Today, remote work has become the norm for many Filipino workers.
However, for some, the shift to online jobs hasn’t been the smoothest. One common problem they encounter is staying organized in a remote work environment.
This is a problem, as one of the primary benefits of staying organized at work is improving productivity. Knowing which tasks to prioritize and where your work tools are allows you to achieve more tasks in less time.
To help you structure your day while working from home, here are some tips to stay more organized in a remote work environment:
Make a To-do List.
The simplest way to help you stay organized while working remotely is writing a to-do list. You can make one by hand or through an app on your computer/laptop.
A to-do list enables you to track your assignments and identify which ones to prioritize. You also gain a sense of accomplishment as you cross out tasks on your list, which helps you remain motivated at work.
Spare a few minutes to write the next day’s tasks before you go to work. This way, you’re all set when you wake up.
Create Your Own Workspace at Home
Before starting your online job, you should set up your workspace with all the tools you need for work. Compared to working in your bed, a designated workspace helps you focus on your tasks and improve your productivity.
Choose one that’s well-lit and spacious -and off-limits to people who can easily distract you. Pick out an ergonomic desk and chair so you can work comfortably for a long time as well.
Once you’ve set up your workspace, keep it clean and organized. This helps you work more efficiently since your tools and critical documents are within reach.
Plan Your Meals
If you’re having trouble finding time to cook, you should practice meal planning. This save you precious time and effort during weekdays so you can stay focused and organized.
As with your to-do list, you should set aside some time to make your meal plan, preferably during the weekend. This is because you need time to shop for and cook your meals in advance.
Establish Boundaries Between Work and Home
At the office, there is a clear line between work and your home life.
In remote work? Not so much.
Blurring the boundaries between work and home can severely hamper your ability to focus on tasks and lead to stress and anxiety.
To avoid this, set clear boundaries with your family as early as possible. Tell them about your work hours so they know when they should leave you alone, for example.
In addition, set up your workplace in a more private area in your house to avoid accidental interruptions.
Give Yourself a Break
Making time to rest is a crucial part of staying productive.
Taking breaks lets you clear your mind so you can assess your current tasks and determine which ones to prioritize. It also helps you regain your strength and focus, so you can perform better later on.
Switch Off Social Media
One of the most common distractions is social media. It’s all too easy to waste precious time when you fall down this rabbit hole.
To avoid this, switch off or silence your phone during work hours or place it somewhere beyond your easy reach.
If you really want to browse social media, schedule it during your breaks so you can focus on your work.
Have a Contingency Plan
When you’re working remotely, there will be times when you will encounter sudden internet or power outages.
Although there isn’t much you can do about these, you can mitigate the effects by establishing contingencies.
Always have a backup internet source like pocket wifi for these occasions. In the case of a sudden power outage, you can use a power bank to charge your laptop. Or, you can shift to a different location, like a coffee shop, to continue your work.
By thinking ahead and preparing for any possible interruptions, you can minimize the stress and continue doing your tasks efficiently.
Regularly Communicate With Your Colleagues
Remember, there is no “I” in “team.”
If you want to stay organized in a remote work environment, you should always be in contact with your boss and co-workers.
This helps you remain up-to-date with your team’s latest assignments and deadlines – so you know which tasks to prioritize. Regularly communicating with them also fosters better collaboration, improving overall productivity.
More Organized = More Productive
For many remote work rookies, the increased freedom and flexibility it offers can be a double-edged sword.
If you’re not used to managing yourself, you can easily lose track and not get anything done.
Fortunately, by following the tips listed above, you can be more organized and productive – while enjoying the benefits of working from home.
If you’re looking to shift to WFH but don’t know where to start, head to Remote Staff.
Our jobs list has a wide range of positions available for you to choose from.
If you don’t see a job you like, no worries. We regularly update our list, so you can come back tomorrow and see if there are openings you would want to apply to.
Good luck!
