A lot of us are more familiar with remote jobs these days but there’s still a lot to get used to when you start out in your work-from-home career. Not only are there more remote positions out there. The benefits of using a CV builder make it easier than ever to tailor your resume for a remote job and get hired.
But what do you do once you land the position and you’re getting settled into your new working environment?
Getting bedded in can take a bit of time at first in a remote role but fortunately, there are 5 quick and handy tips to get you to your productive peak. Let’s look at these in a bit more detail.
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Tip 1 – Craft A Schedule That Works For You
Let’s be fair, some of us are night owls, whilst others are earlier risers. There’s always going to be a crossover of the two during the working day but the real benefit of a remote job is that you can manage your schedule in a way that suits you best.
If you prefer to start later and end later or vice versa that option is open to you. It really gives you the flexibility to choose depending on the given day. As long as you’re on call and turn up to scheduled meetings and other pre-planned events you have the freedom to optimize your daily routine to fit your needs.
Also, don’t forget to clearly define downtime. When you finish work leave it behind until the next day. Walk away from it and give yourself enough time in the evening to have some you-time.
Tip 2 – Plan A Comfy (And Productive) Workspace
Your surroundings can reflect on your mood more than you think. That’s why it’s important to get your workspace planned properly when you start a remote job.
Generally, people do best when they have a work area that:
- Is in a space where you won’t be interrupted often.
- Keeps a consistent temperature of about 72ºF.
- Has plenty of natural light (this can help you focus on tasks for 15% longer).
- Boasts a little bit of plant life.
It also goes without saying that where you place your laptop or work computer plays a big part in how well this can work for you. It’s a good idea to set up your screen or laptop stand just below your eye level and to try and get a comfy and ergonomic seat and desk to keep you focused and undistracted.
Tip 3 – Take Microbreaks Regularly
Another good thing about the flexibility of a home office environment is that you can easily give yourself a bit of personal time to help refocus your mind at almost any given moment.
When we work in offices with hundreds of other people and bosses, there’s an automatic social pressure to stay at your desk for longer than you would otherwise. However, this isn’t necessarily good for your productivity and focus. We need to switch off sometimes, even if it’s just getting away from the desk for 30 seconds.
Working from home makes it much simpler and less awkward to take a minute or two to yourself. This can be important as focusing too hard when you’re struggling to concentrate can actually slow you down more than it helps.
Tip 4 – Don’t Shy Away From Deadlines
We all have a natural fear of deadlines. Yet in the remote workplace, they can actually be a surprising ally. Why is that?
Well first of all they help you add a bit more definition to your daily routine. By having regular goals to meet you’ll be able to plan your priorities more fluidly and proactively. This doesn’t just go for deadlines you need to meet, however. It also matters when you want to keep your company productive by delegating tasks to other colleagues.
Setting clear due dates for when you expect things to be done and ready lets you work and organize other tasks much easier. It also keeps the rest of your team and colleagues on top of things too.
Deadlines don’t have to be scary. They can actually save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Tip 5 – Give Yourself Little Rewards Often
Incentives help us all work. In a remote job, because you’re on your own, you can take a bit more control over this. You don’t have to set yourself much as a reward. A cookie, the chance to sit down at 5 pm to watch a movie, or a walk in the park at lunchtime are all little ways that you can give yourself a boost in the day.
Make your achievements measurable and your criteria for reaching them palpable and you’ll find it much easier to get tasks done in the day. If you’ve got something to aim for it gives you a lot more direction.
Key Takeaways
After years of working to a rigid daily structure and being watched like a hawk by a manager, it can be strange to get used to a more flexible schedule and personal autonomy you’ll find in remote work.
That said, it’s important to have a plan in place for your newfound freedom and to use little organization tweaks to give yourself the best start in a remote job. This can take time and you’ll find things that work and things that don’t. However, it won’t take you long to figure out what you respond to best with the tips above as a guide.
If you are interested in even more business-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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