The Remote Work Challenge: How to Stay Sane and Productive

Many of us are working from home right now, doing our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But turning your home into your office on such short notice is tricky, especially when you are accustomed to working in an office surrounded by your colleagues.

For about 20 years, I have worked from home, except when I ran my own business. I appreciate the time remote work saves, the amount of work that gets done, and its flexibility. Various surveys and studies confirm my experience, proving that working from home benefits the employee and their company.

For all the wonderful things that come along with working from home, it's far from easy. It was a huge adjustment at first, requiring quite a bit of time to settle in and become truly productive. Avoid packing a few extra pounds (yes, the fridge is there – All. The. Time).

To help you take advantage of this change in your work life, here are a few tips to help you succeed in your new remote work arrangement, even if it's temporary.

Routine, Routine, Routine

If you don't follow a routine, you will find yourself at 4 pm in your pajamas and realize you didn't brush your teeth yet. (Ick!)

It may seem easy to roll out of bed 30 minutes before that first conference call, turn on the computer, and get started. But here's the problem: you will easily get sucked into the flow of the day. You get in a groove, answering emails, taking calls, and finishing those projects. Then, when you finally look up, you realize you have sat in front of the computer for hours.

Then there's the other challenge: distractions. I have a friend who is a real estate agent who needs to maintain a routine. Otherwise, he does everything but his job. His wife is happy, the house is clean, and meals are prepped, but work gets neglected.

Setting a routine and sticking to it ensures my to-do list is completed and my deadlines are met. I get up at the same time daily, get coffee, exercise, shower, dress, and then start my day. I am on the computer no later than 9:00 am.

This routine works for me. I don't feel overwhelmed. I get things done. But more importantly, I can handle the unexpected when it comes up – without derailing my entire day.

Stay Connected

If this is your first time working from home, the experience may be a profound adjustment. Being disconnected from your colleagues and the company can be isolating.

While the social aspect of work becomes very different, getting your questions answered or ensuring your project is a top priority can be a challenge. Walking to the next cube and asking your best work buddy for advice is no longer an option. You must phone, text, or email to chat with anyone. I prefer to reach people by phone and discuss a problem, especially when the email is longer than a short paragraph.

As for getting your questions or projects top billing, I use deadlines. It is a great way to keep projects moving forward and delivered on time.

Get Out of The House

Although we are practicing social distancing, getting out of the house is still essential. Taking a break in my day helps me refocus and fight the 2 pm slump.

Look at something other than the four walls of your home. Schedule some "me" time to take a walk, brew your favorite tea, or read a few pages of the most recent magazine that has arrived. It doesn't matter what you do – what matters is that you give yourself that time to recharge.

Know When to Shut It Down

We don't know when to stop if we don't give ourselves an end time (say, 6 pm). It's human nature. There's always something to work on and finish, especially when you are separated from your colleagues by a few time zones.

I have had my share of 9 pm conference calls because the team was on the opposite coast. But unfortunately, a schedule like that can cause burnout very quickly. It is critical to schedule time out of the office (seriously, put it on the calendar), just like a doctor's appointment. I promise, the team will find a time that works for everyone – and your ideas and contribution will be much more focused.

Whether you are working from your home office or sharing the dining room table during this uneasy time, one thing's for sure: people are working and working hard. We deserve to prioritize a "work-life balance" that works for us.

So, be sure to take care of yourself and stay healthy. You will be more productive and satisfied if you do.

Also published on LinkedIN