Tips for Managing Remote Work Motivation

I’ve been working #remote, managing teams/projects for a > 10 years now. Yesterday I saw a post on remote employees taking sick days (please do!), and it reminded me of a few tips I have: 1) Have an activity that signals the start of your work day and the end of your work day → Find smth to signal your brain that test is over, play is paused, and work is starting → Showers, walks, breakfast, etc.. → Working remote ≠ no boundaries (you have to be diligent about setting them) 2) Have frequent small breaks to stave off sedentary life at the desk → Get up and move for 5 min every hour between meetings or Pomodoro or some other system 3) Dedicate a space away from bed or the sofa for work → Protect your home spaces for rest and recovery (this is key) → No rolling over and taking meetings from bed → You need your home to stay a sanctuary for rest, recovery, and recreation 4) Connect with other people → Don’t get stuck in isolation → Make friendship/family dates/weekly outdoor meetup with strangers, whatever works.. 5) Create non-project connection points with your remote peers → You don’t have to be bffs over slack, but build culture and friendships, even if strictly professional → Engage in virtual water cooler/non-stressful shop talk 6) Block out the same non-office distractions you would in a physical office → If Ln is distracting for you, limit it during the day → Stay away from Netflix or whatever you have popping in your living room → Treat your “on” hours as you would in a real office 7) Prepare your snack/coffee/tea bar → Plus pro tip, don't get all your lunches via delivery apps. Either cook them, microwave them, or go get them → Again, time away from the screen + social interaction → Break up the sedentary potential, and save yourself some $$ Remote working can be very challenging - it took a few years to get *some* of this to be fully habitual. My final suggestion is making just even 1 or 2 of these stick after 3 months will pay dividends in managing your boundaries in working remotely. Any thoughts? #career #leadership

It's no secret that remote working is on the rise, and seems to be an integral part of future employment. There are positive aspects of working remotely such as increased flexibility for employees and decreased overhead for businesses. However, there are difficulties associated with working away from the office as well. As Wartech Engineering grows I am continuously working from various mobile office locations like my hotel room or rental vehicle. Throughout my years of remote working, I have found a few things that help me stay focused and productive while working remotely. Do you have any other tips to help fellow remote or hybrid workers optimize their productivity when away from the office? Tips to stay focused and productive while remote working -Get up early. Set a schedule for yourself like you would if you were in the office. -Get dressed. This seems trivial, but the old adage "dress for success" works to put the mind in work mode. It may seem tempting to work in your pajamas, but just don't do it. - Designate a workspace. Keep your work area free of clutter and create a mobile office area that is mindfully prepared with any tools or supplies you may need throughout the day. - Make a daily to-do list. Write out a list of all the things you need to do that day and prioritize them most important things first. - Make time for breaks and lunch. Take short breaks to stay mentally sharp. Take time away from your computer screen during lunch. - Stay in the loop. Keep communication flowing with co-workers and employees via phone calls and virtual meetings. - Ask for feedback. Be proactive when communicating with others and asking if there is anything else they need from you while you are away from the office. - Ask for support. Practice open communication and let others know if you need support from them to meet goals or deadlines while you are away from the office. #remoteworking #productivity #workfromhome #business #future

Working remote can feel lonely, and isolating, especially when you have a very autonomous role such as recruitment or talent acquisition. There will be days where you feel engaged, running from video meeting to video meeting, scheduling interviews in between, and struggling to actually find the time to do outreach... And there will be days when ALL you do is motivate yourself to do outreach. The key is balance - it's difficult to achieve sometimes, but here are 3 ways I make a conscience effort to do so: [1] Schedule A Lunch / Break Time By doing this, and adhering by it, (unless there is a meeting or production activity that bleeds in - which is fine), it allows me to disconnect from my work for a period of time. I'm able to go eat lunch with my wife and relax for a bit, letting my brain reset before getting back to it. [2] Get Outside When Possible If the weather allows, I try and get outside during some point in my day. It could be taking the laptop out to the porch and doing some work there, or it could mean a walk during my lunch break. Believe it or not, getting outside, sunny or not (sunshine is better) will bring your mood and productivity up. [3] Stay Connected with Colleagues I try and check-in with teammates and keep the team aspect alive, because sometimes it can be forgotten in our specific roles. After all, feeling like you're part of a team is important - especially when building teams. These are just my practices that work for me - but, I'm always looking to add some to my arsenal; curious to know what works for you? #TalentAcqusition #RemoteWork #Recruitment

Remote work isn’t for everyone. And, I know, that’s a tough pill to swallow. But to be a remote worker, and especially a freelancer, you have to have one crucial component: unwavering self-motivation. Yet keeping that motivation going is harder than it looks. To be a remote worker or full-time freelancer, you’ve got to: ✅ Be your own boss ✅ Make your own hours ✅ Drive your own marketing and advertising campaigns Sounds amazing, right? It is…as long as you don’t falter. No, I’m not saying you can never take time off. Just that you have to be diligent in keeping yourself on track, in chasing your goals, and, especially with your time management. Here are some ways I stayed on track with business goals after going full-time freelancing. 1️⃣ I kept my same daily routine. I’ve heard from a lot of people that they would love the flexibility to work whenever they wanted if they worked remotely. But, as it turns out, that’s not as great as it sounds, or not for me. Keeping a more traditional workday allows me to be present when my family (kids and husband) are home, and that is professional freedom. 2️⃣ I set boundaries with my clients and my team members. Many freelancers work outside of everyday business hours. They may be located in a different time zone, or simply prefer to work at night, on weekends, holidays, etc. I had to establish that I would not be available during these times. This has helped me avoid burnout and helped me keep a sense of work-life balance. 3️⃣ I set aside time each day and week to work on my business goals. It’s all too easy to let client work take up all of my hours each day — after all, it pays the bills! But I can’t learn and grow if I don’t make time for: 🟢 Marketing my business 🟢 Goal planning 🟢 Connecting with others in my network 🟢 Reading and research 4️⃣ I made more time than ever before for leisure time. Not having enough work-life balance is one of the biggest reasons I’d chased this freelance dream. Now, I take more time off, and I am diligent about being “off” when I’m not working. ✖️I don’t obsessively check work emails or Slack ✖️I don’t respond to work communications until I return to work ✖️I no longer feel guilty in prioritizing my mental health and need for rest The results of this last one have been far-reaching. I come back to work actually refreshed, restored, and more creatively tuned in than ever. How do you stay on track with motivation as a freelancer or remote worker? #freelancetips #businessgrowthtips #businessowner #remoteworktips _________________________ I work with industry leaders to help drive content strategy, solve production issues, and make impactful on-page changes for helpful content. Get more info at the link in my profile.

We've all been there: you wake up in the morning, but instead of feeling ready to take on the day, you're feeling low, unmotivated, and unproductive. This experience is all too familiar for many of us and I am no exception. When left unchecked, this pattern can create a vicious cycle that negatively impacts your personal and professional growth. You might brush it off as just a 'bad day' but when this becomes a pattern, it takes a toll on how you show up for your loved ones, your team, and your overall productivity. To tackle this issue, I reached out to my friend Dr. Srinidhi Desikan, a Ph.D. holder in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and an Integrated mindset & Decision Coach who is the founder of ‘Courage Quest’. Here is what she has to say: Motivation is an ever-changing force. It is not an innate trait but a transient sensation that accompanies our human experience. It ebbs and flows, and cannot be relied upon consistently. But here's the fascinating part: our actions and physical state have a profound impact on our brains and the feelings we experience. When facing low motivation and unproductive days, here are four tips that you can implement to boost your motivation and productivity: 1. Start a 'Tech-Free Morning': Avoid your mobile for at least the first hour of your day to let your mind complete its restorative sleep cycle. 2. Mood-Boosting Activities: Physical exercise, or listening to some foot-tapping music, releases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. 3. Mood Intentions and Process-Oriented Goals: Begin each day by setting positive mood intentions and focus on the steps needed for task completion rather than solely on outcomes. This activates intrinsic motivation, leading to progress and satisfaction. 4. Fuel your day with nourishing foods: Consuming a balanced meal can optimize brain function for the day. Include brain-friendly foods like fatty fish, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits like avocados and blueberries. Shaking off sluggish days might feel daunting, but it's certainly doable. Consider them stepping stones towards self-growth and productivity. Embrace them! Piqued your curiosity and craving for more? 👉 Comment below the word “BRAIN” to receive a FREE copy of ‘Spark & Thrive’ - a motivation and productivity workbook, courtesy of Srinidhi. 👇 P.S: For a limited time only, Srinidhi is also graciously offering a FREE 'Brain Boost' session to delve deeper into your thought processes, and take control of your actions! ♻ Repost if you found this useful. ----- Follow me, tap the (🔔) on my profile Omar Halabieh You will be notified the second I post. Let's unleash your leadership potential and fast-track your career 🚀 #leadership #career #manager #motivation #emotionalintelligence

You're in a remote meeting, video on, but your focus is wavering. That pile of laundry in your peripheral view is a nagging reminder of the never-ending to-do list lurking just beyond your laptop screen. The blurring of work and personal life is a common challenge when working remotely. But what if there was a way to help you stay focused and productive while working from home? In my years of coaching hundreds of remote workers, I've found one solution - a dedicated workspace. It's simple, yet often overlooked. Our physical environment plays a pivotal role in how we show up for work. Consider the shift in your mindset and energy when you swap your cluttered kitchen table for a neat, organized desk at a dedicated corner in your house. The difference is palpable. A designated workspace enhances efficiency and a calm mindset, reinforces your professional identity, and serves as a physical cue to switch to work mode. Moreover, it helps maintain a healthy boundary between work and personal life, preventing work from invading your leisure space. You 'clock out' by simply stepping away from your workspace. Facing space constraints? Get creative. A client of mine ingeniously used a mobile desk that she stowed away post-work! If you've been grappling with remote work productivity, give this strategy a try and watch your focus and efficiency soar. #Productivity #RemoteWork #WorkingFromHome #Coaching #Tips

How I Overcame the Loneliness of Being a People Person in a Remote Job Working from home is great, but if you're someone who thrives on the energy of other people, It can start to feel like you're the only one left in a never-ending episode of "Survivor." Here are a few tricks to make remote work feel less lonely: 1/ Change of Scenery → Once a week, I make sure to work somewhere other than home. ↳ Local Spots: A hotel lobby during a work trip or the Starbucks down the street helps recharge my social battery. 2/ Real Conversations → I've swapped some emails for actual phone calls. ↳ Simple Check-Ins: Asking "how's your day?" goes a long way. Props to Fenton, Chad, Ray, and Chris for the lively chats! 3/ Stay Active → A daily goal of 12,000 steps helps me stay sharp and energized. ↳ Walk and Think: A brisk walk often leads to some of my best problem-solving. 4/ Focus with Sound → Binaural beats are a staple in my daily routine, keeping me focused and calm for the 75% of my workday. ↳ ADHD Tip: For those who get distracted easily, this could be a game-changer. Your perfect remote work formula is out there. Remember to mix it up, find what clicks, and take care of your mental wellbeing. The right routine can make all the difference. P.S. Who keeps you sane in your remote work life? Tag your virtual coffee buddy below

As the CEO of a remote company, here is my advice on staying productive when working from home:     In my opinion, one of the most important parts of remaining productive at home is having a dedicated workspace. Do your best to re-create the same technology set-up at home that you would have in the office.   For example, if you don't have monitors or a desk at your remote work-location, it is unlikely you're going to be as productive.   It's also important to note that everyone works differently. For me, I need silence to do my best work, but for others, background noise is essential.   💡 Find the environment you work best in and tailor your remote working space to that environment. That might be pumping in background noise, working in a coffee shop, or investing in a co-working space.   ***********************************   Focus blocks can also be a key driver of productivity.   This may include blocking off your calendar for a couple of hours each day or week, giving yourself uninterrupted time to knock out crucial tasks. During focus blocks, you may even consider closing out your Outlook and Teams/Slack.   Is there a chance you might miss an important email?   Sure, but that email can wait a couple of hours for your response.   A study by the University of California at Irvine indicated that it takes most people 23 minutes and 15 seconds to recover from an interruption such as checking an email. 😲   Another way to eliminate distractions is by setting your phone up to have a "Work Focus." This Apple feature allows you set designated work hours, so you only receive notifications from work platforms and select contacts during hours of your choosing.   ***********************************   Finally, another key to staying productive while working remote is being comfortable.   It's important to dress for the day, so you're appropriate for video meetings, while also making sure you're comfortable at the same time. (This could mean a dress shirt paired with sweatpants 😄).   You should ensure your desk set up is comfortable as well. Do you have a comfortable office chair? Do you want to invest in a stand-up desk or even a walking pad?   Having the right home-office equipment can multiply your productivity.   ***********************************   These are just a few ways that have helped me and my team optimize our productivity while working in remote settings.   Most importantly, it's essential to find the strategy that works best for you.   ***********************************   How do you stay productive in a remote work environment? Drop your tips in the comments below!   #MustardSeedPMO #RemoteWork 

Need help to stay motivated while working remotely? This "lab" concept could be your solution! It's a structured collaboration setting where people with similar roles give each other feedback on projects. I love the idea of social accountability. Getting valuable insights from colleagues who understand your challenges is a game-changer. The article mentions two strategies for designing an effective "lab": 1. Build community: lab members meet weekly in person to share a two-minute update about their work the previous week. 2. Leverage synchronous feedback: instead of traditional presentations, lab members prepare a document that everyone reads together during the meeting. This eliminates the need for advance work and allows for immediate feedback using tools like Google Docs. This efficient process can lead to stimulating discussions and creative solutions. Overall, this article provides brilliant tips for leaders on creating hybrid work environments that promote intellectual stimulation, collaboration, and, ultimately, more creative outcomes. Intrigued? Read the full article for more details!" #collaboration #kellogginsight #kelloggleader #hybrid

The remote worker’s mental health guide. 5 strategies for work-life integration: 𝟭/ 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 The traditional to-do list is full of work tasks. But the remote worker’s to-do list should include: • Time for hobbies • Time for loved ones • Time for exercise and health practices Instead of forcing productivity, compel yourself to take breaks. 𝟮/ 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 Work performance and wellness are intricately linked. • Saunas cleanse the body and relieve stress • Breathwork keeps you grounded and reduces anxiety • Cold showers/ice baths trigger mood-enhancing endorphins Use your biology to your advantage. 𝟯/ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆 Technology is a double edged sword. While indispensable, it can also be a source of constant distraction. • Limit notifications • Set designated tech-free times • Use time-management and organization tools Remember: technology is the tool, not the master. 𝟰/ 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 > 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 The pursuit of work-life balance can seem unattainable for remote workers. Instead, strive for work-life integration. Foster support by sharing, wins, struggles and valuable lessons with your family. Work and life are two parts of a greater whole. 𝟱/ 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Hold weekly accountability meetings with yourself. Ask the hard questions: • Where have I been falling short? • What caused me to feel out of balance? • Where can I improve? Progress is a journey, not a destination. Reflect, learn, grow. 5 strategies for remote work-life integration: 1/ Reverse discipline 2/ Hack your biology 3/ Use tech wisely 4/ Integration > balance 5/ Self-accountability Thanks for reading. What has helped you thrive in the remote work lifestyle? Share your thoughts below, and follow me for more.