Ever had one of those days working away from the office, aiming for maximum productivity, only to be hit with a series of unexpected challenges?
First, there’s the so-called “emergency” meeting, which turned out to be anything but urgent. Then, just as you’re ready to dive into your task, notifications start pinging on WhatsApp and Teams Messenger, none of which concern you.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, an internet outage at your remote office throws a wrench in your plans, forcing you to relocate to a nearby coffee shop. As you connect to the public Wi-Fi, your computer starts bombarding you with strange pop-up messages insisting that you download some malware or other, while threatening the deletion of your files. You immediately worry about the security of your files, which were not backed up anywhere.
This sounds like a classic “everything-goes-wrong” day at the office, but distractions, fake emergencies, facility disruptions, cyberthreats, and hardware malfunction are realistic examples of what remote workers are sometimes faced with.
If you’re a remote worker looking for productivity tips, don’t sweat it! In this article, we’ll share five tech-savvy strategies to help you master the art of remote work, no matter where you set up your office.
1. Manage Distractions With Technology
Research conducted by the University of California Irvine reveals that each time a distraction occurs, it takes a staggering 23 minutes for your mind to regain full focus on its initial task. This imposes a significant cost, affecting not just your productivity but also the investment of your company or client!
Make use of technology to help you stay on track during deep work sessions or when you’re tempted by social media and other time-consuming websites.
Here are some useful tools and methods:
- Block and reduce the usage of the internet or distracting websites using the Freedom.to app or plugin to enhance and prolong your deep focus time.
- Apply the Pomodoro technique by focusing for 25 minutes without a break, and then taking a 5-minute break, to maintain concentration. Popular apps such as Forest and Focus Dog use gamification to help you build the habit of responsible smartphone usage.
- Time blocking, popularized by Cal Newport in his book “Deep Work,” involves scheduling dedicated time blocks on your calendar application for focused work. Doing this enables you to estimate the amount of time required for a specific task while reducing the chances of spontaneous meeting invitations disrupting your workflow.
2. Streamline Communications for Productivity
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the constant stream of messages and notifications. To streamline your work-related conversations, make the most of communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams. These platforms provide a centralized space for your team to connect, ensuring that important information doesn’t get buried in a deluge of emails.
Stay on top of your projects and collaborate seamlessly with your team through cloud-based project management tools like Asana and Trello. On these platforms, you can submit project updates, share files, and keep everyone in the loop without using email.
To get a grip on information overload, it’s vital to streamline the amount of data you tackle daily. We often find ourselves swamped with unnecessary emails, some of which don’t require immediate attention and can be saved for later. So, take charge by setting up filters in your email software to spotlight the most vital senders, emails, and subjects, leaving the rest in a folder.
To prevent email and message notifications from becoming a constant interference, either disable them or set specific times for checking them. When you establish dedicated time slots to check them, you not only minimize distractions but also create a structured routine, allowing you to dedicate your undivided attention to your tasks.
3. Manage Files and Sensitive Data Securely
When you practice remote working, most of your files and data are stored digitally. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your digital assets safe, organized, and accessible from anywhere.
One highly effective tool in your cybersecurity arsenal is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your data to travel through, making it far more challenging for cyber threats to intercept your sensitive information. By using a VPN, you can work with peace of mind, knowing that your data remains confidential, even on unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
As a remote worker, file and data loss can be disastrous, whether it’s due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or cyberattacks. To safeguard against such misfortunes, make it a routine to back up your work regularly either on your company’s backup storage server or Cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. Additionally, consider using external drives for local backups.
4. Create a Productive Home Workspace
Transform your home office into a professional hub with ergonomic technology and specialized technology to improve focus and prioritize comfort.
Investing in ergonomic technology tools can make a world of difference. Consider an adjustable standing desk, which allows you to switch between sitting and standing, reducing strain on your back and neck. A monitor stand brings your screen to eye level, promoting better posture. These upgrades not only optimize your comfort but also support your overall well-being, keeping you energized throughout the day.
In the often chaotic world of remote work, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones is your secret weapon. They block out background noise, allowing you to concentrate fully on your tasks, whether you’re in a bustling café or dealing with household commotion. Boost your productivity with crystal-clear sound and focused attention.
To reduce eye strain, install proper lighting in your home office. A well-lit and strain-free environment not only reduces eye strain and improves focus, but also adds a professional touch to your home office setup. Whether it’s a desk lamp or LED light strips, lighting can significantly impact your work experience.
5. Relieve Stress By Taking Sufficient Breaks
Remote work often blurs the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to an “always on” feeling. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritise self-care for a healthy remote work routine.
To combat stress, use apps like Headspace and Calm to have a quick mindfulness session or follow the guided meditations for further relaxation. These short breaks away from intensive add to your mental well-being, helping you stay centred amidst the demands of remote work.
Many of us wear fitness trackers and smartwatches that connect to health apps. They’re useful tools to counteract the sedentary nature of remote work by ensuring physical well-being and work-life balance. Enable these apps to gently remind you of when to take breaks, stay hydrated, and embark on short activity bursts. In the fast-paced world of remote employment, these self-care practices are not a luxury but a necessity.
Embracing Remote Work for Productivity and Success
As any seasoned remote worker knows, the road to productivity and success is paved with challenges. By embracing the five essential tech tips discussed in this article, solo remote workers can revamp their work routines, making them more efficient and productive.
Investing time and effort into a distraction-free zone, efficient communication, robust cybersecurity, and an ergonomically sound workspace are worthwhile actions to produce a remote work environment for heightened focus and creativity.
Furthermore, to achieve work-life balance, it is crucial for remote workers to nurture their holistic well-being through the incorporation of stress-relief practices, such as the use of meditation apps and fitness trackers.
The unique combination of tech-savvy strategies with stress-relief practices equips remote workers to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of modern work, boost productivity, and ultimately ensure a prosperous and fulfilling remote work journey.
If you’re a remote worker seeking the perfect blend of productivity, camaraderie, and seamless tech-driven solutions, coworking spaces may just be a holistic solution to elevate your remote work experience.
At INFINITY8, you’ll find distraction-free zones, meeting facilities that enhance close virtual collaboration with your colleagues and clients, secure and safe Wi-Fi access, ergonomically designed workspaces, and amenities to help manage stress and maintain your well-being.
INFINITY8 isn’t here to just let you rent an office desk; we care about helping you build a vibrant, efficient, and empowered remote work life.
For further support in enhancing your remote work routines, explore additional resources on this topic:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/tech-tips-work-from-home-coronavirus
https://www.orientsoftware.com/blog/best-technology-for-working-remotely/
https://www.springworks.in/blog/tech-tips-for-remote-workers/
