Time management: Advice to help maximize your remote productivity
Having trouble adjusting to a flexible, remote workday? Our experts share some advice on how you can make the most of your new situation.
“Flexible working isn’t always a walk in the park. Many people work more efficiently in a traditional 9-5 routine and find that flexible working hours can blur the lines between work and personal life. Employees moving to a flexible working schedule for the first
time should be disciplined with their schedule, be super communicative with managers about hours online, and make sure not to completely neglect the ‘old office life’ but rather set time for face-toface interaction with your new flexible freedom. There are huge benefits of seeing colleagues in person, even if on an infrequent basis. With these steps, workers will be able to get the most out of this new — and welcome — flexibility.” – Andrew Hunter, cofounder of Adzuna
“Make sure you understand your own working style and play to your strengths. When they can, [managers] should make sure they’re planning meetings at times when employees don’t normally peak in
productivity. And [employees] should use their most productive hours for headsdown work when they need to remain laser-focused. At the same time, if you know that socializing in the morning will be a good kickstart to your day, use that period to focus on collaborative projects for a strong start before diving into other work.”
– Aleksandra Sulimko, chief human resources officer at The Soul Publishing
“Work with your manager to align on goals and expectations for your work and
a structure for measuring productivity.
Modern managers are realizing that success is not measured by hours worked but by the impact your work has
on the team and overall organization. Once goals are set, find ways to hold yourself to task to ensure you are able to demonstrate the impact you have even if working asynchronously or remotely. – Rhiannon Staples, CMO, Hibob “Consistent communication is fundamental for successfully managing
flexible working hours. Tracking your own schedule and communicating your availability, along with planned deliverables, to your coworkers and
managers, is key to maintaining great working relationships in a hybrid environment. Set regular calls and meetings with your managers and direct reports to effectively manage both up and down. It’s important to have set check-ins to inform and influence any shifting goals or priorities. After so much time apart, we’re learning just how much business was being performed on the way to the coffee machine or before and after a meeting. Although these impromptu interactions aren’t easily replicated when working a hybrid or flexible schedule, checking-in often provides the opportunity to remain aligned. Invest time in ensuring everyone you’re working with feels comfortable with their projects and understands your contribution. This is imperative to keeping your team productive which, in turn, will boost your productivity and ultimate success.”
– Mike Morini, CEO, WorkForce Software