YOU better WORK

How to be more productive, focused and motivated while working remotely.

Set FOCUS PERIODS.

Let’s be real: It’s near impossible to work eight hours at home with no interruptions. (Hello, dog, Amazon delivery and internet.) Toronto-based productivity coach Clare Kumar suggests aiming for two 90-minute focus periods. “[Set] one as early in the day as possible, [when you have] your best energy,” she says. These stretches of time should be reserved for the things you’re actually paid to do—writing, researching, thinking and creating. This will also help you ensure that your most important tasks get done first. Use the time outside of these windows for collaborative work and time-consuming administrative tasks, like catching up on your inbox.

Talk ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED.

Engaging in open and honest conversations with your boss about what you need to do your best work is essential. And if you want special accommodations—like frequent breaks or a shift in working hours—ask for them. “Be so sure of what you need that it becomes non-negotiable,” says Kumar. That way, you can approach the conversation with confidence. She adds that you should discuss not only what the company needs from you but also what you need to be a supportive team member. The key is for your bosses to hear that you understand the importance of your responsibilities. Then you can position your requests to align with them.

Don’t GHOST CO-WORKERS.

Working from home can make us feel isolated, which makes it harder to be productive, says Nita Chhinzer, a professor in human-resource management and business consulting at the University of Guelph. But putting in the effort to remain connected is worthwhile, she says. “[If] you would have had lunch with a colleague every Friday, why not set up [a socially distant alternative] with them instead?” This small step helps maintain relationships and can make your team feel more comfortable asking you for support. If lunch isn’t possible, schedule an extra 15 minutes in your meeting invites to allow for some casual water-cooler convos.

Coach MORE, MANAGE LESS.

If you manage a team, you can help your employees adjust to WFH with coaching. “Rather than the annual performance review, regular coaching sessions can build partnerships with employees,” says Chhinzer. In your sessions, talk with your team about how they are progressing and what they might need help with. Coaching will also alert you to changes you can make that will help everyone work better, like implementing a mentorship program or hosting a team talk on workload management. This approach can reduce stress, teach your employees to work more effectively and help you become more relatable to your team.