Working Remotely? 5 Tips to Successfully Structure Your Work Time

Whether you’re an entrepreneur striking out on your own or a remote employee, the freedom to work anywhere — or any time — can be both wonderful and burdensome. Many people find it difficult to structure their time, focus on the right things, and prevent distractions. If you are in this position, you’re not alone. Explore a few tips you can use to help structure your workday the right way.

1. Set a Schedule

When allowed the freedom to set their own schedule, workers tend to accidentally fall into two categories. The first is someone who too rarely actually works and gets too little done. They are in contrast to the second — a worker who spends too much personal time working, to the detriment of their family or friends.

Prevent this from happening to you by setting and sticking to a schedule. It doesn’t have to be 9 to 5, but it should be regular and consistent. Don’t give up if this is hard to keep up with. It will get easier as you build the habit.

2. Integrate Some Office Time

Working from home or on the road might make your time less efficient, less productive, and easier to skip. You may find it useful to actually go to some sort of office to work at least part of the time.

Look for a rented office space you can use in ways that meet your goals without demanding too much of you. For instance, you might arrange to work in a shared office one or two days per week or only in the mornings or to get caught up each time you return from a sales trip on the road. These spaces also provide tailored settings, such as both private offices and shared co-working desks.

3. Find Your Productive Hours

Analyze yourself, your habits, and your work personality. What days and times of days are you the most productive or effective at working? Use these times to your advantage. Schedule your biggest or most detailed projects during your most productive hours. Use other hours for things like meetings, reading trade publications, returning emails or calls, or continuing education.

You need a physical workspace, of course, that can adapt to your personal schedule. Early riser or night owl? Go into an office away from the household so you can work at your own best time without ruining the whole family’s schedule.

4. Behave Professionally

Even if you don’t go into your employer’s office, make a habit of doing professional things that get you in the mindset of working hard.

For most people, this means dressing semi-professionally rather than working in your pajamas. Set up your workspace in a professional manner. Take scheduled breaks. Inform friends and family that you won’t handle personal calls during work hours. You might even use noise-canceling headphones at times.

5. Meet With Other Professionals

Isolation isn’t always good for your career or your mental health. If you work with a remote team, meet with them in person and over videoconferencing on a regular basis.

Work by yourself? Co-working spaces and shared offices allow you to have your own space to do your own business but also have interaction with like-minded professionals. Their experience, influence, and business activities will help you maintain your own. Network with them not only about business matters but also what they’ve learned as remote workers.

You can make yourself a better entrepreneur or remote worker by creating the right environment. PS Executive Centers can help. We offer a range of services to target your goals on any budget — as much or as little as you need. Visit us online or stop by any of our six convenient locations to see how we can help you.