7 Strategies to Succeed While Working Remotely
Navigating the learning curve of working from home can be quite a rollercoaster. There’s the constant pressure to be available, whether real or imagined. The lack of traditional workplace structure can lead to missed deadlines. And there’s the nagging voice in your head always asking: Am I doing this right?
Here are seven tactics I use to fight those negatives while working from home:
1. Keep reading about productivity strategies
Good news: you're already invested in improving your remote work strategy, or you wouldn't have clicked on this. Need a recommendation? Getting Things Done by David Allen changed how everything about my workflow. Its exercises ripped out all the unnecessary support systems I’d set up based on traditional school and jobs I’d had before, and helped me build on the successful ones.
In the book, productivity consultant Allen breaks down the grand idea of getting your life in order into smaller manageable action items. My favorite devotes four and a half entire pages to a list of potential “triggers” that could prompt the reader to remember incomplete tasks. Allen suggests you read this list with a pen and paper in hand, and write down each of these tasks, transferring them from your brain to paper and creating a base for an action plan.
2. Create multiple to-do lists
After you’ve made the incomplete task list, the next step is to create and categorize to-dos based on
them. My basic categories are social, professional, and personal; and within each of those I have subcategories based on activities and goals.
An added bonus: these are a tangible way to hold yourself accountable for doing tasks you don't enjoy and to keep track of work you're doing.
3. Time work sessions with the Pomodoro Technique
Anyone I’ve discussed work with is about done listening to me wax poetic about these. In my defense, they’re as life-changing as well-organized to-do lists.
The basic idea is focusing on a task for 25 minute intervals at a time, with a 5 minute break in between until you've worked for two hours or completed the task. Studies show working in bigger time blocks followed by intentional mental breaks keeps you energized and productive.
You can read more about the Pomodoro technique here, and use this online timer to get to work!
4. Set aside time without email or digital notifications
Remote work is pervasive — maybe you’re using the same computer for your work and personal life, or your work desk is also where you track personal bills and write in the evenings — whatever the case, you need to set boundaries.
Working early in the morning gives me a chance to jump start my day before the email and notifications start coming in. During lunch breaks I distance myself from interruptions as well.
Get a feel for when the most people need you, reconcile that with your own desired personal schedule, and test a couple different strategies. Everyone has a different workflow, and it’s important to experiment and find the one that works best for you.
5. Build a community outside of work colleagues…
What are your hobbies? If you can’t think of a couple non-work-related activities, you might be devoting too much of your life to your job. So get out of the house! Invite that friend of a friend with the great Instagram feed to coffee, start a new sport, or just take a walk around the neighborhood.
It’s vital to be a well-rounded person outside of work. Even small steps outside your house can lead to something bigger.
6. …while making sure to get to know others in your industry!
But don’t spend all your time avoiding workmates. Sometimes, the most productive conversations
happen incidentally, and are sparked by a run with the techie you connected with at a conference. Be the one who contributes and continues those conversations.
If you’re missing the in-person communication, maybe join a coworking space. Coworking spaces offer remote workers an energizing environment, surrounded by a wide cross section of freelancers and other professionals in your community.
Desks Near Me is a great place to start looking for one nearby if you’re I’ve convinced you to join a coworking space! If your community doesn’t have a coworking space, find a coffee shop or restaurant nearby with wifi using a site like Work From.
7. Overcommunicate
Think you have stupid questions? Ask anyway. A stupid question is better than a stupid mistake.
There’s anxiety around speaking up, especially if you aren’t in the same room as your co-workers and can’t read their body language. Remember the company hired you because they see your value as an employee.
Do you have any helpful coping mechanisms or tips for fellow professionals working from home? Share it in the comments below.
Megan Dunbar writes for print, blogs, and her parents’ social media feeds. She’s worked remotely for the past two years as a web developer and content curator. Content marketing is how she chose to fulfill her middle school English teacher’s dream of training students for jobs that didn’t exist yet.
