You’re working remotely and struggling to stay productive. What can you do to keep your focus?

Working remotely can offer many benefits, such as flexibility, autonomy, and comfort. However, it can also pose some challenges, such as distractions, isolation, and lack of structure. If you’re working remotely and struggling to stay productive, what can you do to keep your focus? Here are some tips to help you manage your time, energy, and attention while working from home.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 4 contributions. Learn more

1 Set a routine

One of the keys to staying productive while working remotely is to establish a consistent and realistic routine. This means setting a regular schedule for your work hours, breaks, and meals, and sticking to it as much as possible. A routine can help you create boundaries between your work and personal life, reduce stress, and improve your efficiency. Try to start and end your workday at the same time, and avoid checking your emails or messages outside of your designated hours.

Add your perspective

Carlos A.

Senior Corporate Attorney at Belcorp | Corporate law | ESG | Compliance
Report contribution
Tener una rutina te ayudará administrar tu tiempo y poder cumplir con tus deberes laborales, personales, familiares. Realizar tus actividades de manera ordenada, sin descuidar ningún aspecto. Para ello, es vital que identifiques lo que debes realizar y seas consciente del tiempo utilizado.

Translated

Like

2 Create a workspace

Another way to boost your productivity while working remotely is to create a dedicated and comfortable workspace. This can be a separate room, a corner of your living room, or even a balcony. The important thing is to have a space that is free of clutter, noise, and interruptions, and that has enough lighting, ventilation, and equipment. A workspace can help you get in the right mindset for work, minimize distractions, and enhance your performance.

Add your perspective

Carlos A.

Senior Corporate Attorney at Belcorp | Corporate law | ESG | Compliance
Report contribution
Al trabajar desde casa, existen muchos factores que pueden distraernos y robarnos nuestra atención. Algunos están bajo nuestro control y otros no. Una medida que podemos tomar, relativamente sencilla, es contar con un espacio de trabajo adecuado: un ambiente separado del resto, con un escritorio y una silla cómoda. Con buena iluminación y señal de internet. Como vemos, no se necesita realizar una gran inversión o tener una vivienda amplia. Debemos mantener este espacio limpio, ordenado y sin contaminación visual. Un espacio caótico te distraerá constantemente, como lo han confirmado diversos estudios.

Translated

Like

3 Prioritize your tasks

When you’re working remotely, you may have to deal with multiple projects, deadlines, and requests, which can make you feel overwhelmed and unfocused. To cope with this, you need to prioritize your tasks and plan your day accordingly. You can use a simple method like the Eisenhower matrix, which divides your tasks into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Then, you can focus on the tasks that are urgent and important first, schedule the ones that are important but not urgent for later, delegate or outsource the ones that are urgent but not important, and eliminate or reduce the ones that are neither urgent nor important.

Add your perspective

4 Take breaks

Taking breaks is essential for maintaining your productivity and well-being while working remotely. Breaks can help you recharge your energy, refresh your mind, and prevent burnout. You can use a timer or an app to remind you to take breaks every 25 minutes, 50 minutes, or whatever interval works best for you. During your breaks, you can stretch, walk, meditate, drink water, or do something else that relaxes you. Avoid using your breaks to check your social media, news, or emails, as these can increase your stress and distract you from your work.

Add your perspective

Carlos A.

Senior Corporate Attorney at Belcorp | Corporate law | ESG | Compliance
Report contribution
¡No subestimemos la importancia del descanso! A veces, lo único que necesitamos es "no hacer nada" por un tiempo. Aprovechemos los momentos de descanso para despejarnos y pensar con claridad. Algunos consejos para que los descansos sean productivos: - Párate de tu silla, muévete, cambia de lugar. - Si puedes, sal de tu casa. Tomar un poco de aire fresco te hará bien. - No revises el celular/correo durante este tiempo. Personalmente, me resulta más útil hacer pequeños descansos, de entre 10 a 20 minutos, en lugar de descansos prolongados. Se me hace más difícil volver a trabajar luego de pausas muy largas.

Translated

Like

5 Communicate effectively

Communication is essential for working remotely, as it allows you to stay connected, informed, and in sync with your team and clients. However, communication can also be difficult, with different channels, tools, and expectations to manage. To communicate effectively while working remotely, it is important to adhere to some best practices. Choose the appropriate channel for the correct message - video calls for complex or sensitive matters, emails for formal or detailed information, and instant messages for quick or casual updates. Additionally, be clear, concise, and respectful; avoid jargon and ambiguity; and use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Furthermore, show responsiveness and proactivity; acknowledge and reply to messages quickly; keep your team and customers updated on your progress; and initiate communication when you need help or input. Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions or clarify expectations.

Add your perspective

6 Reward yourself

Finally, staying productive while working remotely is best achieved by rewarding yourself for your achievements and efforts. Rewards can provide motivation, boost morale, and reinforce positive habits. Celebrate milestones and successes by sharing them with your team, clients, or family and expressing gratitude. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, such as a movie, a book, or a meal. You also have the opportunity to expand your skills, knowledge, and interests through online courses, blogs, webinars, or communities related to your field or passion. Working remotely can also give you the flexibility to pursue hobbies and passions like playing a game, listening to music, doing some art, or exploring nature.

Add your perspective

Carlos A.

Senior Corporate Attorney at Belcorp | Corporate law | ESG | Compliance
Report contribution
Los pequeños pasos, realizados de forma constante y con esfuerzo, son los que nos acercan a los grandes objetivos. Entonces, celebra los logros que se van alcanzando - a titulo individual o en equipo-. No importa si se trata de logros pequeños, tu salud mental te lo agradecerá. Identifica esa actividad, ese producto/servicio, eso que más te gusta hacer y ve por ello. ¡Mantén el balance, tampoco caigas en excesos!

Translated

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

You’re working remotely and struggling to stay productive. What can you do to keep your focus?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set a routine

2 Create a workspace

3 Prioritize your tasks

4 Take breaks

5 Communicate effectively

6 Reward yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workforce Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Workforce Management

More relevant reading

You’re working remotely and struggling to stay productive. What can you do to keep your focus?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set a routine

2 Create a workspace

3 Prioritize your tasks

4 Take breaks

5 Communicate effectively

6 Reward yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workforce Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills