Organizing Your Remote Work Space - 3 Areas

Continuing in the theme of this month around time management and productivity, today our attention turns to Organizing Your Remote Workspace.
​As a virtual or remote worker, having an organized workspace can be challenging. Sometimes we may be working out of a space that serves many more people (think – the family or room mates), sometimes we may be on the move, and other times we may be needing to work off-hours.

Getting organized in your virtual space is key to productivity success. This may look different for each one of us. Three areas you will want to consider getting organized around includes:
·         Reducing Distractions
·         Files
·         Email
 
#1 – Reducing Distractions – Take note of the workspace you have and the distractions which are common. If you are working in a shared space, what can you do to minimize interruptions from others, or enhance privacy? Could this mean changing your working hours, or flow of work?
There can also be many visual distractions, from clutter to the pull of what’s around our periphery. Investing in regular time for clean up and decluttering can do a long way. This could also mean investing in a screen or other item that could serve as a barrier.
Consider other elements which will add to your workspace including lighting and a clear and comfortable space to work at. Power sources and chairs may round out the list.
 
#2  - Files
Files and materials take all different shapes and forms. From digital to paper based, what are the files you are needing to keep at hand?
How can you access them?
What can you do to ensure they are secure?
What organizing do you need to complete with them?
 
#3 – Email – Email can become an all-consuming entity. While some jobs require that you are on a significant part of the day, can you experiment with windows where you shut down email? Dr. Gloria Mark found that when distracted, it could take us upwards of 22 minutes to get back on task. When you need to focus on “deep work” (reports, analysis, creating, thinking) what windows have you created for yourself?
What else is going to help you focus and thrive in your remote work-space?
Share with us the one thing that has made all the difference in your working remote.

Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPT
Author of several books including: PlanDoTrack (2019), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Effective Group Coaching (2010)
Potentials Realized  - Specializing in support to virtual and remote teams, leaders and entrepreneurs
Award-winning Coaching Skills Training
Book a call with Jennifer

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