Have you ever struggled with staying productive while working remotely?
I definitely have.
When I first started working from home, it felt like a dream — no commute, flexible hours, and the freedom to work in sweatpants.
But soon, distractions crept in, and I found myself losing focus, struggling to maintain a solid routine, and feeling less accomplished by the end of the day.
It took time, trial and error, and a lot of research, but I eventually found my rhythm.
What I discovered is that being a productive remote worker is about having the right habits in place. The most productive people I know in remote jobs have mastered this balance.
Today, I’m sharing seven habits that have made a huge difference for me, and that highly productive remote workers swear by.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your work-from-home game, these habits can help you thrive.
Let’s dive in!
1) Having a dedicated workspace
An essential habit of highly productive remote workers, also recommended by experts, is having a dedicated workspace.
Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need a separate home office. It could be a certain spot at your dining table, a desk in your living room, or even a comfortable chair with a portable laptop desk.
The idea is to have a space that signals your brain, “It’s work time.”
This way, you’re not just physically separating your work from the rest of your life but also mentally. It helps you get into the right mindset for work and keeps distractions at bay.
It’s not so much about the space itself but what it represents – focus, productivity, and efficiency. And as much as possible, try to keep this space clean and clutter-free.
2) Sticking to a schedule
I cannot stress enough the importance of sticking to a schedule when working remotely.
When I first started working from home, I found myself working at random hours. The boundary between my work and personal life was blurred, and I was getting stressed out. Sound familiar?
That’s when I decided to create a strict schedule – just as I would have in an office setting. I would start my work at 9 am, take short breaks in between, and wrap up by 6 pm.
And guess what? It worked like a charm! Having a set schedule not only improved my productivity but also helped me maintain a healthy work-life balance.
If you’re struggling with managing your time while working remotely, try sticking to a schedule. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.
3) Taking regular breaks
Did you know that studies suggest that the human brain can only maintain focus for around 90 minutes?
Productive remote workers understand this and make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day. They might stretch, grab a snack, take a short walk, or do a quick workout.
These breaks don’t just prevent burnout; they also help keep the mind fresh and ready to tackle the next task.
The point is don’t hesitate to step away from your desk every now and then. It’s good for your productivity and your health!
4) Setting clear goals
As author Tony Robbins once said, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” And this couldn’t be more relevant to remote workers like us.
This could be as simple as a to-do list with tasks you want to accomplish before the day ends. Or it could be more complex, involving weekly or monthly goals tied to bigger projects.
The key is to have a clear vision of what needs to be done and the steps required to get there. This not only helps in organizing the work but also provides a sense of direction and motivation.
By setting your own daily goals, you’ll have a roadmap to guide you through the workday and a sense of accomplishment when you tick off each task.
5) Avoiding multitasking
I’ll be honest, I used to pride myself on being a great multitasker. Juggling emails, conference calls, and project work all at once felt like a superpower.
But over time, I realized that multitasking was actually slowing me down. I was making more mistakes, missing out on important details, and feeling exhausted by the end of the day.
I then decided to shift to single-tasking – focusing on one task at a time before moving on to the next. The impact was immediate. I was getting more done, producing higher quality work, and feeling less stressed.
Little did I know at the time that this is actually backed up by research. Some experts suggest that multitasking can reduce productivity by a whopping 40%!
So, if you’re like me and find yourself multitasking often, give single-tasking a shot. It might just be the productivity boost you need.
6) Embracing technology
In today’s digital age, there are countless tools and applications designed to make remote work easier and more efficient.
Highly productive remote workers make the most of these technologies.
They use project management tools to keep track of tasks, communication apps to stay connected with their team, and productivity apps to manage their time effectively.
For instance, one tool that has been a game-changer for me is Trello. It’s a simple yet powerful project management platform that helps me organize my tasks visually, track progress, and stay on top of deadlines.
I would encourage you to explore different apps and platforms and find the ones that work best for you.
7) Prioritizing self-care
At the end of the day, your productivity is directly linked to your well-being.
As noted by experts, self-care is associated with improved productivity and lower risk of burnout.
This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy, staying active, and taking time for hobbies and relaxation. It’s about maintaining a balanced lifestyle where work is a part but not the whole.
You’re not a machine. You need to take care of yourself to perform at your best.
Final thoughts: It’s all about balance
Productivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. What works for one person may not work for another.
That being said, incorporating these habits into my daily routine has made a world of difference in my productivity and overall work-life balance as a remote worker.
From setting clear goals to embracing technology and prioritizing self-care, each of these strategies plays a crucial role in keeping me focused and motivated throughout the day.
I hope these habits help you as much as they’ve helped me. Here’s to a more productive and balanced remote work experience!