Time Management Tips for Remote Workers

Introduction

Time management is a crucial thing in everyone’s life. When it comes to working remotely, managing work and personal life becomes challenging. Clearly, time management is the key player, and one who is able to manage the time correctly will enjoy life to the fullest. While working remotely, time management is not only about scheduling tasks, but is also about managing priorities. This post talks about the best time management tips for remote workers. Without any doubt, these tips will help virtual workers tackle time like a pro and lead a well-balanced life.

Why is time management vital for remote workers?

Working remotely offers flexibility and is pretty convenient. It can further open the doors to higher opportunities if done correctly. Time management is a skill remote workers must have in order to work efficiently. There is a high chance that without having time management skills, virtual workers would spend more time working, which will lead to burnout. Where these individuals do not have to commute or are stuck in traffic, the extra time that is saved goes in vain without good time management strategies. Managing time well while working from home or in a remote location becomes a crucial thing.

Effective time management tips for working remotely

Remote workers must count on these smart tips to work efficiently from different locations and make the most of the time.

1. Make a to-do list

Planning ahead is a foundation and for that, creating a manageable to-do list is essential. Remote workers can jot down all the home and work-related tasks the night before. One can also use managing apps or can keep it simple in the traditional way. A list will help the individual in staying organized all day, and one can clearly see which tasks have been successfully accomplished and which ones are left. The main thing is to stick to the list and get things done in the allotted time.

2. Avoid multitasking

Multitasking is a great cognitive drain, and one becomes less efficient and commits mistakes while shifting gears. As one multitasks on two or more things, the mind has to quickly switch the focus. So, one should give complete attention to one task at a time and shift to another task once the previous work is finished. Less distraction and focus on a particular work will make an individual complete all the work quickly.

3. Set a routine

Flexible working needs some structuring, and that’s why developing a productive work-from-home routine is vital. There should be a clear map of how to use the working and personal hours appropriately. From morning coffee, and breakfast to work, lunch breaks, and workouts, one must make sure to keep a schedule and work according to it. A good routine keeps personal and professional life separate, which is needed while working remotely.

4. Have a dedicated workspace for remote job

Remote workers can work from anywhere, be it from home, co-working space, beach, restaurant, or other locations. However, if one wants to be highly productive and spend more time with family, then installing a designated workstation is essential. In fact, dedicated office space at home can have a subconscious impact on the mind, which results in making the individual work effectively. One must find the best spot in the home where work can be done in peace. Workspace can be any corner of the home with a desk and chair and no distractions.

5. Tracking the time

Oftentimes virtual workers are not able to keep an eye on the time. This results in overworking, missing deadlines, and burnout. Thus, tracking the time becomes important when working in a remote setting. Individuals can use automatic time-tracking software to understand how long different tasks take. By using tracking apps, one will not only be able to work efficiently but will also be able to keep a balance between personal life and working hours. Managing time will become easy because the tool will showcase the stats of how many hours are spent on the work.

6. Discover your productive hours

Some are night owls, whereas others are morning people. Individuals must determine their most productive hours and should do the more challenging tasks during those hours. Many people prefer to work in solitude. So early mornings or late nights are the perfect time for work for these professionals. Not to mention, most people do feel tired after having lunch or when the afternoon hits. So, in such a case, staying focused in the morning hours is the solution. One can keep the afternoon or lazy hours for replying to emails or making calls. The point is to do tough tasks in the hours when one is highly focused and leave less important tasks for other hours.

7. Set deadlines for yourself

Setting deadlines and timelines help individuals manage their time well. Therefore, while creating a to-do list, assigning time to each task becomes imperative. Every job is different, and not all tasks can be done in the same amount of time. So one needs to make sure to complete tasks in the allotted time. If the project is large, one can take small steps but allocate time to each. With the specific deadlines for each task, one would do the best in order to finish the work on time.

8. Block all distractions

Doing this is extremely important when it comes to remote working. Reducing or blocking distractions can save ample time, and one would be able to focus on the work for the dedicated hours. What one can do is: put the phone on airplane or mute mode and block desktop notifications. If one has to get on calls while working, downloading an app blocker will be smart. Whenever there’s noise around, then one can count on buying noise-canceling headphones. If one wishes to finish the work on time, then blocking all distractions is the key.

9. Set boundaries

One has to set boundaries for family and manager while working remotely. So, individuals must share their working hours with family members, friends, and teammates. Parents, spouses, and kids will know when not to poke. The manager will have a clear idea of when the individual will be available for work calls and virtual meetings. In a nutshell, remote workers have to communicate well to make others understand one’s working situation.

10. Take breaks

Taking regular and consistent breaks is also important to avoid burnout. Working remotely does not mean working all day. Small breaks throughout the day are essential for improving cognitive performance. So, one must take a break of 5 to 10 minutes after every hour. Apart from these microbreaks, individuals should take longer breaks as well. Going out on weekends and traveling to other places once every two months will keep the mind fresh. As a result, one would be able to come back to work with more energy and focus.

11. Make time to socialize when working remotely

Remote workers tend to feel alone as no co-worker is there in the same room. What individuals can do is set some time for interacting with friends. One must get out of home and be in touch with other people. Joining a class or gym, going for a walk with a friend, and scheduling meetups are some of the things virtual workers can consider. Scheduling downtime is indispensable.

Individuals must count on each of these points in order to make good use of time. By doing so, remote workers will not only work perfectly but will also be able to spend quality time with friends and family.

Remote work benefits of effective time management

Time is a significant factor, and everyone should make sure to manage it well. So, remote workers must utilize time wisely. Working the dedicated hours can bring in a range of benefits, which are as follows:

• By managing time, one is able to work and deliver assignments on time.
• Individuals can even manage their workload in the most efficient way. As one would allocate time to each task and would do the best to finish it that hour only.
• One would be able to provide a better quality of work because of the proper utilization of time. 
• Career growth will come as a bonus when one is punctual in delivering top-quality work.

Ending note for remote workers

This was the ultimate list of top time management tips for remote workers. There is no doubt that managing time the right way will not only grow one’s career, but the individual will also be able to spend quality time and enjoy life with dear ones.

If remote workers wish to do part-time jobs or get new clients, then seeking opportunities on Uphires would be the best thing. The platform has a range of part-time, full-time, and contract jobs in multiple sectors. Individuals can browse the site and count on the job or project that matches their skills.