Remote working was already gaining a lot of attention before the rise of the 2020 pandemic. Research from Stanford even found that remote work leads to improved productivity and workplace satisfaction. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many companies were forced to put that concept to the test, as physical offices simply weren’t safe enough for regular work.
If you’re one of the many agents who has made the shift to remote working in the age of the new normal, or you’re working a hybrid schedule with time in and out of the office, managing your productivity is key.
The following tips will help you to prove yourself as a remote working superstar, ready for the new working landscape.
Stick to a Schedule
Remote work is supposed to give you more freedom – so why would you want to set a schedule? Simply put, having a plan for your day makes it easier for you to manage your time and maintain a good work-life balance. Knowing when you’re going to get up each morning, get changed, and actually start work is important for motivation when you’re tempted to hit the “snooze” button.
A schedule that actually involves getting up, having a shower, and getting ready before work will also get you into the right frame of mind for productivity. Track the time you spend on each task and allow yourself to adapt your schedule according to your preferences regarding morning and afternoon work. Remember, studies indicate that short, high-intensity workdays may be more effective for productivity.
Avoid Distractions
Part of managing a successful schedule as a remote employee is knowing how to avoid distractions. It’s easier said than done, particularly when there are children and pets running around your home. Start by investing in equipment that will help you to hone out the outside world when you’re dealing with customers, noise cancelling headphones and microphones are a good investment.
Other ways to reduce distractions is to make sure you have access to all of the tools you need on a single interface, then avoid accessing anything else (like social media). If it helps, turn your smartphone off during the time when you’re supposed to be at work, and set ground rules with the people in your home. Having a separate room for work can be very useful here.
Leverage the Right Tools
Hopefully, the company that you’re working for will equip you with most of the tools you need to succeed as a remote agent on the cloud. This might include access to collaboration tools where you can connect with your team members, CRM integrations, and of course, your business phone technology. However, it’s important to ensure you have other tools available too.
For instance, do you need a webcam and microphone so that you can engage in conversations with your team through group video conferencing sessions? Do you have the right computer and desk setup so you can sit comfortably and focus on your work for several hours per day? If you discover something you need that you don’t already have, speak to your supervisors.
Remember to Take Breaks
Finally, remember that although it’s important to commit the right amount of time to your work as a remote agent, you need breaks too. Make sure that you get outside of the office when you need to refresh your mind and look after your body with plenty of exercise and the right nutrition.
When your day comes to an end, ensure that you have a way to close the door on your office for a while, even if that just means muting your chat service. The ability to separate will make you more productive in the long-term, and prevent burnout.
