Remote working has been around long before the pandemic, so what's the big deal?
Well … with the pandemic, everyone had to go remote and this forced change caused a number of challenges. And, most determined this change and the respective challenges would be short-lived.
Guess what? Remote working isn't going away. The dynamics and frequency may change, but the work and resulting benefits are enduring for both the company and the employees.
Some people are returning to the office (RTO) full time by choice or by decree. Others continue to be 100% remote. And, of course, others are in a hybrid arrangement.
For those positions that can be done remotely, even for only 1 day per week, it is important to develop healthy strategies to increase focus. In some cases, the strategies can apply whether you are working remotely or in the office.
Distractions can be problematic for remote workers. Starting with social media notifications to household chores to child or animal care, interruptions may cause many issues.
Also, if your workspace wasn't thoughtfully created, it might be difficult to get into, and stay, in flow.
There are many effective strategies that remote workers and their managers can use to increase focus and eliminate distractions.
Let's explore …
Benefits of Increasing Focus
The benefits of eliminating distractions and increasing focus are significant for both workers and companies.
By making a few small changes, the workday will be disrupted less.
Worker's Perspective
When looking from a worker's perspective, the elimination of distractions and improving focus can lead to greater job satisfaction, less stress, and increased productivity.
There is an added bonus of a better work/life balance and sense of wellbeing.
However, on the flip side, when work is not completed during regular working hours, it creeps into worker's personal time especially when attempting to meet pressing deadlines.
Company's Perspective
What's the benefit from a company perspective?
At the core and supporting the company's values of employee engagement and wellbeing, the benefits are many.
Many studies have shown that engaged less distracted workforces have increased levels of efficiency, outstanding quality, and higher levels of innovation to stay ahead of the competition.
Workers are invested in the company culture, and it shows!
9 Ways to Improve Focus
Control what you can control!
1) Establish a Dedicated Workspace
Creating a work-friendly workspace is one of the most effective ways to ensure focus.
A dedicated workspace is a specific area in the home that is used solely for work purposes. It is free from sounds and activity that can easily pull you away from your work.
It's really important to create physical boundaries between work and personal life. These boundaries can save you from workaholic tendencies and effectively separate play from work!
2) Communicating Clear Boundaries
Communicating clear boundaries is essential for maintaining focus and increasing productivity.
It's essential to determine your own boundaries, and even more important to get buy-in from others to recognize your boundaries.
This could mean setting specific work hours, turning off work-related devices after hours, or communicating availability to colleagues and family members during the workday.
By setting clear boundaries, remote workers can ensure that they are focused on work during work hours and able to enjoy their personal life outside of work.
3) Use Performance Rhythms
Do you know your highest productivity times during the day?
Are you a morning-person or a night-owl?
When you learn your ultradian performance rhythms, you can effectively plan the best times to do your work.
Instead of struggling throughout the day and pushing yourself, you can coordinate your work habits with your natural rhythms.
By following ultradian cycles, you can work in tune with your specific energy patterns that occur naturally throughout the day.
4) Use Time-Management Techniques
To maintain focus throughout your day, consider a few very effective time-management practices.
There are different techniques remote workers can use to help focus:
a) the Pomodoro Technique, which involves breaking work into 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks.
b) other techniques include the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, and
c) the "Eat the Frog" technique, which involves tackling the most challenging task first thing in the morning. It all boils down to this: identify one important task for the day and do it first.
5) Limit Multitasking
There is a great temptation to multitask … and we all do it.
Several leading studies have proven that multitasking can actually decrease productivity and increase the chance of errors.
Instead of trying to do several things at once, it's recommended that remote workers focus on one task at a time. More things will get done and completed in a timely fashion as well as done accurately.
Image suggestion: A picture of a person with multiple screens and devices, representing the temptation to multitask.
6) Take Breaks
Prolonged working without considering its impact on health and the ability to focus is unsustainable.
Want a sure-fire way to increase focus and improve productivity while ensuring a healthy routine?
Taking short breaks throughout the day can help reduce stress, increase creativity, and boost overall performance.
Managers should encourage remote workers to take a several breaks throughout the day.
7) Minimize Digital Distractions
Digital interruptions can be incredibly distracting and interfere with focus.
Examples of distractions may include social media alerts, email notifications, and instant messaging pop-ups.
Remote workers should consider using tools such as website blockers or notification silencers to minimize digital distractions during work hours.
Another effective way to reduce the overall "noise" is to determine a schedule to check all messaging tools at set hours of the day.
Instead of having the tools control you, make sure you make the tools work for you!
8) Manage Your Environment
Managing your environment can also help eliminate distractions and increase focus.
This means paying attention to factors such as:
- Good lighting: Adequate lighting can prevent eye strain and headaches.
- Ergonomic setup: A comfortable chair, desk, and computer setup can prevent back pain, neck pain, and other repetitive strain injuries.
- Noise control: A quiet working environment helps to reduce distractions and maintain focus.
- Proper ventilation: A well-ventilated workspace can improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems.
- Secure internet connection: A secure internet connection can protect against cyber threats and ensure privacy.
- Adequate space: Sufficient space is necessary to accommodate equipment, minimize clutter, and maintain a professional appearance.
9) Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for improving focus, being present and fully engaged in the tasks at hand.
Remote workers can practice meditation or improve their social, emotional and positivity actions that could include:
- Practice gratitude: Take a few moments at the start or end of each day and reflect on what you are grateful for ... whether it's something big or small. Doing this can help shift your mindset towards positivity and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.
- Build social connections: Make an effort to connect with colleagues on a personal level, whether it's through small talk or more meaningful conversations. Building social connections at work can improve job satisfaction, create a sense of belonging resulting in a deeper focus.
- Celebrate accomplishments: Celebrate individual and team accomplishments to boost morale and create a positive work culture. This can help promote a sense of pride and motivation in your work.
- Offer support: Look for opportunities to support your colleagues, whether it's through offering assistance or simply listening. Acts of kindness and compassion can help build trust, strengthen relationships in the workplace and ultimately help with your focus on what really matters.
Summary
Eliminating distractions and increasing focus is essential for remote workers and managers to stay productive and engaged.
By implementing the strategies above, remote workers can create work habits that are conducive to productivity and focus, leading to improved job satisfaction and overall well-being.
While distractions are a common challenge for remote workers, there are many effective strategies that can be implemented.
Through establishing dedicated workspaces, communicating clear boundaries, understanding performance rhythms, using time-management techniques, minimizing digital distractions, managing the environment, and practicing mindfulness, remote workers and managers can stay focused and productive.
Want to learn more about how you can manage the people and situations around you?
Check out our course called Dynamic Leaders Formula to discover your leadership style and unlock the true potential of your remote team.
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