How to Increase Remote Work Productivity
With most firms having to adapt to remote work, many of the tried-and-tested methods don’t seem to hold up at home while increased productivity is possible if your team has overcome the many challenges and obstacles that accompany remote working.
For years, businesses have relied on traditional office strategies to maximize employee productivity but the rapid shift to remote work has challenged the old conventional approaches.
Remote work demonstrates that distributed teams can be just as productive, if not more so, than teams that work in the same building.
To get around the problems that come with being physically separated, though, you need deliberate ways to communicate, powerful tools for working together, and a strong focus on team culture.
Challenges of Remote Work
As telecommuting becomes more popular and changes the way people work, it's important to know what gets in the way of being productive from home.
Communication Barriers
📖Not being able to talk to each other in person makes it hard to clearly share information and ideas.
According to studies:
... the increase of remote work, a scattered workforce, the introduction of new communication technologies, and varying employee expectations are just a few of the challenges that have evolved in recent years that impede effective communication.
How it Shows Up in Working from Home🛑
- Troubles with figuring out the tone of text messages and emails
- Misunderstandings caused by a lack of visual cue
- Problems with coming up with thoughts and brainstorming
- Loss of facial and body movement
- Not having enough casual social interactions
- It can be hard to connect with someone online
- Communication in different time zones could cause project delays
- Having trouble keeping the talk going
- Longer timelines for solving problems
- Problems outside of business hours can easily turn into emergencies.
Isolation and Loneliness
📖Feelings of being separate and socially disconnected from coworkers.
How it Shows Up in Remote Work🛑
- Fewer chances to connect with others
- Feelings of being left out of team relationships
- Not enough exposure to formal knowledge
- Not enough chances to be mentored on the spot
- Less knowledge of changes in the organization
- Having less access to leadership and fewer chances to network
- Not enough informal comments ("out of sight, out of mind" syndrome could happen)
- More stress about how well you're doing at work
- Overworking to make up for problems with visibility
- Pulling away from online social interactions
- Putting things off because they don't have any direct control
- Finding it hard to leave work mode
- Changes in sleep routine.
Alla Chernets
Time Zone Differences
📖Different areas have different local times, which makes it harder to plan and work together.
How It Shows Up in Working From Home🛑
- Few opportunities to work together
- Organizing meetings can be hard
- Impact on work-life balance when accommodating global teams
- Reduced overlap in working hours
- Delayed responses create bottlenecks
- Solving urgent issues or emergencies can be overwhelming
- Context getting lost in long delays between responses
- Increased written communication versus real-time discussion
- Difficulty maintaining conversational flow
- Extended project timelines due to handoff delays
- Being tired from meetings early in the morning or late at night
- Stress from having to figure out time differences all the time
- Complicated sprint planning across time zones
- Delayed code reviews and approvals
- Difficulty coordinating deployments and releases
- Challenges with troubleshooting in real time.
Alla Chernets
Distractions at Home
📖Distractions or interruptions that happen at home and make it hard to concentrate and work.
How it Shows Up in Working from Home
- People in the family or friends making noise
- Household tasks that clearly need attention
- Deliveries and ringing the doorbell
- Activities of neighbors and noise outside
- Pets that need care
- Notifications on devices
- Easy access to social media
- Temptation to shop online
- Video game machines close by
- Gaming consoles within reach
- Non-work browser tabs
- Children's schedules and needs
- Irregular meal times
- Household maintenance visits
- Blurred boundaries between work/home mindset
- Feeling of always being "at home"
Performance Monitoring
📖This is the process of judging how well an employee is doing, which can be hard to do from afar.
How It Shows Up in Working From Home🛑
- The old "time in office" measurements don't matter anymore
- The risk of both under- and over-reporting work hours is there
- Managers can't see how people work and how well they do their jobs
- Risk of building mistrust through too much surveillance
- Different home settings have different effects on how productive people are
- Performance is affected by different internet speeds and technical skills
- Problems with setting fair standards in a variety of faraway locations
- Few chances for casual conversations about performance
- Collaboration and group quality are hard to judge, and it's hard to spot signs of stress or burnout.
Work-Life Balance
📖For remote workers, maintaining a work-life balance gets difficult when you work from home
How It Shows Up in Working From Home🛑
- Work and personal spaces are mixed up.
- Mentally "leaving work" is hard: there is no real separation between work and personal spaces.
- Likely to work longer because there is no need to spend time on commute
- Feeling pushed to show productivity
- Having trouble turning off a computer
- Obligation to be "always online" and answering messages outside of work hours.
Technology Reliance
📖Total dependence on digital tools and platforms to make work, contact, and teamwork easier
How It Shows Up in Working From Home🛑
- Meetings are being hampered by unstable internet connection
- Audio/video quality issues that make it hard to understand the message
- Problems with platform support on different devices
- Having trouble getting to shared tools
- Loss of messages if there are several communication platforms in use
- Notification fatigue causes people to miss updates
- There is a learning curve that comes with new tools.
Team Cohesion
📖Team cohesion is the feeling of togetherness and working together among team members, which can be hard to keep up when they are spread out geographically.
How It Shows Up in Working From Home🛑
- Fewer casual talks and interactions that happen on the spot
- Body language and nonverbal cues that were missed
- Responses that were late because of time differences
- More likely to misunderstand each other
- Information silos develop more easily
- Reduced informal learning opportunities
- Difficulty in maintaining consistent documentation
- Limited organic knowledge transfer between team members
- Fewer opportunities for personal connections
- Difficulty building psychological safety
- Limited social bonding experiences
- Challenges in developing mutual understanding
- Harder to align on priorities and deadlines
- Duplicate work due to poor coordination
- Weakened shared team culture and values.
Lack of Professional Development Opportunities
📖Not enough training, mentoring, and chances to grow that help people move up in their careers.
How It Shows Up in Working From Home🛑
- People who work from home might not keep up with new tools and trends in their field.
- Not enough time to learn about new methods and best practices
- Fewer chances to learn from the experience of others Fewer chances to show that they can be leaders
- Less exposure for chances to get promoted
- Problems getting the skills needed for bigger jobs
- Not taking advantage of the natural learning opportunities
- Not getting enough exposure to information from other departments
- Not having as many chances to build mentoring relationships
- Not as many chances to make real business connections
- Fewer chances for working together to learn.
Inadequate Feedback
📖Lack of regular and constructive feedback can demotivate employees and arrest professional development.
How It Shows Up in Working From Home🛑
- Employees don't have a good idea of how well they're doing their jobs.
- Can't see how people are reacting right away or pick up on subtle cues about their work
- May keep making mistakes without realizing it
- Not enough information about growth places and chances
- Problems figuring out which skills to put first
- Disconnect between what people think are their goals and what they actually do
- Risk of working on the wrong things
- Problems stay unfixed for longer when feedback isn't given quickly.
- Troubles that start out small can turn into bigger issues
- Fewer chances for early action.
How To Improve Remote Work: 7 Proven Strategies
1. Implement Check-Ins
Why Check-Ins Are Beneficial
- Touchpoints every day or every week keep the team connected
- Check-ins help get problems solved quickly
- They put light pressure on you to keep making progress
- They help avoid holding too many meetings.
- They make things clear and keep everybody informed.
How to Implement Them
- Customize the time and frequency.
- Approach things methodically to guarantee effective conversations and steer clear of veering off course.
- Active listening can help you to completely grasp employee ideas, worries, and issues.
- Always offer help, particularly under trying circumstances.
Tools and Practices for the Best Check-Ins
1. Daily Quick Syncs (10-15 mins)
Choose Question Format
- What did you complete yesterday?
- What are you working on today?
- What's blocking you?
Best Practices
- Hold at the same time (preferably in the morning)
- Use TMetric for time tracking
- Use video for engagement
- Keep strictly time-boxed
- Document blockers in shared space
- Rotate meeting leaders weekly.
2. Weekly Deep Dives (30-45 mins)
Choose Among Formats
- Review of progress toward goals
- Aligning priorities for the next week
- Needs and limits for resources
- Team member worries or thoughts
Best Practices
- Share the plan and metrics ahead of time.
- Pay attention to strategic problems
- Write down choices and things to do
- Set aside time to work together.
3. Tools and Documentation
Required Infrastructure
- Shared project management tool (e.g., TMetric, Trello, JIRA)
- Video conferencing platform
- Team chat tool
- Check-in template
- Action item tracker
Check-in Template
Daily Check-in✍️
Name:___________________
Date:____________________
Yesterday's Achievements:_______________________
Today's Focus:____________
Blockers/Support Needed:______________
Additional Notes:
___________________
Weekly Deep Dive✍️
Team:_______________
Week Of:_____________
Key Achievements:_______________________
Upcoming Priorities:___________________
Resources Needed:____________________
Team Health/Concerns:____________________
Action Items:_____________________
4. Success Metrics
Track these metrics to measure effectiveness:
- Meeting attendance rate
- Action item completion rate
- Employee satisfaction scores
- Project milestone achievement
- Number of reported blockers resolved
- Team engagement levels.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Letting check-ins run too long
- Missing documentation of action items
- Allowing check-ins to become status reports only
- Failing to follow up on blockers
- Not adapting format based on feedback
- Skipping check-ins during busy periods.
Remote-Specific Considerations
- Account for different time zones in scheduling
- Use asynchronous updates for global teams
- Enable video by default for connection
- Record key points for absent team members
- Create informal chat time before/after
- Use virtual tools for engagement (polls, shared docs).
2. Utilize Collaborative Tools
The studies indicate that remote work can boost focus and reduce time spent commuting. However, collaboration and task management can be more difficult.
It emphasizes the importance of adequate technology, communication tools, and a supportive work environment in ensuring remote employee productivity.
Invest in Reliable Technology
- Give workers high-quality hardware and apps. Use TMetric to keep an accurate track of work time.
- Buy ergonomic furniture and accessories.
- To ensure secure remote access, use robust security measures and reliable VPNs. It will safeguard sensitive data.
- Adopt collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace to streamline the process.
- Make sure you have a dedicated IT support team to handle technical problems quickly and keep your system running smoothly.
How to Improve Document Collaboration
- Use Google Docs/Sheets for live editing
- Follow clear rules when naming files (e.g., "ProjectName_DocumentType_Date")
- Do not download local copies of a shared document and work in it instead.
- When you have specific questions, use comments instead of long email threads.
- Make sure the document's permissions are set correctly (view vs. edit).
How to Level Up Project Management
When working with project management tools (e.g., TMetric, Asana, Trello, Jira), pay attention to standardized task descriptions that must include:
- Clear owner
- Due date
- Priority level
- Dependencies
- Success criteria
Update task status daily
- Link relevant documents directly to tasks
- Use task descriptions for context, not just titles
How to Maximize Team Communication
- Create dedicated channels for Project updates, Team announcements, Technical issues, Casual conversation
- Use threads to keep discussions organized
- Pin important messages
- Set status to show your availability
- Use quick reactions (👍, ✅) to acknowledge messages
🎦Additionally, when using team communication tools for video meetings:
-
Send agenda in advance.
-
Make sure you record important talks so you can watch them later.
-
Make good use of screen sharing.
-
Give someone the job of taking notes.
-
Have smaller group talks in break-out rooms.
Additional Considerations
- Connect tools when possible (e.g., TMetric + Google Calendar)
- When you can, use single sign-on.
- Set up processes between tools, like sending TMetric notifications when there are changes to a project.
- Keep a central wiki/knowledge base.
- Write down common steps.
- Make video lessons for difficult steps.
- Keep the team's contact information up to date.
- Block focused work time on a shared calendar
- Set clear "office hours" for availability
- Use asynchronous updates when possible
- Schedule meetings with time zone consideration
- Establish response time expectations
- Set rules for what kinds of messages are important
- Make backup plans in case of technology problems
- Regularly check how well the tool is working.
3. Create Virtual Water Cooler Moments
Address isolation and loneliness with virtual water cooler times.
Here are 5 useful things that remote teams can do to make socializing feel like it's still happening in the office.
1. Use Tools for Communication
- Create spaces for small talk – they can be special channels for casual chats and jokes.
- Schedule brief one-on-one or group chats for about 10 minutes and focus on topics outside work.
- Plan breaks for teams to have informal discussions – it helps relax and switch from work tasks.
2. Social events held online
- Set up virtual happy hours so that team members can get to know each other.
- Initiate online quiz or game nights for fun and friendly competitions.
- Make online movie nights or book groups.
3. Encourage People to Share Interests
- Help people on your team get together with others who share interests, like cooking, exercise, or video games.
- To find new things you both like, plan virtual cooking lessons, meditation sessions, or tours.
4. Help Build a Culture of Openness and Acceptance
- Promote open and polite communication regarding cultural differences.
- Encourage people to share their different points of view.
- Train team members to listen to others, ask clarifying questions, and avoid interruptions.
5. Encourage Spontaneous Interactions
- Pick two team members at random to talk to for a short time.
- Use a fun or interesting background on your video call to spark conversation.
- Ask each other simple questions to break the ice and get to know each other better.
4. Set Remote Work Protocols
Invest time in stating remote rules, – they provide frameworks for effective communication, team collaboration, and task management.
It helps businesses build a positive culture and prevent conflicts.
Communication Protocols
- Choose primary communication channels (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams). They are spaces where remote workers will see updates, and have chats and discussions.
Work Hours and Availability
- Define core working hours, – inform team members that at this time they must be available. These hours are saved for direct communication or for emergencies.
- Establish flexible work arrangements; allow workers to choose the start and end times.
- Implement TMetric time tracker for remote teams, – it automates work hours calculations.
- Create a document to describe overtime policies for remote workers.
Alla Chernets
Protocols for Using Technology and Tools
- Provide employees with necessary tools and software (e.g., laptops, video conferencing software, and project management tools).
- Name people responsible for reliable IT support. Remote workers must know who can help them solve technical issues.
- Take all the cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive company data.
Performance Management Protocols
- Discuss performance expectations, – explain key performance indicators (KPIs) for remote workers.
- Do not neglect one-on-one meetings, – they are a good instrument to provide feedback and address concerns.
- Adapt performance review procedures – see what changes you must consider for virtual reviews and remote assessments.
5.Encourage Flexible Schedules
The best way to improve working from home and get more done is to use flexible schedules.
Make Your Goals and Priorities Clear
- Setting goals every day, every week, and every month helps you stay on top of your work and strengthens relationships.
- The Eisenhower Matrix can help teams decide which jobs are most important
Alla Chernets
Use Time Management Tools
- Use tools like TMetric to keep track of your work and goals.
- To set aside time to work, use calendar apps like Google Calendar and Outlook.
Mark Your Boundaries
- Everyone should be online during certain hours, but you should also give people some freedom during other times.
- Make sure your family and coworkers know exactly when you're working.
- Make your office comfortable to cut down on distractions.
Try Out Different Time Frames
- Try the Pomodoro Technique, which calls for 25 minutes of focused work and then a 5-minute break.
- You might want to think about having open hours, so you can work earlier or later in the day.
Alla Chernets
Keep an Eye on Productivity
- Use analytics tools to find out how productive you are and change your plans to get the most out of your work.
- Get people to tell you what works and what doesn't.
Give Resources for Well-Being
- Share tools that can help with work-life balance and mental health.
- Remind people on the team that doing things outside of work is good for their mental health.
Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
- Get your workers to use their vacation days and take time off.
- Encourage people to take breaks often during the day.
6. Offer Professional Development
Putting money into the development of remote workers can keep them motivated and improve their engagement.
Personal and Professional Growth
- Develop individual plans. Work with each employee to make a unique plan based on their skill gaps and job goals.
- Put your workers in touch with mentors who have been through similar things and can help them.
- To encourage ongoing skill development, offer to pay for relevant classes and certifications
Proactively Moving Up in Your Career
- Regularly write down and talk about your achievements.
- Tell your employees they should join online groups, webinars, and virtual conferences.
- Set up a structured mentorship program, – this way, all of your workers will have ongoing support and guidance.
- Set up virtual team-building tasks to improve morale and make relationships stronger
- Use Slack or Microsoft Teams for casual conversations and knowledge sharing.
- Make video-on talks a priority to improve communication and build a sense of community.
7. Give Remote Workers Feedback
Getting feedback while working from home boosts output and encourages flexibility and teamwork.
Top 5 Tips for Gathering Feedback Effectively
1️⃣Establish Regular Feedback Channels
- Set up regular meetings with your team to talk about their work and problems.
- Use anonymous surveys or feedback forms to encourage honest and candid input.
2️⃣Ask Specific and Actionable Questions
- Encourage detailed responses by asking open-ended questions like, "What challenges are you facing in your current role?" or "What could be improved in our team's workflow?"
- Gather accurate data by asking evaluation questions like, "On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your work-life balance?"
3️⃣Develop Empathic Leadership Skills
- When giving comments, give the person your full attention and keep eye contact to avoid getting sidetracked.
- Accept their feelings and show empathy for their experiences.
- Seek a deeper understanding of the issues with clarifying questions.
4️⃣Give Feedback That Is Timely & Helpful
- Provide concrete examples to illustrate your feedback.
- Avoid personal attacks and focus on specific actions or behaviors.
- Give ideas for how to fix or improve the problem.
5️⃣Follow Up and Act
- Take steps to address the issues brought up to show that you value comments.
- Tell people about progress.
- Tell your team about any changes or improvements.
To Conclude
The change to working from home is permanent, and it's a big deal for businesses.
By letting employees work from home, companies offer employees autonomy and freedom while cutting on office costs.
However, increasing the output of a remote team is an ongoing process that needs strategies to be reviewed and changed regularly: it must be based on feedback from the team and performance metrics.
To be as productive as possible when working from home, effort is needed from both sides.
When employers provide remote teams with the necessary tools, training, and support, they can expect a substantial return on their investment in the form of increased output and higher profits.
