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Since the pandemic, remote work has become much more common. While it has its perks, it also comes with challenges, especially when it comes to productivity. At home, there are many distractions, including pets, children, and family members.
Working from home means we have to actively create an environment and mindset that promotes productivity. There is lots of advice out there for staying productive while working remotely, but in this article, Top Agent Magazine will focus on 7 practical tips to help you stay on top of your tasks and work well with your team, even from a distance.
1. Establish a dedicated workspace
Wherever you find yourself working, you must set up a specific area for work. Having a space that feels professional can greatly influence your motivation, attitude, and productivity.
You don't need a typical office setup with a desk and swivel chair, even though this is probably the most tried and true method. Alternatives such as a kitchen or outdoor table can also promote productivity if they are in a quiet area and you can utilize the space solely for work during the day.
Avoid working from your bed or couch, as it can make it difficult to separate work from relaxation. This physical separation is crucial for maintaining concentration and ensuring you can unwind properly during breaks or after work hours.
2. Declutter your space
Create a calm, organized environment by hanging clothes in the wardrobe, arranging your bathroom items neatly, and clearing your dedicated work area of papers and miscellaneous items. If your home is clean and free of clutter, your mind will be, too.
If your bed is visible from your workspace, make it before you start working. Store documents in folders or drawers and limit yourself to one glass or cup at a time so you don’t accumulate dishes near your work.
3. Create a routine
The best way to stay on track is to establish a routine and stick to it. Your routine can be personal, but there are some key elements that can help everyone.
First, set your alarm for the same time every day. As soon as you wake up, open the blinds to let in natural light. This helps reset your internal clock and wake you up by lowering melatonin levels.
After waking up, have a healthy breakfast away from your workspace, take a shower, and dress in comfortable clothes, but make sure it’s not your PJs. Although you don’t have to dress professionally if you’re working remotely, wearing appropriate clothes helps you get into the working mindset.
4. Limit distractions
If noise is an issue in your house, and you can’t block it out, use noise-canceling headphones. They’re great for hearing colleagues and clients during meetings, and even just wearing them without audio can create a sense of separation from the outside world.
Smartphones can be a big distraction, especially if you need to use them for work. Keep your phone nearby but out of sight, like face down in a drawer or behind your laptop. Unless you’re expecting an important call or message, switch it to silent mode. By not hearing your phone every time it goes off, you won’t be constantly interrupted by notifications, and your productivity should improve significantly.
5. Take breaks
Working non-stop isn’t sustainable. To stay productive, it’s important to take regular breaks to recharge your mind and body. Every hour or so, take a few minutes to stand up, stretch, or refill your water.
A few times a day, take longer breaks to interact with others. Spend 20 minutes playing with your kids, taking a walk with your partner or pet, or chatting with your loved ones. Taking your mind off work for a bit can help you recharge and return to your tasks with renewed energy.
6. Maximize cloud usage
The cloud has evolved significantly over the years. Today, it offers much more than just storage for documents and data. Platforms like Google Drive go beyond simple storage. Your email, customer relationship management (CRM), document management system, marketing tools, and analytics can all be integrated into the cloud. Your entire business network can operate within the digital space.
For teams working remotely, this setup ensures everyone has the access and support they need, no matter where they are. Using the cloud means that all you and your team need is an internet connection to access your business fully. This flexibility helps keep everyone productive, whether they’re working from the office or home.
7. Let the household know your work hours
Communicate your work schedule to those you live with. Letting your roommates or family members know your work hours helps create a more focused environment.
Start by having a conversation about your needs and expectations. Explain when you'll be working and ask them to respect your space and time during those hours. It can be helpful to set specific boundaries, such as closing your door or using a "do not disturb" sign when you're in meetings or on calls.
It's also important to discuss quiet times, especially if you share common areas. Agree on periods when noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid interruptions.
Working from home comes with its own set of challenges, but you can ease the burden by establishing a schedule, setting clear expectations with your loved ones, and minimizing distractions.
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Top Agent Magazine highlights the achievements of top real estate agents, mortgage lenders, property managers, and real estate attorneys worldwide. A feature story in the magazine is highly coveted and only offered to those who meet the publication's benchmarks for success. Their profiles offer a deep-dive into the successful career paths of real estate professionals, providing inspiration to readers across the globe.
