4 Tips to Stay Motivated While Working Remotely

Numerous companies around the world are beginning to place an emphasis on employee morale and satisfaction. While there are many routes that a business can go in terms of showing its employees that they matter, one of the most popular policies is permitting employees to work remotely – whether it be on a permanent or part-time basis.

In fact, according to a recent Gallup poll, about 37 percent of all U.S. workers currently telecommute for their professions. These “working your way” policies are generally a hit with employees, as workers can escape the office and work from coffee shops, libraries or even their homes. Many employers are extremely flexible with these policies, and don’t require employees to take time off under remote working conditions for things like doctors’ appointments and other routine things that come up from time to time.

However, while convenient, working remotely can be challenging. For instance, it can be distracting for many employees. It can even lead to a lack of motivation. Others may find that they’re less productive working remotely than they are when they’re in the office. It’s these aspects of working remotely that can do more harm than good to a company and its bottom line.

Yes, you need to be disciplined and motivated in order to do as good of a job from home as you do while you’re in the office. Here’s a look at how to accomplish it:

Leverage the Best Tools

You’ll probably find that you’re less productive working on a laptop than you are on a desktop. So unless you’re a full-time remote worker with a desktop at home, chances are you have a laptop docking station, where you can work from a desktop when you’re in the office, but on a laptop when you’re elsewhere.

If your productivity is challenged on a laptop, consider getting a mouse and separate keyboard that you can plug into when working remotely. You’ll be surprised at how much more productive you’ll be just by adding these tools.

Avoid Distractions

When you work remotely, you should be doing it somewhere quiet where there’s little to no distractions. At home, this is best done in a home office room, study or den where there’s no TV. Outside of the home, a quiet place like a library is your best bet.

Make a Schedule

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a schedule. So create a schedule and stick to it. For instance, some might create a schedule where they decide to work from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., take an hour break for lunch, then pick back up from noon to 5 p.m. It’s important to focus on only completing work tasks during this schedule. Set daily alarms if you have to.

Eliminate Non-productive Websites

Just because a boss isn’t looking over your shoulder doesn’t mean that you should be on social media, shopping, or other “fun” websites all day. So put a moratorium on these sites and only visit them during the break periods you set for yourself in your schedule.

Gain the Right Mindstate

Don’t work from home in your pajamas – get dressed. And be sure to put on a pot of coffee. Also be sure that your partner/spouse and kids (if applicable) know not to bother you around the house unless it's an emergency. Remember, just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean you should be running errands and doing chores – you’re still working. Get in the right mindset to be the most productive.

What are your methods to remain motivated while working remotely? Share your strategies with us in the comment section below.

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