedicated corner can work well. The key is to have an ergonomic office chair, a large enough desk, and ample lighting (ideally natural light). You will struggle to focus if you are working with a laptop on your lap on the sofa or sitting on a kitchen chair at a table, plus these setups could also impact your health over the long term.
Set Clear Boundaries & Routines
People often struggle with remote work because the lines between work and home life are blurred. To prevent this, you should stick to a daily routine by starting and finishing work at the same time; other people in the house should know and respect this schedule to prevent distractions. It is also important to schedule regular breaks throughout the day to maintain focus and energy. These breaks should involve leaving the office space and stretching your legs.
Leverage External Spaces for Focus
One of the great benefits of remote work is that you are not tied to one location. Many people find that working from an external space can help avoid cabin fever, maintain a more traditional routine, or simply break up the week. Places like libraries, cafes, or even serviced offices in London can provide you with a different environment and could be useful when home isn’t suitable. Having a professional space to work from can often improve productivity and reduce stress.
Stay Organised & Accountable
When you work remotely, it is down to you to stay organised and accountable. Therefore, it is smart to make use of calendars and task lists to keep on top of everything and schedule regular check-ins to track progress with your team. Time-blocking is an effective time management method that can help prioritise tasks and help you gain momentum each day.
If you struggle to maintain productivity while working remotely, the advice in this post should be useful. By combining personal discipline with a flexible work environment, you can perform to a high level while reaping the benefits of remote work. Of course, everyone is different, which is why it is a good idea to experiment with your workspace and routine to find the best setup for your specific situation.
