4 Tips to Set Your Remote Office Up for Productivity

We no longer have to use air quotes when referring to telecommuting — in 2015, 37% of the U.S. workforce say they have telecommuted. In fact, one of every 11 American workers telecommutes most days of the month.

Working remotely comes with its own set of challenges, though. Here’s our quick guide on how to set yourself up to be a proficient and productive telecommuter:

Sit right — or stand.

Just because you’re not commuting into work doesn’t mean you don’t need a designated workspace. Set up a solid desk and a comfortable business chair in a space where you can shut out interruptions or noise. Mayo Clinic offers guidance on how to do this ergonomically. You may have heard the new health warning: Sitting is the new smoking. Standing desks are trending now and may (or may not) offer health benefits — worth considering as you set up your workspace.

Dress for success.

Mimicking the regular routine of commuting into a traditional office is the key to productivity. Studies show that getting out of your PJs and getting ready for the day as if in an office, sets the mood for pummeling through those projects.

Get outside.

Working remotely gives you the flexibility to walk away and take a breather from the work to recalibrate. Science points to nature as a creativity and brain function booster. Get outside for some fresh air or give yourself permission to join that 10AM yoga class — the more movement the better.

Establish office hours.

Gallup surveys indicate remote workers average four more hours a week than office workers. You may very well find yourself working too much because breaking away from your home office is even harder than you thought it would be. For those not in the same time zone as the office, some recommend matching those office hours. While the biggest appeal of telecommuting is the flexibility it offers, creating a window of time for work will ensure you’re not working around the clock.

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