Limiting Distractions: How to Make Remote Work Productive

Working remotely can make focusing on work difficult when there are so many distractions from a large, screen smart TV to a cupboard filled with snacks. Learning how to limit distractions might be more difficult when working remotely, but similar techniques as working in an office will help. Creating structure and following a schedule will make for more productive hours throughout your work day.

Make a Schedule

Map out the meetings you have that wek and the important tasks that need to be completed. Use paper and pen or a calendar platform to create a plan for each day in order to meet your weekly project goals. Put aside a large chunk of time for any work intensive projects, scheduled during your most productive hours. Ask yourself, if you’re more focused in the mornings or afternoons. Some people, if their supervisors are flexible, might allow employees to complete projects in the evenings if those are your most focused hours.

Create Structure

Look at your schedule and see where you can create a similar structure from day to day. In order to create a habit it’s helpful to structure some tasks at the same time every day. Then it becomes a given, so your brain does not have to make any choices or decisions of when to fit that work in. See if most of your meetings are in the morning or afternoons. If they are throughout the day can you change that? For instance, if your most focused hours are in the morning then scheduling meetings in the afternoons will leave your mornings free and clear to get big work finished. Check out the book “Deep Work” for more on this idea.

Limit Distractions

Once you have a schedule worked out that reflects your work rhythm, limit all distractions during that time. For example, turn your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode and make sure your work area is clear of clutter and other distractions. Even a pile of paperwork or a notebook can become a distraction during deep work time. Also, prepare snacks in advance for your day like a bowl of fruit or cut veggies. If a sugar treat is included then add that to a place near your work desk. Going back and forth to the kitchen will just distract you. If coffee is your go-to to get through the day, make a whole pot before starting your work day.

Take Breaks

Your body is not meant to sit for hours and hours in front of a computer. Set a time, even during your deep work time, to allow for some walking to get the blood pumping again and clear your head. This is not a time to look at social media or catch up with texts. Rather it’s a healthy break to move. Your head and thoughts should still be on the task at hand.

Be Kind to Yourself and Your Family

This is especially important if you have children, a partner, or extended family living with you. While we can plan out our remote work days as if no distractions will interrupt us, the fact is the people we love and care for will need us from time to time. Plan daycare, aftercare, and all the other help you might need to help in being a caregiver working from home, but relax when your schedule for the day is ruined. Sometimes a child or elderly parent will become sick and you will have to take the afternoon or day off. It’s just the same as working in an office building. Remain flexible to be able to care for and support the people you love.

Remote work does not have to be awash with distractions that make your day unmanageable. Between planning and knowing your individual work habits, you can create a work routine that harnesses the best time of the day for you to complete your best work. Enlist family to help create a structure that helps you have a good work, as well as, keeps the family happy and healthy. And remember to take weekends off. That’s the best way to keep the work and life balance for any individual whether working remotely or in the office.