Working remotely comes with plenty of benefits, but even the best remote job has room for improvement.
The start of a new year is a prime time to commit to making changes, so if you’re a remote worker, now’s the time to think about what you could be doing differently. These are some of the top New Year’s resolutions for remote workers to improve productivity and make work hours smoother than ever.
How to Have a Better Remote Work Year
Crack Down on Distractions
Whether you have a boss to report to or you’re lucky enough to be your own boss, working remotely means organizing your own time and staying accountable.
It’s tough enough for office workers to resist distractions on the job, but it can be even more difficult when there’s no one around to keep you focused. Use an app to block certain websites on your computer during work hours and keep your phone in a different room while you work. If it’s your environment that distracts you, consider working from a different place.
Find a Real Workspace
Have you been working out of a “home office” that’s really just a desk and computer chair in your bedroom? Start the new year right by moving into a real workspace. Working remotely doesn’t feel quite the same as going to a job, but a change of scenery could help you shift into work mode.
Even if you have a legitimate home office set up in your house, working where you live is always going to come with distractions. Everything from pets to chores can take your mind off the job, and when those sources of distraction are right on the other side of your office door, it’s easy to indulge in the interference. Working out of a separate location like a coworking space can help you stay focused and increase your productivity.
Get Outside
One of the best parts about working remotely is that there’s no commute time, but some workers end up staying inside all the time as a result. Remind yourself to get outside once in a while and soak up the vitamin D.
Go for a walk or jog to get some exercise or take your pets for a walk around the block. Remote work lends itself to flexible schedules, so don’t end up settling into a sedentary lifestyle.
Engage with the Team
Working remotely doesn’t necessarily mean working on your own. If you’re part of a team, make an effort to step up your communication this year. Share your ideas with your coworkers, take on a new role when the opportunity arises, and strive to be as active as you can be.
Expand Your Circle
The more people you know, the more opportunities could come your way. Resolve to enlarge your circle by going to networking events or working out of a co-working space. No matter what line of remote work you’re in, connecting with others can help you grow your business.
Invest in Yourself
Work is always easier when you’re properly equipped for the job. Make your New Year’s resolution to upgrade your Wi-Fi to a higher speed or buy the new laptop you’ve been looking at. Alternatively, you might want to update your website or buy new business cards.
Of course, it’s wise to pay a little more attention to your finances when you work for yourself, but the upside is that you can write off your business expenses when it comes time to do your taxes.
Putting Your Resolutions to Work
A new year is a chance to approach your goals with renewed vigor. Think about your career as a remote worker and consider the changes you could make to further it during your next trip around the sun.
If finding a new workspace is part of your resolutions this year, stop by Work in Progress in Las Vegas for a tour. At Work in Progress Coworking, freelancers and remote workers in any industry can expand their networking circles and improve their productivity, making good on their business resolutions all year round.
Originally posted 2019-12-27 13:59:15.
