How to Stay Organized as a Remote Worker
About a third of the workforce is working remotely at least part of the time. They work from home, from coffee shops and at coworking sites like My Space Downtown.
Workers on the move are cleverly called digital nomads. If this describes your workday, here are some tips on how to stay organized and remain productive.
1.Track your tasks
Start your day with a list of what you want to accomplish. If you pull up stakes for a different work setting, keep the to-do list with you. Use the list to stay focused despite the interruptions of travel. At the end of the day, make sure all items have been addressed or brought forward to tomorrow’s list.
2. Carry a special “kit” bag
Pack a small duffle with supplies that will keep you working even with unexpected disruptions due to travel or unknown problems at remote workspaces. The wi-fi might go out, your headphone batteries might fail, or your stomach might growl. Items to add to the kit: low-sugar snacks, bottled water, extra cables and power cords, extra batteries or power banks, a personal hotspot, notepads, extra pens and pencils, and your day planner. Don’t forget to carry or wear a sweater for places with strong air-conditioning (or poor heating).
3. Download a “personal assistant”
Personal assistant apps are available that will help keep you on task and organized. They’ll help you schedule and remind you of meetings, take dictation, organize emails or even assist with research. Google Calendar, for example, has notifications and reminders. Productivity apps help organize the day, keep track of time by activity and can give you weekly reports. In addition, budgeting apps track expenses, such as mileage or rental costs of coworking spaces
4. Improve your digital filing system
If you’re working from different sites during the day, use a digital filing system that is consistent and logical for quickly locating documents. Make sure your computer has a backup program so these files are protected and available if you should lose or damage your computer. Digitize paper and keep it in the correct electronic folder. Many workers keep their to-do list separate from their computer and on their phone notes section.
5. Organize your communications channels
Depending on your work, you may have several email channels, texting or chatting options, phone numbers or other ways you connect with co-workers or project team members. These incoming messages can become a firehose unless you figure out a way to manage what’s important for today, based on your task list. Don’t let incoming calls stop a productivity burst. Schedule outgoing calls for when you’re least productive.
Remote work offers many positives: more flexibility in the day, more variety, and even more privacy and focus. But remote work has challenges, too. And a big one is staying organized when moving from one work setting to another. These tips will help.