How to Create a Remote Work Schedule
Working from home is a dream for many people. It's no secret that remote work comes with a lot of perks: no rush-hour traffic, more time with family and friends, and the ability to take care of personal errands during the day. But one of the biggest challenges of remote work is creating a schedule that works for you. How do you ensure you're productive when no one is looking over your shoulder? How do you make sure that you're not working all hours of the day? In this blog post, we will walk you through how to create a remote work schedule that works for you!
Discuss your working hours and work-life balance boundaries with your supervisor
One of the great things about remote work is that it gives you the flexibility to create a schedule that works for you and your lifestyle. But before you start setting your own hours, it's important to discuss your expectations with your supervisor. What are their expectations for your working hours? What is their definition of a successful remote worker? By having this conversation upfront, you will be able to set realistic expectations for yourself and avoid any surprises down the road.
Once you've discussed your working hours with your supervisor, it's time to start creating your remote work schedule! Here are a few tips to get you started:
Block your non-working hours
One of the most important things to do when creating a remote work schedule is to block out your non-working hours. This includes time for sleep, meals, personal errands, and anything else you would like to do outside work. By blocking out these times first, you will be able to see how many hours you have available to work each day.
Create a daily routine
Once you know how many hours you have available to work each day, it's time to create a daily routine. This can include things like taking a few minutes each morning to review your goals for the day, taking regular breaks throughout the day, and scheduling time for exercise or relaxation in the evening. By creating a daily routine, you will be able to stay focused and on track throughout the day.
Set aside time for deep work
One of the best things about working from home is that you can set aside time for deep work. It refers to performing tasks with full focus and no outside distractions.
To accomplish deep work, the task must not be dull, must not be something you have previously mastered, but must not be too difficult. Aside from that, you must satisfy the following two requirements:
- You must work completely focused, with no distractions or interruptions. You must also be well rested, emotionally stable, and moderately thrilled about the job challenge.
- You must work on a task slightly outside your comfort zone, something that is both a challenge for you and something in which you are naturally skilled.
By setting aside time for deep work, you will be able to get more done in less time.
Make sure to schedule breaks
While it's important to set aside time for deep work, it's also important to schedule breaks. Breaks are essential for maintaining your focus and preventing burnout. Make sure to schedule at least a few minutes each hour for a break, and take longer breaks every couple of hours. Since remote work means that you're basically in front of your computer or laptop, it is advisable to rest your eyes for a couple of minutes every hour.
Taking breaks might be difficult when you're putting out fantastic material or working on a tight deadline. However, many marketers claim that doing so helps them avoid getting burned out, and it even helps boost creativity.
Block some openings every day for emergency or ad hoc tasks
No matter how well you plan, there will always be days when things come up that you didn't expect. That's why it's important to block off some time each day for emergency or ad hoc tasks. This way, if something comes up, you can take care of it without throwing off your entire schedule.
End your day with a wind-down routine
Just as it's important to start your day with a routine, it's also important to end your day with a wind-down routine. This can include things like disconnecting from work, setting aside time for relaxation or hobbies, and preparing for the next day. By ending your day with a wind-down routine, you will be able to recharge and relax before starting fresh the next day.
Don't forget to schedule work-life balance activities
Last but not least, don't forget to schedule work-life balance activities. These can include things like spending time with family and friends, taking vacations, and pursuing hobbies outside of work. By scheduling these activities, you will be able to maintain a healthy balance between work and life.
in fact, research suggests that work-life balance is an important engagement strategy for developing proactive, dedicated employees. According to the Corporate Executive Board, employees with a healthy work-life balance are 21% more productive.
Creating a remote work schedule can be a challenge, but it's definitely doable with some planning and effort. By following the tips above, you'll be on your way to creating a remote work schedule that works for you. Do you have any other tips for creating a remote work schedule? Share them in the comments below!