10 Time Management Tips for Working Remotely

No one can deny that remote working has its perks. However, it isn't all fun and games either. If you're new to it all, not having a manager around might feel strange. No one but you will be responsible for how you spend your work time, and if you don't get the job done, you'll end up in trouble. Of course, not all of us have great time management skills, and if you don't have them, you might struggle to get through the list of your daily tasks. But not to worry, we're here to help. Today, we bring you ten of the best time management tips for working remotely.

Here's everything you need to know, whether you're new to working from home or you've been doing it for some time now. Let's dive in.

1. Create a Schedule

Although it may sound obvious to some of you, having a schedule and a to-do list is vital when you work remotely. Thus, create a plan before you even sit down to do anything. You'll get an idea of what you'll have on your plate that day, and it'll help you slide into a routine. 

And if you're not sure how to do it, start with the basics. Know when you're going to wake up, start your workday, plan when your breaks will be, and when you'll end each day. It's a good idea to figure out at what time of the day you're most productive and schedule your most challenging tasks for it. 

2. Know How You Spend Your Time

Even if you have a schedule on hand, it doesn't mean you'll stay productive. So to ensure your efficiency is high, look deeper into how you spend your time. The best way to do it is to get yourself a time tracking app.

It'll tell you exactly where your work hours go. If you're wasting too much time writing emails, on calls, or working on documents, the app will point it out. You'll get a chance to make improvements where you need them and make the most of your time. 

3. Make a Dedicated Workspace

When working at the office building, you have a dedicated space to do your work. As soon as you see it, your brain will go into focus mode, and you'll be ready to tackle the tasks on hand. So, having such a space at home will do a lot for your productivity. 

Of course, your home office doesn't have to be anything special to make sense. A small table in the corner of a room will do just fine, as long as you use it only for work. When setting it up, think about functionality and don't spare expenses when picking out a chair. You'll spend a lot of your time sitting on it, so do yourself a favor and pick something good. 

4. Take Distractions Away

Most remote workers think of social media as the main culprit when thinking about distractions. However, Facebook and Twitter might not be your worst enemies. 

Think about it this way. When you're all focused on your work and you get a Slack message, what do you do? The chances are that you leave everything aside and respond to that message right away. At the end of the day, you have to prove your productivity somehow. 


Well, in reality, you don't have to act this way. Your colleagues probably won't mind if you reach them a few minutes later. So, put your work first, team communication second, and leave social media for after work hours. 

5. Regular Breaks are Your Friend

It's not a secret that remote workers are more productive than people who work in an office. And not only do they get more things done on a regular day, but they also take fewer sick days. However, this brings a new danger — employee burnout. 

When you work from home, you must understand that it's not all about getting as much done as possible. Instead, it's about staying consistent. So, one of the essential time management tips for working remotely is to take regular breaks. Every 90 minutes or so, stand up from your desk, stretch out a bit, and walk around the room. We promise it'll make you feel much better. 

6. Prioritize Good Night's Sleep

Working from home often means that you don't have to be up at dawn, and we all love that. However, don't let it tempt you into staying up for longer at night. You may need to watch that episode to finish a season, but it might ruin your next workday.
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You must practice healthy sleep hygiene and sleep at least eight hours every night. Although one night won't bring you out of touch, it can quickly turn into a week. If you don't sleep enough, you'll tire your body and make it beg you to slow down. It's not a fun experience, and it's better to avoid it. 

7. Find a Way to Deal With Meetings

Since you won't be at the office, you won't be able to talk to your colleagues in person. Of course, it's not the end of the world, but it means that online meeting sessions will probably become more frequent. It's how business owners try to improve communication, and you can't blame them for it.

To stay on top of your game, it's best to look at your schedule for tomorrow before you sign out for the day. You'll see when your meetings will be so that you can plan your day around them. 

8. Set Boundaries

If you're a working parent or sharing your living space, you'll need to set some boundaries when you work. Make sure your friends and family understand that the fact you're home doesn't mean you aren't working. Let them know about your schedule, so they don't become a distraction.

9. Dress for Work

Let's face it, many of us don't mind staying in pajamas or yoga pants all day around when working from home. And while doing this might make you feel more comfortable, dressing up for work will bring you some benefits.

Changing into your work clothes will help you get in the right frame of mind. You'll feel ready for anything the day can throw at you, and you'll be surprised how your time management improves. Try it and thank us later.

10. Reward Yourself

If you feel like you lack motivation when working from home, reward yourself when you get something done. Of course, the breaks you take throughout the day will feel like rewards, but it's even better if you compliment them with a healthy snack. So make yourself a nice cup of tea, listen to your favorite song, or meditate for a couple of minutes. It'll make you feel good.

And those were ten of the best time management tips for working remotely you'll ever get. Make use of them all, and you'll enjoy your workdays like never before. 
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