The pandemic has forced many businesses to adopt remote work policies seemingly overnight. Remote work allows employees to continue working while staying safe from the virus. Even though the situation has improved, many employees continue to work remotely.
And while working from home has plenty of benefits, staying productive can also be challenging. Try these tips if you’re struggling to keep your team on track.
Establish set work hours.
Working remotely can offer employees a lot of freedom when it comes to their hours. However, it’s essential to set specific work hours and stick to them to maintain productivity. This way, employees know when they should be working and aren’t tempted to check their email or work on projects outside their designated hours. Having set work hours can also help create a sense of structure and routine for remote employees, which can benefit their mental health.
There are a few different ways to set work hours for your remote employees. One option is to allow them to set their hours within specific parameters. For example, you could require that all employees work during the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in their respective time zones. This can be a good option if you have employees in different time zones, as it allows everyone to work during convenient hours. Another option is to set specific hours for each employee based on their role or project needs. For example, you could require customer service representatives to work from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and developers to work from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This can be a good option if you want to ensure that employees are available during specific hours for customer or client calls.
No matter your option, it’s essential to be consistent with the hours you set and communicate them to your employees. If you need to make any changes to the hours, be sure to give your employees ample notice to adjust their schedules accordingly.
Take advantage of productivity tools.
There are many great productivity tools out there that can help you stay organized and on track. Slack, Trello, and Asana are all great options for keeping communication flowing between team members. At the same time, RescueTime and FocusMe can help you avoid distractions and stay focused on the task at hand. Experiment with different tools until you find the ones that work best for you and your team.
You can also use other tools to help improve productivity. For instance, you can use a dependable screen-sharing tool to facilitate training in using productivity tools. Sharing the screen allows you to demonstrate how employees can use the tools even if you are not staying in the same location. Additionally, the tool can help the onboarding of new remote employees.
Create a daily task list.
When it comes to increasing productivity among remote employees, one of the most important things you can do is create a daily task list. This list will help ensure everyone is on the same page and knows what they need to work on. It can also help prevent overlap in tasks and ensure that everyone’s time is being used efficiently.
Creating a daily task list isn’t difficult, but you can follow a few tips to ensure it’s as effective as possible. First, ensure that the items on your list are specific and actionable. For example, rather than writing “work on project X,” try something like “research potential suppliers for project X.” Second, try to keep your list manageable. If it’s too long or complicated, you won’t be able to get everything done. Finally, make sure that you review and update your list regularly. As priorities change or new tasks come up, you need to adjust your list accordingly.
Encourage regular breaks.
Remote employees need to take regular breaks to maintain productivity. When people constantly work, they can become tired and less effective. Breaks allow employees to refresh their minds and return to work with new energy.
There are several ways to encourage employees to take breaks. One way is to establish specific break times and ensure that employees know them. Another way is to provide opportunities for employees to take short walks or get some fresh air during the day. Finally, managers can set a good example by taking breaks themselves.
There are several ways to encourage employees to take breaks, such as establishing specific break times, providing opportunities for short walks or fresh air, and setting a good example.
Working from home doesn’t have to be a drag—you can increase your productivity with some planning and effort. Following these tips can make it easier for you to maintain the productivity of your remote employees.