You know that feeling you get when you're at home and working on a fun project? You've got your favorite music playing, the lights are dimmed, and there's not another soul in sight. But what happens when you have to work remotely five days out of the week with distractions, roommates (or family), Wi-Fi problems, and no one from your team? That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most common challenges that remote workers face during the summer months (and beyond) and how to overcome them whether you work from home or oversee remote employees!

Six Remote Work Challenges

1. You Don't Have a Proper Space to Work.

Your setup is the first step to maintaining focus and productivity. The reality is that most people do their best work in silence (or at least with very little noise), so if your home office isn't set up for optimal focus time, it can feel harder than usual to get things done during the summer months.

There are many ways around this problem! Check out these ways to keep your workspace productive:

• Set up your desk in a quiet, well-lit area with minimal distractions.
• Use an ergonomic chair and desk setup to reduce strain on your body.
• Keep your desk clean and organized to reduce visual clutter and increase focus.
• Use a second monitor or laptop stand to increase screen real estate and improve productivity.
• Use a desk lamp to reduce eye strain and improve visibility.
• Keep essential supplies within reach, such as pens, paper, and a phone charger.
• Use a plant or other natural element to improve air quality and reduce stress.
• Use noise-cancelling headphones to reduce background noise and increase focus.
• Keep healthy snacks and water nearby to stay hydrated and energized.
• Take breaks throughout the day to stretch, move, and rest your eyes.

2. It’s Hot and You Need to Plan Ahead for the Humidity

Summer is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors, but it's also a great opportunity to plan ahead for some of the challenges that can come with working remotely in a hot climate. When you're in an air-conditioned office building or home, it's easy to forget about how much heat you're generating as your body works hard at its job every day. If you don't pay attention, this heat can build up over time and cause discomfort or even injury. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton are great options because they allow air circulation around your skin--and remember: if it looks like sweatpants weather outside, consider wearing them!

Hydration is also key during hot months (and any other time). Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout each day —about six 8 oz glasses per 24-hour period should do it! Caffeine increases blood pressure, which makes us hotter when we drink it while exercising outside in summertime conditions; instead, try unsweetened tea or seltzer water mixed with fresh fruit juice like lemonade or orange juice (or both).

3. You Need More Communication with Coworkers and Clients.

First things first, make sure you have a reliable internet connection and good tools for communicating with people outside of the office. If you can't get online, there's no point in trying to reach out! Second, make sure that whatever method of communication works best for both parties—texting versus calling versus video chats (or even phone calls) —is used consistently so everyone knows how to expect messages from each other. This helps avoid confusion down the road when someone doesn't respond immediately because they assumed another method would work better.

4. You Feel Lonely and Isolated at Home.

It's easy to get lonely and isolated when working from home. You don't have coworkers around to talk with during the day, and you miss out on social events like lunches with colleagues. You might also feel that it's difficult to talk about work-related issues with friends and family because they're not able to offer their advice and perspective on things that you're struggling with at work. Schedule regular check-ins with colleagues and friends. This can help maintain social connections and provide a sense of community. You can also join online communities or groups related to your industry or interests. This can provide opportunities for networking and socializing with like-minded individuals.

5. You Feel Guilty About Not Being Active During the Day

There's a reason why exercising regularly is important: it boosts your mood and improves your sleep quality, among other things. And if you eat well, it will help keep your energy levels high throughout the day so that working remotely doesn't feel like a drag. Try to make time in your schedule for physical activity at least three times per week—even if it means squeezing in an early morning run before clocking in! If possible, use a fitness tracker or app to monitor your daily activity and set goals for yourself. This can help you stay motivated and track your progress.

If the weather is just right, the world is yours to take on! Take a walk or go for a jog during your lunch break to get some fresh air, sunlight, and exercise. Try getting outside into nature as often as possible; this can be especially beneficial since spending time outside has been shown to improve creativity by stimulating parts of our brains involved with problem solving. Use a bike or walk instead of driving for errands when possible. This can help you get some exercise and reduce your carbon footprint.

If the weather is too hot, there are still plenty of ways to stay moving. Use a standing desk or take frequent breaks to stretch and move around. This can help reduce the negative health effects of sitting for long periods. You can also attend virtual fitness classes or workouts, whether it be with a specific program or on YouTube! This can provide structure and accountability for your exercise routine. Participating in virtual fitness challenges or competitions with colleagues or friends also provides a fun and social way to stay active.

If you find regular exercise boring, a great option for remote workers is volunteering at local organizations, charities, schools, or hospitals. This will help keep you connected with other people while still allowing time away from your desk.

6. You Don't Get Enough Sleep

You probably already know that sleep is important. But what you might not realize is just how much of an impact it can have on your work life. If you're not getting enough sleep, your energy levels will drop off during the day; you end up getting cranky, grumpy, and sullen in the home office—which is not what anyone wants from their remote workers! Stay awake and alert during the day without needing caffeine or Red Bull with some simple tips for improving your sleep quality:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help regulate your body's internal clock and improve sleep quality.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. This can help signal to your body that it's time to sleep.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, especially in the evening. These substances can interfere with sleep quality and disrupt your sleep cycle.
• Make sure your sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to sleep. This can include keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
• Limit exposure to screens, particularly in the evening. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime. Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality, but exercising too close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep.

And That’s All for Now.

It's been a hot summer, and we know how hard it is to stay productive while working from home. If you find yourself feeling lonely, isolated, and cranky during the summer months, don't despair! These are all common challenges for remote workers. The good news is that there are many things you can do to help yourself stay on top of your game and keep working productively as normal. You might just need some time to adjust your routine, but investing in it is worth it!

Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2020/03/20/11-tips-to-make-working-from-home-a-productive-and-healthy-experience/?sh=7d4c5a7d4d6e, https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-set-up-an-ergonomically-correct-workstation-4111064, https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-organize-your-desk-for-productivity-2015-6, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-to-set-up-a-home-office/, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-tips-for-a-more-product_b_10475830, https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/7-ways-to-make-your-office-more-productive.html, https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/indoor-plants-for-depression#benefits, https://www.themuse.com/advice/20-tips-for-working-from-home, https://www.thespruce.com/ways-to-make-your-home-office-more-productive-4161661, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/306491, https://www.gallup.com/workplace/268076/manage-loneliness-isolation-remote-workers.aspx, https://www.healthline.com/health-news/taking-a-walk-during-your-lunch-break-can-improve-your-health, https://www.verywellhealth.com/tips-to-reduce-sitting-time-4157185, https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2020/03/20/11-tips-to-make-working-from-home-a-productive-andhealthy-experience/?sh=7d4c5a7d4d6e, https://www.verywellfit.com/best-fitness-trackers-4153972, https://www.self.com/story/summer-workout-tips, https://www.shape.com/fitness/trends/virtual-fitness-challenges, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/healthy-sleep-tips, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379, https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/bedroom-environment, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-electronics-may-stimulate-you-bed, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-exercise-affects-sleep-quality