Whether it's a question of flexibility or a quest for meaning, remote jobs can provide an adequate response to the demands expressed by the younger generation. But they do require a certain amount of discipline.
When you work from home, when you're in control of your own schedule, it's easy to succumb to the many temptations that come your way: a walk when the sun is shining, a movie (yes, the latest Scorsese has just come out!), the ever-growing number of streaming platforms... Today, it's very easy to fill the days with non-work related activities.
But you still have to earn a living and hand in that report that should have been finished a week ago. How do you keep yourself motivated and productive when you're working remotely? These are our tips.
Create a Morning Routine
The first thing you need to do is get off to a good start. This is also true when telecommuting. For a productive day, you can start by creating a morning routine. Have an invigorating breakfast, dress as if you were on your way to the office, get some exercise... In short, it's up to you to find the mechanism that will make this remote working day a winning one.
Use Website Blocking Tools
The computer is first and foremost a screen. As such, it offers thousands and thousands of films and series online (some of which, we agree, are pretty damn good). If the temptation is too great, and you find it hard to resist, you can always use website blocking tools like Stay Focusd or Freedom. These allow you to define specific time slots during which these sites will be inaccessible.
Create Task Lists
This helps enormously. Create your daily to-do list, preferably even in the evening. It's a good way of wrapping up the day's work, so you can get on with your online job the next day knowing what your priorities are for the day. Check off each completed task to reinforce a sense of accomplishment.
Practice the Pomodoro Technique
This is a simple technique that has proven its effectiveness. It involves working for 25 minutes, followed by a short 5-minute break. This cycle should be repeated three or four times before taking a longer break (at lunchtime, for example). Several studies have shown that this is an excellent way to boost productivity.
Remote Jobs, Communicate your Needs to your Loved Ones
When you're in work mode, you're not available for anything else, even if you're working from home. You need to let your loved ones know so that they don't call on you during these hours for non-professional activities, or so that they don't listen to the TV (or the latest Drake song) at high volume, disturbing your concentration.
Create your Support Network
One of the great challenges of remote jobs is the sense of loneliness you can sometimes feel. In this context, being part of a professional network is undeniably an asset. You'll be able to share your experiences and tips for staying focused and productive. It also keeps you motivated.
Distinguish between Work and Relaxation Areas
There's a place to work and a place to have fun and relax. To stay productive, it's best not to confuse the two. In short, avoid working from bed whenever possible. There are much better things to do on it.
Welcoming Rewards
Had a productive day? Think about rewarding yourself. It's the perfect time to see, for example, the new episode of your favorite TV series. It's also a good way to get used to watching TV only during those hours when you're not immersed in your professional duties.
Stay Flexible
The first advantage of remote jobs is the flexibility they offer. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, you can deal with them and rearrange your schedule to suit. This is a challenge that remote jobs make it easier to meet than working in the office (because remote jobs give you much greater control over your schedule).
Yes, remote work can be full of distractions, but now you've got all the tools you need not to succumb to them, and better still, to master your working day.