I launched my blog and business in 2009 and, by 2012 I was working full-time from home.
At the time, I had three small children (1, 3, and 7 years old) and I had to figure out conference calls, video meetings, and work all while juggling their schedules and managing their day to day activities.
It, for lack of a better word, was chaotic. At least at first.
It took a lot of time, effort, planning, and practice from all of us to get good at the whole mom works at home thing. But, once we did, my family, my clients, and I discovered that it was truly a great fit for everyone.
Thanks to the global pandemic caused by Coronoavirus (COVID-19), countless employees have recently found themselves having to figure out how to remain productive while working remotely and, based on what we’re seeing across social media, it’s a little more challenging than some anticipated.
While many seem to have envisioned remote workers as pajama clad recluses who balance low productivity with hours of Netflix content, the truth is, for those of us with healthy, sustainable work from home careers, the struggle is a little more real than that. Especially now that the kids are home.
For those who’ve recently found themselves thrust into remote work, surrounded by kids, partners, and pets, here are some tips how to remain productive while working remotely from someone who has been on the remote work grind for years.
How to Remain Productive While Working Remotely During Coronavirus
Stick to your schedule.
You may not have to be up and showering by 5 a.m. anymore thanks to a much abbreviated commute down to your home office but, if you want to remain productive while working remotely you should still keep to a general work day schedule as much as possible.
I set up work hours for myself and, while they aren’t the standard 9 to 5 most have in an office (I work 5:30 to 1:30) they allow me to focus on work during those hours, reserving the rest of my time for family time. For me it helps set parameters and deadlines for myself, and for my family it lets them know that there are times when they can and can’t interact with me.
But be flexible.
Working from home can be a gift and a curse in many ways, especially if your family is around while you’re trying to do so. Particularly when you’re all getting used to the arrangement, your kids and partner may struggle to truly understand that you can’t engage with them all the time – you’re sitting right there and they NEEEEEED you! Allow yourself some flexibility and give yourself and your family grace during this process.
Set up your schedule, and stick to it as much as possible, but know that it’s okay to take a little bit longer at lunch time because your son needs help with his homework, or allow your toddler to sit in your lap and doze as nap time approaches. It’s okay if you have to add 30 minutes to the end of your day from time to time if it means you can be more productive overall.
Take real breaks.
It’s easy to fall into an assignment and just work straight through it until you’re finished, but taking breaks is important to your overall productivity. In fact, studies have shown that working on one task for an extended period actually causes your performance to decrease.
Schedule regular breaks into your work day and make them count. Get up from your desk, change your scenery, take your dog for a quick walk – do something that gives you a true psychological and physical break from what you’re working on. Then, when you return, you’ll feel more motivated, creative, energized, and ready to tackle the rest of your assignment.
Set up an office.
Many people are finding themselves thrust into a temporary work at home situation which may make having a designated office space challenging. That said, finding a space where you can create an ergonomic work area is going to be key to your success.
As tempted as you may be to setting up camp on your couch, it’s better if you find a place where you can set up your computer, sit in a supportive chair, and limit noise and distractions as much as possible. Even if your only useful work space is your kitchen counter, figure out where you can go to escape your family, pets, and outdoor noise should the need to be on a call arise. And yes, retreating to your bathroom is okay too.
Use technology.
Of course being a remote worker often means you’re tied to your computer or device, but that’s not the type of technology I’m recommending. In today’s tech savvy world, there are countless apps and products out there to help you be a more efficient, productive, and happy remote worker.
For me, apps that help me connect to my team and manage our workflow, like Slack, Zoom, and Trello, are invaluable to my success. I’ve also found that having a WiFi signal booster is super helpful for spotty, overused connections.
Amanda Rodriguez is a publisher author and owner of the lifestyle site DudeMom.com. She also owns a digital marketing company and works as the Digital Marketing Specialist for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.
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