In a work slump or transitioning to a remote role? Increase your productivity with these remote work best practices!

private office at vida coworking that has a desk, laptop, colorful rug and live plants

Working remotely definitely has its perks. At home, your PJs and workout clothes double as businesswear, snacks are steps away and your hour-long commute shrunk to a mere 20-second stroll down the hall. For those completing remote work from a coworking space, such as at VIDA Coworking in Portland, you have direct access to fabulous amenities, such as a workout studio, snack and drink bars, onsite childcare and even a podcast studio. 

While the overall perks outweigh the negatives, remote work can come with some distractions. When at home, it may be tempting to binge the latest Netflix series or bend to your child’s whims. While at a coworking space, a distraction could be mingling with the other like-minded professionals with whom you share the workspace (though most also consider this a perk as well!). 

Whether you’re just transitioning to a remote work environment or have been working remotely for years, VIDA Coworking has five tips for working remotely to ensure you maximize your focus and productivity.

5 Remote Work Best Practices:

  • Elevate Your a Designated Workspace

Creating a dedicated, elevated workspace can help you get in the zone. If you’re working from home, transform a room into a home office by adding a desk, ergonomic chair, decor and wall art, and any office equipment you need. If you can’t dedicate an entire room to your workspace, set up a dedicated desk in a quiet area in the house—just ensure you create a space you want to be in. Pinterest and Instagram can provide loads of #officeinspiration to help you design the ideal at-home workspace. 

But if you’re like so many others who need to work out of the house to find more productivity and quiet time, then coworking spaces can offer you either a full-time private office or a dedicated deck. Both of these options can be set up and decorated as you wish to create a space all your own. 

  • Develop a Routine (& Stick to It)

Routines are essential. If you work 9-5, don’t roll out of bed at 8:45am just because your desk is in the next room or down the street. Create a pre-work routine that gets your mind and body ready for the day, then follow that with a work routine that optimizes your performance throughout the day. 

Maybe you have dedicated hours every day in which you’ll take meetings. Maybe you have 30-60 minutes a day set aside to workout, meditate, read the news, listen to a podcast, etc. Another life-balance hack is to set in your calendar a reminder that the day is done and it’s time to shut down your computer. 

No matter how you set up your day and calendar, just ensure it creates a rhythm that gives you comfort, productivity and peace of mind. 

  • Plan Social Interactions

One of the downsides of at-home remote work? It can get lonely. Or, you may feel disconnected from your fellow remote team members. 

Stay connected through team messaging apps such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. Schedule regular conference calls and video conferencing one-on-ones via Zoom, and set weekly team meeting check-ins to get fellow remote workers face-to-face. 

And don’t forget about everyone’s favorite remote social interaction: virtual happy hour. If that feels stale at this point in the pandemic, you could also do virtual coffee and donuts, virtual trivia and more to mix it up. 

At a coworking space, however, you may share the space with other local staffers or use it as the hub for your own business. Either way, you can stay connected to each other and meet new people who also work there. At VIDA, we even arrange networking and social events so our Members can meet and mingle! And let’s not forget all the opportunities to chat at our snack bar, common areas, outdoor terrace and wellness classes!

  • Take Scheduled Breaks

Don’t be afraid to take breaks—they’re essential to avoiding burnout. Even though you’re working remotely, you still need self-care time. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, it’s a good idea do some stretches, take a coffee break, phone a friend, meditate, listen to peaceful sounds or just give your eyes a rest from screens. No matter what you do, taking scheduled breaks dramatically reduces stress and increases productivity. 

  • Implement Tools & Systems

What tools, apps and management systems are you using to keep your work life organized and on track? In the remote working world, it’s all about the tech. Ensure you’re using the top tools and systems to maximize your efficiency and provide the best output. This can be calendar tools, project management tools, communication tools, finance software and much more. 

 

VIDA Coworking is here to give you the workspace you need to help you improve your remote work productivity. Rent a coworking space with unrivaled amenities, including premier business services. Contact us today to schedule a tour!