Remote work is becoming increasingly popular, and it is estimated that by the end of 2025, 80% of the workforce will be working from home multiple days a week.
While remote work can provide a lot of flexibility and benefits, it also comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges remote workers face is managing their time effectively.
In this article, we’re going to look at 12 time management tips that can help you be more productive and successful while working remotely.
1. Create and stick to a routine.
When you work in an office, your routine is built into your morning. You get up, get ready for work, commute, and then start your day. But when you work from home, that routine is not built in. It’s important to create a routine for yourself and stick to it. This will help you start your day off right and get in the right headspace to be productive.
Your routine doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It could be as simple as getting up and getting ready for the day, eating breakfast, and then sitting down at your computer to start working. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you stick to it.
To help with this, make sure that your recruiters for remote jobs are communicating and properly setting the expectations. This also helps reduce any perception of favoritism in the workplace, which can sometimes arise when remote employees feel they are not being treated equally compared to their in-office counterparts.
2. Set up a workspace (and get dressed).
Remote work can be a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to getting dressed. On one hand, it’s nice to be able to work in your pajamas. On the other hand, getting dressed can help you mentally prepare for the day and make you feel more productive.
However, even if you don’t want to dress up, you should at least have a designated workspace. This helps you stay organized and focused, and it can also help you avoid working in bed, which can affect your sleep.
If you’re working from home, find a quiet space where you can set up your home office. Make sure it’s free of distractions and has everything you need to work, like a comfortable chair and good lighting.
If you live with roommates or family, make sure they know that your workspace is off-limits during work hours. If you have a door, close it. If you don’t, consider using a room divider or a bookshelf to create a visual barrier.
3. Schedule breaks throughout the day.
When you’re in the office, it’s easy to take breaks without even thinking about it. You may walk to the break room to grab a snack, go talk to a coworker or simply stand up to stretch your legs.
But when you’re working from home, it can be easy to get sucked into your work and forget to take breaks. That’s why it’s important to schedule them into your day.
Taking short, frequent breaks can help improve your focus and productivity, reduce stress and prevent burnout. Try to take a 5-10 minute break every hour or so, and be sure to take a longer break for lunch. For a refreshing afternoon treat during your break, consider preparing a delightful lemonade recipe that’s sure to rejuvenate your senses.
4. Set boundaries for others in your home.
If you live with other people, it’s important to set boundaries and expectations for your workday. They need to know when you’re working and when you’re not.
It’s also important for you to have a dedicated workspace where you can be productive without interruptions. This will help you stay focused and get more done in less time.
5. Use time management apps.
Time management apps can help you keep track of your time, set goals, manage your to-do list, and much more. Here are a few popular time management apps you can use:
• RescueTime – This app runs in the background and tracks how much time you spend on certain activities. You can then use that data to set goals and make changes to your routine.
• Trello – Trello is a project management tool that allows you to create boards and lists to organize your tasks. You can also set deadlines and assign tasks to other team members.
• Focus@Will – This app uses music to help you focus and be more productive. You can choose from different genres and styles of music, and the app will create a playlist for you.
• Evernote – Evernote is a note-taking app that allows you to write, organize, and share your notes. You can also use the app to create to-do lists and set reminders.
• Toggl – Toggl is a time tracking app that allows you to keep track of how much time you spend on certain tasks. You can then use that data to make changes to your routine and set goals.
• Asana – Asana is a project management tool that allows you to create to-do lists, set deadlines, and assign tasks to other team members. You can also use the app to communicate with your team and track your progress.
TrackingTime – TrackingTime is a time tracking and productivity app for teams and freelancers. It lets you track work hours, organize tasks, manage projects, and generate detailed reports—all in one place.
PlanWiz – PlanWiz is a versatile planner offering customizable templates for personal, professional, and artistic tasks, ensuring productivity and balance. Its user-friendly features help you stay organized and focused, making planning effortless and stress-free.
6. Set goals for yourself.
Setting goals for yourself is a great way to help you stay focused and on track. When you have a goal in mind, it’s easier to prioritize your tasks and make sure you’re working on the most important things.
In addition to setting big-picture goals for your career, you should also set smaller, more short-term goals for yourself. These can be daily, weekly, or monthly goals, depending on what works best for you.
7. Block off your most productive time for deep work.
If you have a task that requires a lot of attention to detail, creativity, or problem-solving, it’s best to do it when you are most alert and focused.
Some people are naturally more alert in the morning, while others are night owls. If you’re not sure when you’re most alert, keep a log of your energy levels throughout the day for a week. You can then use this information to schedule your most important tasks at your peak times.
You may find that you need to get up early to work on your most important tasks before your kids wake up or before you have to start your day job. If you’re not a morning person, you could also try working late at night.
8. Communicate when you need help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or if you’re not sure how to prioritize a task, reach out to your boss or a coworker. This is a good habit to get into, even if you’re working in the office.
If you’re not sure how to communicate with your team, ask your boss what they prefer. They may want you to send them an email (since one can verify emails and their senders) or give them a call. Whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute to ask for help.
9. Take advantage of flexible hours.
If you’ve been given the freedom to set your own hours, then take advantage of it! Not everyone is productive at the same time of day, so if you’re a night owl, then you can work on more challenging tasks during the evening when you’re most alert.
Or if you’re a morning person, then you can use that time to your advantage. There’s no rule that says you have to work a traditional 9 to 5 or a 9/80 work schedule, so figure out what works best for you and your schedule.
10. Automate tasks when possible.
If you find yourself doing a lot of repetitive tasks throughout the day, consider automating them. This can be anything from social media posts to customer service inquiries.
There are tons of tools and software that can help you automate tasks, so do some research and find the best ones for your needs.
Not only does this save you time, but it also helps reduce the risk of human error.
11. Watch out for time-wasting activities.
It’s easy to get distracted when you’re working from home. Some of the most common time-wasters include watching TV, playing video games, or scrolling through social media. But, even activities that seem productive, like doing household chores or working on a hobby, can eat into your work time.
The key is to set boundaries and be mindful of how you’re spending your time. If you find yourself getting off track, take a break and then recommit to your work.
12. Find the time management method that works for you.
Time management is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find a time management method that works for you. Whether you’re a fan of the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, or to-do lists, experiment with different time management methods to find the one that helps you stay focused and productive.
Of course, you may find that you need to use a combination of different methods to manage your time effectively. For example, you might use time blocking to schedule your day, the Pomodoro Technique to break up your work into manageable chunks, and to-do lists to keep track of your tasks.
Conclusion
Time management is a skill that takes time to develop and will be an ongoing learning process. Keep track of your time and continue to tweak your schedule and processes as needed. Your productivity, mental health and work-life balance will thank you.
