Due to the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are finding themselves working from home. This is a major change for many, and while some have taken advantage of it, it is still a very foreign experience for others. If you’re looking for ways to improve your remote work productivity, here are some tips that may be helpful.

Slack for Meetings

Slack is often used by companies for text-based communication, but it is also a fantastic app for online meetings. The ability to seamlessly move between chat and video calls allows for better understanding between the members of the meeting and less chance for error.

Share Files Easily

If you use both Google Drive and Slack, you can integrate the two and automatically import files that you share. It’s as simple as sharing a Google Drive link on Slack, with Slack even notifying you if anyone on the channel lacks permission to view the document.

Block Out Any Distractions

Most people have a website or two that they tend to waste a ton of time on, and the best way to boost your productivity during work hours is to avoid these sites altogether during that time. If you are having issues staying away from your favorite sites during work hours, there are apps available that can block the sites for a certain period of time.

Use Headphones With a Microphone

Using a headset that also comes with a microphone is the most organized way to avoid distractions in your own house. With the headphones, you can block out noise and focus on the meeting. Just make sure your microphone isn’t rubbing up against anything when you aren’t using it, as your co-workers may be able to hear it.

Use a Second Monitor

You may be used to working with a bigger screen than your laptop’s, and the change in size is currently throwing you off. If this is the case, you can use an HDMI cable to hook your computer up to your TV screen, giving you a much larger second monitor. For a wireless connection, you can use AppleTV or Chromecast to achieve the same result.

Give Yourself a Stop Signal

It is far easier to overwork yourself in a remote setting compared to an office setting. The best way to avoid overworking yourself is to give yourself a visual cue of when you should stop for the day. This can be something as simple as working in an area with natural light so the setting sun can signal for you to finish up.