Productivity Strategies For Employees Who Work From Home
Most executive assistants reported higher productivity during the early part of the pandemic. As businesses transitioned to remote work, there was a novelty with the change. Now that remote work is becoming standard, some employees are struggling to maintain good work habits.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, 75% of employees said they have been able to maintain productivity when working remotely. This means one in every four workers has seen their productivity decline.
If you are struggling to stay productive, help is available. This article will outline five tips for executive assistants who work remotely.
Working From Home Is Different
Remote work is different than being in the office. With remote work there is less commuting, less socializing with co-workers, and more trips to the fridge for snacks.
But the biggest difference is how executive assistants must communicate while working from home. You can’t pop by someone’s office to ask a question. You don’t hear project details over lunch. The method and frequency in which you communicate with your boss needs to be more deliberate.
Strategies to Remain Productive Now that You Work Remotely
Whether your desk is in an office building or your dining room, you play an important role in keeping your boss – and the company – on track. If an executive assistant’s productivity declines, then the boss’s does too. Here are five tips to keep you focused and productive:
1. Create a Dedicated Workspace
If you don’t have a separate office in your home, create a dedicated workspace. Pick a spot where you won’t be interrupted. Kids and pets are common disruptions, but even hearing your neighbor can steal your focus. Noise-canceling headphones help.
Your workspace should be functional and comfortable. Good lighting, an ergonomic chair, and well-stocked office supplies are the basics every office needs. Your individual needs will vary. Keep them nearby, whether that be a coffee or your phone charger.
2. Set Your Schedule and Follow It
Discussing your schedule with your boss is critical when working remotely. Company culture can affect their expectations. Some businesses expect you to work during standard office hours. Others offer a flexible schedule, assuming you still complete your tasks.
Once your schedule is established, stick to it. It will increase your productivity and cement a trusting relationship with your boss. If a personal situation forces you away from your desk for much of the day, inform your boss and offer to compensate for the hours.
3. Establish Communication Preferences
Executive assistants are usually sitting outside their boss’s office where it’s easy to approach them for a question or have them sign paperwork. Working remotely requires adjusting how you work – and how you communicate.
Check with your boss about scheduling a phone conversation each morning. Use this call to ask questions or discuss more complicated topics. Throughout the day, email is sufficient for routine matters.
4. Use Technology When It Helps
Working remotely requires you to embrace technology. Video conferencing is common. Learn it well. Some offer a ‘recording’ feature which lets you review a meeting if you need to double-check information.
Your boss might require you to use specific technologies. In other cases, you can suggest options to see if they make sense for your role and company:
- Calendly saves time when scheduling meetings. If you have coworkers in different time zones, it will convert the meeting time to their time zone.
- Executives are traveling less, but TripIt makes planning easier.
- Evernote allows you to take notes and scan documents. It recognizes handwriting so it can be used for papers requiring a signature.
Your boss might be navigating how to get the most from your working relationship. Offer technology solutions to improve your productivity, but let them make the final decision.
5. Send a Weekly Update
In addition to your regular daily communication, check with your boss about sending them a weekly update. If they are working remotely while juggling family priorities, work tasks might get forgotten. A weekly update can highlight items that require their action. This keeps them on track, and it keeps your projects moving forward.
Are You An Executive Assistant with Remote Working Skills?
Executive assistants must remain productive while working remotely. It can be challenging to remain focused, but your boss depends on you. If you are self-motivated and interested in helping a business to thrive, contact Lakeshore Talent. We connect you with employers who recognize your skills and dedication.