A Guide to Time Management When Working Remotely
Remote work has its perks: no commute, flexible hours, and the ability to work in your pyjamas if you so choose. However, the impact of fully remote work on productivity and work-life balance is a topic of debate. Some experts suggest it can be detrimental to productivity, while others argue it offers essential flexibility, particularly for parents and those with caregiving responsibilities. But with great freedom comes great responsibility, and managing your time effectively can be one of the biggest challenges. Without proper structure, days can blur into nights, and productivity can take a nosedive. Here’s how to take control of your time and thrive as a remote worker.
Setting Up for Success
To set up for success in remote working, it’s essential to create a dedicated workspace that is comfortable, quiet, and free from distractions. This could be a home office, working from a van (yes, a van), a corner of your living room, co-working or flexible office space… not forgetting coffee shops of course!
Establishing a routine is crucial, set regular working hours, take scheduled breaks, and incorporate exercise into your day. Effective time management is key, and using tools like calendars, to-do lists, and project management software can help you stay organised and focused. By creating a structured environment, you can enhance your productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Start with a Clear Routine
Remote work often means flexible hours, but a lack of structure can lead to procrastination. Set a consistent schedule for starting and finishing work each day to manage time effectively, and stick to it. A regular routine not only boosts productivity but also helps separate work life from personal life.
Pro Tip: Mimic your old office routine. If you used to start work at 9 a.m., keep that as your start time—even if your commute is now just from the bedroom to the kitchen table.
Prioritise Tasks Like a Pro
When your to-do list feels overwhelming, prioritising important tasks is key. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to divide tasks into four categories:
Urgent and Important
Important but Not Urgent
Urgent but Not Important
Neither Urgent nor Important
Tackle high-priority tasks first to avoid unnecessary stress and last-minute scrambles.
Time Block Your Day
Time blocking is a process that involves dividing your day into dedicated chunks for specific tasks. For example, reserve 9–11 a.m. for focused work, 11–11:30 a.m. for emails, and so on. This method prevents multitasking and ensures you give undivided attention to each task.
Bonus Tip: Include buffer time for breaks or unexpected interruptions—remote work doesn’t mean you have to be “on” 24/7.
Minimise Distractions
Distractions are the sworn enemy of time management. Minimising distractions helps avoid wasted time, ensuring that you stay focused and productive. Create a dedicated workspace that’s free from interruptions, whether that’s a home office, a corner of your living room, or even a local library.
Quick Fixes:
Turn off non-essential notifications.
Use noise-cancelling headphones.
Communicate boundaries to family or housemates.
Staying Motivated and Focused
Staying motivated and focused while working remotely can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. Start by setting clear goals and priorities, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Regular communication with colleagues and managers can help you stay connected and motivated. Taking breaks and engaging in physical activity can reduce stress and increase productivity. It’s also essential to establish a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout. By implementing these strategies, you can maintain your motivation and focus throughout your remote working day.
Embrace Technology to Stay on Track
The right tools can make all the difference. These tools can help in meeting deadlines by ensuring tasks are managed efficiently and time is tracked accurately. Here are a few remote work favourites:
Trello/Asana: For organising tasks and projects.
Clockify: For tracking time spent on tasks.
Focus Booster: A Pomodoro timer to maintain focus.
Don’t Skip Breaks
It’s tempting to power through your day, but regular breaks improve focus and prevent burnout. Consider taking a short walk to refresh yourself between tasks. Follow the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, enjoy a longer 15–30 minute break.
Overcoming Challenges and Burnout
Remote working can present several challenges, including isolation, distractions, and burnout. To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to establish a support network, including colleagues, friends, and family members. Regular check-ins and virtual meetings can help you stay connected and address any issues that may arise. Prioritising self-care is crucial. Incorporate exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques into your routine. Employers can also support remote workers by providing resources and tools to help manage workloads and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By addressing these challenges proactively, you can create a more sustainable and enjoyable remote working experience.
Implementing a Hybrid Working Schedule
Implementing a hybrid working schedule can be beneficial for both employees and employers, offering the flexibility of remote working while also providing opportunities for face-to-face interaction and collaboration. To implement a hybrid working schedule, employers can start by identifying the specific needs and requirements of their business, including the types of tasks that require face-to-face interaction and those that can be done remotely. They can then develop a schedule that balances remote working with in-office work, ensuring that employees have the flexibility they need while also meeting the needs of the business. Regular communication and feedback are essential to making a hybrid working schedule successful, and employers should be open to adjusting the schedule as needed to ensure that it works for everyone involved.
End Your Day with a Wind-Down Ritual
When working remotely, it’s easy for your workday to spill into your evening. Combat this by creating a wind-down ritual: tidy your workspace, plan tomorrow’s specific activities, and shut down your computer. This signals the end of your workday and helps you transition into relaxation mode, wine helps too..
Final Thoughts
Time management is the cornerstone of successful remote work. With the right balance of structure, tools, and self-discipline, you can maximise productivity while enjoying the flexibility that comes with working from home, or wherever your Wi-Fi takes you. Many employees now adopt a week working approach, dividing their time between the office and remote locations to best suit their tasks and personal preferences.
Go get it!
