Do You Really Need an Office to Stay Productive?

Telecommuting from the comforts of your kitchen table or favorite cafe might sound like a dream come true, especially when considering that remote workers typically have more flexible hours and don't have to worry about long commutes, office politics or difficult co-workers. However, not having a designated office space does have potential drawbacks that can make it difficult to stay productive. Keep your motivation by approaching each workday with the right strategy.

Effective Time Management

Developing superb time management skills is essential for remote workers, as this is the key to staying productive. Schedule each day in advance, and separate every task in order of importance. Complete the most important tasks towards the beginning of the day, and work on minor jobs throughout the day whenever you have a few extra minutes to spare. Write your schedule down in a daily planner, or download a time management app on your smartphone to help you manage your day. Managing your time effectively also means staying focused, so resist the urge to check your Facebook account, watch YouTube videos or engage in other time-wasting activities when you're on the clock.

Dealing With Isolation

While some people who telecommute enjoy and actually prefer working alone, many experience feelings of isolation, especially those who enjoy engaging in office banter, having lunch with colleagues and attending company meetings. Feelings of isolation often lead to lack of motivation, which directly impacts productivity. One good way remote workers can deal with this is by working outside of the home fairly often. Consider working at a local coffee shop or library for a change of scenery, and consistently seek out new places to work in your community, since being around people, even strangers, can help minimize feelings of isolation. Breaking up your workday can also help with this issue. If you have the luxury of creating your own schedule, work for a few hours in the morning, spend time with friends or take your dog to the park in the afternoon, then work for a few hours in the evening.

Work Like a Professional

Remote workers should create an area at home that's clean, orderly and vibrant, as this can help increase your motivation throughout the workday. Instead of sharing your computer with your spouse and kids, invest in a separate work computer that's just for you. Make sure the system is high in quality and has ample storage space for your important work files. It's also a good idea to invest in a separate smartphone for business use and a file cabinet for storing important work documents. When you're on the clock, don't take personal calls or texts, and don't check your personal email. Boost your productivity by maintaining a professional environment and avoiding all activities that keep you from getting work done.

Remote workers have more freedom and flexibility, but staying productive can be challenging for anyone used to the structure of a typical office environment. Avoid this potential pitfall by sticking to your daily to-do list, avoiding distractions and powering through when you're tempted to quit work early. Finding balance as a remote worker also helps with productivity, so be sure to schedule vacation days, spend time with friends, and maintain good physical and mental health.

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