Remote work: 7 tips to be effective

Working from home isn't necessarily easy for everyone! Now firmly rooted in our daily habits, remote work has established itself as a full-fledged working arrangement, often alternating with days spent on site. While it allows you to organize your schedule as you wish, save commuting time, and often be more productive, it can also lead to isolation, distraction, or even hyper-connectivity for some. And the line between personal and professional life can seem very thin. Whether you work remotely regularly or occasionally, here are 7 tips to stay effective while working from home.

1. Create a dedicated workspace

To draw a line between your personal and professional life, the ideal scenario is having a room dedicated exclusively to your work. If that's not possible, set up a spot with a table and a chair for an ergonomic posture (avoid the couch!) and keep all your essential equipment within reach (in a box, a bag, or on a tray).

2. Get into a work mindset

Even when working remotely, act as if you were going into the office: take a shower, eat breakfast before logging on, and get dressed even if you won't see anyone during the day. This helps put you in the right mindset.

3. Set your working hours

Establish a start and end time for your workdays, along with a lunch break. And stick to them! Fixed hours help keep your activities clearly separated and boost productivity. To help you with this, set alerts on your smartphone.

If you split your working time between home and the office, try to maintain the same rhythm.

4. Establish a daily routine

Setting up rituals can help mark the beginning and end of your workday. This could be a workout to energize you in the morning and a walk to disconnect in the evening.

5. Organize your working time

To avoid procrastinating and manage your priorities effectively while working remotely, make a clear list of tasks to accomplish each day.

Having trouble focusing? Try the "Pomodoro" technique! It involves alternating between 25-minute work sessions and 5-minute breaks.

6. Communicate

Are you an employee working remotely on occasion? Stay in touch with your colleagues and managers via phone, instant messaging, or video call. Even from a distance, communication is key to good coordination within your team.

If you are a freelancer, connect with other professionals in your industry or attend professional events (even online), webinars...

7. Take breaks and disconnect

Throughout the day, give yourself breaks and clear your head every day!

At the end of your workday, turn off your computer. Better yet, put it away! The temptation will be weaker to log back on to "just check your emails" or "finish up a quick task" in the evening or on weekends! In fact, it's a right: the right to disconnect, enshrined in the Labor Code, guarantees that you don't have to respond to work demands outside of your working hours.

Looking for a remote job or one compatible with remote working? Contact your nearest agency!

Image credit: © Mateusz Haberny / Pexels