It has been over a year since the pandemic hit us hard and changed almost every aspect of our lives, including the work culture.
The previously considered not-so-pleasing way of working from home is now the preferred way of working for most employees, organizations, and freelancers. A US survey revealed that 91% of workers would be more willing to work from home, at least for some time.
Despite the innumerable benefits of working from home, there are a few shortcomings, out of which 'lack of productivity' and 'work-home interference' are the two most common.
So, how can one overcome procrastination and perform efficiently while also not intermingling their personal life with the professional?
Simply by time-tracking! Monitoring the time spent on tasks throughout the day can be of great advantage. A time tracking software or application allows you to do that. However, you must make sure that your data is protected from cyber-attacks.
Here's why time-tracking is critical for remote workers:
1. To Stay Focused
Distractions do not spare whether you work from the office or home. However, at home, you are bound to receive some homely distractions from family members and surroundings, along with the obvious ones like unnecessary notifications and calls.
You don't realize how much of your precious time you lose when you are frequently distracted from your work.
It may be hard to digest, but a study found that interruptions at work can cost you up to 6 hours of distraction during a day.
Tracking time will enable you to keep a check on the same and bring you back to your work.
2. Allocate Time Better
When you track your time and work, you know how much time you are devoting to what task. It enables you to allocate time effectively.
For example, if I assume that writing this article would take around 4 hours (including the research, writing part, and proofreading), but after tracking, I find that it took 4 hours + 45 minutes, I would be able to plan my next article and subsequent tasks better.
3. To be More Accountable
Of course, your boss trusts you, which is why you have been hired and allowed to work from home. However, they do not know when and for how long you are working throughout the day unless you allow them to monitor your work.
Tracking work will give them a better chance to know your performance and ease the process of coordination among your peers, irrespective of their geographical location and time.
4. To Increase Overall Productivity
Since you are not working from the office but rather in the comfort of your home, you are bound to feel sluggish, dull, and not-so-productive.
By tracking your time, you will be more aware of your performance and work efficiently, increasing your overall productivity.
In a research, it was found that most of the remote workers (mainly those who lack self-discipline) supported "being monitored by their boss" as it helped them overcome procrastination and allowed them to work with more efficiency.
5. To Charge From Clients Accordingly
When you track your time and work, you know how much of your time and effort you are putting into a particular task. When you know it, it undoubtedly becomes easier for you to bill your clients (especially when you work as a freelancer on an hourly basis).
And even if you work as a full-time employee, time-tracking would allow you to keep a record of your work and get rewarded for your excellence. The chance of your bonus or promotion will increase if your boss finds that you are working with utmost sincerity.
6. To Keep Personal And Professional Life Apart
By tracking the time spent on work, you keep your schedule clearer, which allows you to keep your professional life away from your personal life. It also provides you with greater flexibility to set out time for tasks other than your work.
Thus, time-tracking can make it more convenient for you to schedule your other tasks, whether it be learning any new skill or spending time with family, without compromising your work-life. These were some of the many reasons for which you should track your time.
Now You Must be Wondering 'How to Track Your Time Accurately'?
Today, many software applications allow time-tracking through computers and even mobile phones. Ideally, you can use RoundPie as it is a smart, daily activity log app that allows you to boost your performance and productivity by tracking the time you spent on different activities. If you want multiple options, also check Toggl vs RescueTime to compare which is better according to your needs depending on its features and pricing.
Can Time-Tracking Solely Increase My Productivity?
Indeed, time tracking apps are required to ease your workload, optimize your resources and improve your overall productivity. However, time tracking isn't the only way to be more productive and efficient. Here are a few more time-management tips for long-term remote work. Apart from that, you must also refrain from indulging in bad habits that hurt your productivity.
About the author:
Lori Wade is a journalist from Louisville. She is a content writer for timenotes.io who has experience in small editions, Lori is now engaged in news and conceptual articles on the topic of business. If you are interested in an entrepreneur or lifestyle, you can find her on Twitter & LinkedIn. She has good experience and knowledge in the field.
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