How to be extra productive when working remotely

Staying focused / transitioning to remote

As mentioned at the beginning of this piece, there is a high likelihood that remote working is something of an unknown quantity to businesses, and foreign to individuals, for the most part. Remote work brings a set of unique challenges to employees, but there are some tricks to remaining productive and free of distractions.

Quiet space

Perhaps the most challenging transition for many remote workers is making the adjustment from working within a vibrant office to working in isolation.

Overcoming feelings of isolation while working is hugely difficult when there is no possibility of social connection or interaction. Setting up video calls with colleagues, and to an extent telephone calls, certainly helps with this, as does working near a window with natural light, or listening to the radio in the background. We are fortunate to live in a digitally connected world, and while there is no substitute for human connection, the fact that family, friends and colleagues are just a press of a button away is a source of comfort. 

For those at home with children or housemates there is also the challenge of remaining focused. It is important to try to create a separate workspace area at home, as best as possible, which is free from distractions. This doesn’t need to be a dedicated office with a door, simply an area that you and those you live with recognise as being a designated space for you to work. This helps you mentally to get into work mode, while others understand that you are not to be distracted while stationed in this area.
 

Planning the day

The Daily Rituals chart below highlights how some of the world’s greatest minds and historically significant figures managed their days. Structure is important, as is setting aside downtime for some exercise or a break from the screen. Making a day plan with targets to achieve is a great way to maintain focus on a task and avoid distractions.

*Creative Routines infographic courtesy of infowetrust.com
 

Take a break

While the current pandemic does restrict outdoor pursuits, it remains vital to take relief of some kind, whether this is just taking a coffee on the balcony or in the garden, or, as many are now doing, taking part in one of the multitude of livestreamed workouts by personal trainers, curated for this current situation. As things stand, there are many countries in which people are still able to go outside for a walk or some form of exercise (not in groups), but this is an ever-changing scenario. Be sure to check the latest government updates before deciding to leave the house, even if for a five-minute walk.

UAE Official Department of Health Updates

Official UK Government Updates

Vietnam Updates
 

Reduce exposure

To social media… In order to stay focused on work it is imperative to remain present, and free of negative or stressful thoughts. Even at the very best of times, the platform given to people through social media can be quite toxic or fear inducing, and at this time it’s undeniably best for productivity and mental wellbeing to at least restrict the time spent on social media, or even to abstain from it completely. Having a singular, trusted source of verified news is a good choice to keep track of developments with the virus.

Positive outcomes

Although the current pandemic has brought disruption and uncertainty, it is important to remain optimistic and productive. The world may well be forever changed after coronavirus, and for the better. Scientists are marveling at the impact the lack of global CO2 emissions has had on the environment, and during this period not only will people learn to work smarter, which brings the potential to improve the way our industry functions, but individuals will also have a different perception of how we as people are part of a larger whole - where empathy, care and consideration make life for all on earth far more enriching.

As architects, designers and engineers we are trained to adapt our work to a future which is largely unknown, and we are also flexible in the way we approach tasks to accommodate the circumstances with which we are faced. This is what we must aspire to achieve to ensure this next period of work is as fruitful as it can be, with minimal disruption.

When coronavirus passes and life begins to return to normal, the remote work we do in these coming months will help the world with that process.