Staying productive when working remotely is often a concern as millions of employees worldwide work either fully from home or hybrid at home and in the office. Remote work offers greater flexibility to staff and cuts down on both costs and commuting time. However, staying productive when working remotely also presents unique challenges.
Staying focused and productive
If you’ve ever struggled to maintain focus at your kitchen table, you’re not alone. Many remote workers find it difficult to stay focused or wonder why their day feels less structured than it used to.
The good news? Research shows that remote workers can actually be more productive than their office-based counterparts. A survey of over 800,000 employees from Fortune 500 companies found that many employees report being more productive and better able to focus when working from home.
The key is understanding how to create the right conditions for success.
Create your ideal workspace
Your physical workstation and environment plays a crucial role in your productivity. Working from your sofa might seem comfortable, but it won’t help you maintain professional focus.
Essential workspace elements:
- Choose a quiet room or space away from distractions
- Avoid working in central areas where household activity happens
- Ensure good lighting to reduce eye strain
- Keep your workspace tidy and organised
- Use a proper chair and desk setup for comfort
Even without a dedicated office, creating boundaries around your work area helps signal to yourself and others that you’re in “work mode.”
Master your time and focus
One of the biggest productivity killers for remote workers is the temptation to multitask. While it might seem efficient to do household chores between meetings, research consistently shows that excessive multitasking reduces concentration.
Effective time management strategies:
- Schedule your day into focused work blocks
- Commit fully to professional tasks during work blocks
- Use breaks for household chores or stepping away from your screen
- Avoid trying to juggle work and personal tasks simultaneously
This approach helps maintain the mental divide between work and personal time that’s essential for sustained productivity.
Communicate effectively
Fear of poor communication often impacts remote workers’ productivity. Modern technology offers plenty of solutions. The key is being intentional about how and when you communicate.
Communication best practices:
- Ask colleagues about their preferred communication methods
- Use video calls for complex discussions when needed
- Send detailed emails for information that needs documentation
- Add urgency notes to communications when working across time zones
- Be clear about deadlines and expectations
Good communication maintains working relationships while reducing unnecessary pressure on everyone involved.
Avoid burnout
Remote workers face an increased risk of stress and burnout. Without the natural breaks and boundaries of an office environment, it’s easy to work longer hours and forget to take proper breaks.
Many remote workers report feeling mentally exhausted by the end of the day. This impacts both your wellbeing and your long-term productivity.
Strategies to avoid burnout during your workday:
- Take designated breaks between work sessions
- Step away from your desk for brief periods throughout the day
- Set a clear finish time and stick to it
- Avoid working through lunch breaks
- Take short walks or stretch regularly
- Don’t check emails constantly – set specific times for this
- Allow yourself mental breaks between demanding tasks
Remember, a well-rested mind is far more productive than an exhausted one.
Regular breaks and boundaries don’t just benefit your personal wellbeing, they make you a better and more productive employee too.
Ready to take your remote working skills to the next level? Our Effective Remote Working eLearning course provides comprehensive guidance on staying productive, maintaining visibility, and achieving better work-life balance when working from home. And for managers, our Managing a Remote or Hybrid Team eLearning course will give you the skills you need to promote wellbeing and maximise productivity within your team.
