Working from the comfort of our homes is a dream come true for a lot of us. No more dealing with the traffic on our daily commute to the office. No more stressing about what clothes to wear because PJs will do. Who wouldn’t covet that, right?
Most workers like the work-from-home setup, but there’s another side to consider. There are cons just as there are pros to the remote work culture. It’s all fun and games—until you hit that first productivity block. Tools like TimeWarp TaskUs can help you tackle challenges. They keep you focused and boost your productivity. So, you can work more effectively and move forward with ease.
What is a ‘Productivity Block’?
Productivity block happens when an employee can’t focus on work or finish tasks on time. This can be due to distractions from outside or inside sources. The term is a play on “writer’s block,” except that it’s your ability to be productive that is hindered. It manifests in a lot of ways, such as:
- Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work you are facing
- Can’t maintain momentum because of distractions
- Finding reasons why you can’t complete your tasks
- Lack of motivation to start your work
This struggle is tougher for people working from home. Without a manager or coworkers, it’s hard to stay accountable and meet quotas. It all depends on the employee’s ability to be self-motivated. If they struggle with that, it can lead to productivity blocks. But, understandably, it is easier said than done. We gathered insights from remote work managers and experts. They shared their best methods for maintaining team productivity in a remote setup.
Tips to Combat Productivity Block in Remote Work
1. Embrace Asynchronous Setup.
Asynchronous work means working in a team where not everyone needs to be online at the same time. It allows employees to work on their tasks at their own pace and within their own schedules.
Working from home means employees face different environments at home. This is different from an office, where everyone shares the same atmosphere. This makes it hard for management to create rules and policies that keep all team members safe. Rather, it’s best to follow an asynchronous work setup and track performance, not hours.
An asynchronous setup is key. It helps employees maintain a good work-life balance. This setup helps them stay productive at work. It also lets them manage their personal and professional commitments. Employees engage better when they can finish tasks without strict deadlines or schedules. “This gives them more independence and freedom,” said Robert Johnson, Marketing Director at Coast Appliances.
2. Encourage Employees to Follow a Daily Routine
Routines are healthy for the human brain. A routine can be calming and lower anxiety, a study from Tel Aviv University found. If you want to use tip #1, encourage employees to stick to their daily routine, even in an asynchronous work setup. Encourage them to discover what suits them. This way, they can pinpoint their most productive times of the day.
“As a creature of routine, I can attest to how helpful it is in maintaining my momentum throughout the week. It keeps me from being idle or getting overwhelmed with what to tackle first on my to-do list. “That’s why I emphasize it in my remote management style, even when working asynchronously,” said Fred Kuffer, Director of Insurance at BrokerLink.
3. Foster Team Interactions.
Bantering with workmates can make employees feel less alone. Team interactions prevent them from feeling isolated. This builds camaraderie at work. It keeps employees engaged and creates a productive mindset. The more comfortable they feel with their colleagues, the better remote collaboration becomes.
“Fostering team interactions in remote work is key. It helps employees feel connected to their team and community, even when they aren’t in an office.” It breaks that virtual barrier in the remote work setup. “Employees can still form strong, supportive relationships from afar,” said Adam Garcia, founder of Stock Dork.
4. Establish a Dedicated Workstation.
Your workspace should be a distraction-free zone. This is crucial when you’re working from home—especially then.
Remote managers must make sure employees have a proper workstation at home. This space should be free from constant distractions. Staying away from distractions helps beat productivity blocks. It lets you focus fully on the task at hand.
“Having a designated workstation at home is really important. It helps you stay focused and organized.” A tidy workspace boosts your efficiency when tackling local SEO solutions. “Setting up a workstation at home helps separate work from personal life. “This helps you concentrate on tasks without distractions,” said Garrett Smith, head of Local SEO at GMB Gorilla.
5. Conduct Company-Wide Scheduled Movement Breaks
Moving the body helps reset the mind and get into a refreshed headspace. A light stretch or a quick cardio burst can boost endorphins. This is a great way to kickstart your productivity. Also, it’s a fun way to bond with colleagues!
“Movement helps reduce stress. It lets you release frustration and negative energy.” We do company-wide movement exercises for at least 15 minutes each morning when everyone clocks in. This helps us kickstart our workday with energy. It sets the tone for a productive day ahead of us,” said Sam Tabak, co-founder of RMBH Charities.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re new to remote work or a seasoned pro, always seek ways to enhance the remote employee experience. That way, you save the company from increased burnout and turnover rates. Don’t get complacent because what’s working now may only be a temporary fix for another workplace issue.