Working remotely is becoming more common these days, and for good reason. Remote work allows for greater flexibility, eliminates long commutes, and can often lead to increased productivity. However, working remotely can also come with its own set of unique challenges. Here are five habits of highly productive remote workers that you can adopt today.

1. Set Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life 🕚

One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is separating work from personal life. It’s important to set clear boundaries for yourself so you can be productive during working hours without letting work spill over into your personal life.

Some tips for setting boundaries include:

  • Create a designated workspace in your home
  • Set specific working hours and stick to them
  • Turn off notifications after work hours

Illustration of a clock with a line separating work and personal time

2. Create a To-Do List and Prioritize Tasks 📝

Remote workers often have more freedom and flexibility in their schedule, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Creating a to-do list can help you prioritize tasks and maintain focus.

Some tips for creating a to-do list include:

  • Write down tasks in order of priority
  • Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones
  • Use a digital tool like Trello or Asana to keep track of your tasks and deadlines

Illustration of a to-do list with checkboxes next to each task

3. Take Breaks and Move Your Body 🏃

When working from home, it can be easy to fall into the trap of sitting in front of your computer for hours on end without taking a break. However, taking regular breaks and moving your body is important for your overall health and productivity.

Some tips for taking breaks include:

  • Set a timer for 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of break time (known as the Pomodoro Technique)
  • Take a short walk during your break
  • Use a standing desk or take stretching breaks throughout the day

Illustration of a person stretching during a break

4. Communicate Effectively With Co-workers 🗣️

Effective communication is key for remote teams. When you’re not working in the same physical space, it’s important to communicate clearly and frequently to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Some tips for effective communication include:

  • Use a chat tool like Slack to stay in touch throughout the day
  • Schedule regular check-ins or team meetings
  • Make sure everyone knows how to contact each other in case of emergency

Illustration of people sitting around a table and communicating

5. Eliminate Distractions 🙅

Distractions can be especially tempting when you’re working remotely. Social media, household chores, and other distractions can eat away at your productivity if you’re not careful.

Some tips for eliminating distractions include:

  • Turn off your phone or use an app to limit social media usage during working hours
  • Close unnecessary browser tabs and programs
  • Use noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise

Illustration of a person covering their ears to block out noise

By adopting these habits of highly productive remote workers, you can increase productivity and achieve your goals while working from home. Remember to set boundaries, prioritize tasks, take breaks, communicate effectively, and eliminate distractions. Happy working from home!

Illustration of a person working from home with a smiling face