The traditional 9-5 workplace is becoming less common. Remote office technology has taken down the office walls. According to a recent study, 70% of people work remotely at least once a week. For millennials, flexible work hours and business days are essential, and 64% of the younger generation say they are willing to quit their job if it lacks flexibility. With the traditional office structures diminishing, how do we ensure productivity as employers and individuals in remote workplaces?

The Employer Perspective

Whether teams are spread across several offices or several states, creating an environment that encourages cooperation can be challenging. Without a plan, it’s easy for leaders and team members to become isolated. Employers who use these tips are likely to see higher productivity as well as better connected and more engaged team members.

1. Hold regularly scheduled team and individual meetings. If you cannot meet in person, utilize conference call or video chat technology. Conduct meetings related to individual projects as needed, and schedule regular meetings to build rapport, promote the company’s vision and develop a positive corporate culture.
2. Encourage communication through example. As a leader, communicate often. Be transparent and ask open-ended questions to get insightful input. This management style invites workers to be a part of the team and helps them understand what the company wants, needs and expects.
3. Create a structure. While remote workers often develop their own daily routines, general project management systems help keep everyone on the same page. Set ground rules for organizational and communication methods. Provide clear deadlines and make collaboration a requirement. Flexibility is one of the great benefits of a remote workplace, but a basic structure will make productivity everyone’s priority.

The Employee Perspective

A great leader can certainly make or break a team, but each individual needs to be effective on his or her own. If you work from home one or more days a week like two-thirds of the global workforce, self-discipline is essential. To avoid distraction, follow these tips to stay on track.

1. Pay attention to your remote work environment. Often we think of the traditional office setting as a more productive place to work. In reality, it’s easy to become distracted by coworkers, the breakroom or competing priorities. On the other hand, at home your TV, refrigerator, pets and chores can be just as disruptive. That’s why Plato’s maxim, “Know thyself” is a relevant factor when it comes to working remotely. Do more of what works and less of what doesn’t. Set up daily routines and structure that you can follow to ensure you remain productive outside the traditional office environment. 
2. Wake up at the same time each day. Consistent daily routines are proven to increase productivity. For some, waking up at 5:00 a.m. will feel natural and productive. For others, a later start will enhance productivity. Follow your own natural rhythm and maintain that pattern consistently whatever your work week looks like.
3. Identify priorities and build a routine. This goes for your morning rituals (a cup of coffee or tea in the morning can actually be a practice in mindfulness), but also for how you prioritize your work. Whether you need to read and respond to emails first, check voicemails, make a phone call or dive right into projects, a routine will keep productivity flowing. One of our favorite tips is to start off the work day with something that’s easy to accomplish. This way, the first thing you do each day checks something off your to-do list. Create forward momentum and follow it throughout the day. Keep decision-making tasks for the time of day you’re feeling most productive.
4. Ask for feedback often. Reach out to colleagues regularly. Keep communication open by asking questions and seeking input. This practice facilitates a flow of collaboration between you, your team and your superiors.
5. Take breaks, move around and hydrate. The key to a healthy mind is a healthy body. Whether you’re in the office, working from home or answering emails on your phone, don’t forget to make yourself part of your productivity routine. Take regular breaks, hydrate often and exercise consistently to keep your mind and body alert.

The Future of Remote Workplaces

The shift to remote workplaces is still a topic of debate. While more traditional leaders may envision pajama-clad employees binge-watching television between conference calls, more progressive companies are realizing the benefits of work-from-home employees. Research shows that remote individuals work more and are more productive than their in-office counterparts. They take shorter breaks, have fewer sick days and take less time off. On the other hand, while a remote team can be more productive, it’s easy for them to become isolated.

Savvy leaders need to take strategic and specific steps to build team cohesiveness and maintain consistent contact. Not every job lends itself to working remotely. However, for those that do, it’s essential for leaders to develop methods to keep employees engaged, accountable and aligned with organizational objectives.