Time Management for Remote Creative Teams
- Adilla
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Table of contents:
I have tried time blocking, but I still struggle to manage my time. How can I be strict with myself?
Why Remote Creatives Need Different Time Rules
Creatives’ flow state is rarely ever in a specific time frame. So, the traditional 9-to-5 structure can be counterproductive, moreover, if you’re working remotely. The irregular work rhythms that come with working creatively can be stifled in a rigid schedule.
While working remotely, you are encouraged to place your own specific work timings; this might not be the case for creatives.
So, time management for remote creatives is set differently. However, this can also be used by all creatives who are struggling to find the right time management techniques.
Common Remote Time Traps for Creatives
Distractions
Working remotely, whether you’re a creative professional or not, you are more susceptible to distractions. Suddenly, there are dishes to wash, laundry to do, and a room to clean. Such interruptions would break your workflow and make you lose focus.
Context Switching
It can be tempting to multitask as you do your work, especially if you have multiple components to work on. However, this will only disrupt your flow, and your work quality might be affected.
Practical Routines of Time Management for Remote Creative Teams
Time Blocking
Rather than a straight 9-to-5, schedule blocks of time in your day. Especially at times when you find yourself with more energy and inspiration. Certain creatives may prefer doing creative work in the morning and admin work after lunch, or vice versa.
So, find what works best for you.
Pomodoro Techniques
Pomodoro is a common and recommended time management method for all kinds of work. It helps remove distractions within a set period, and after four ‘Pomodoros’, you are to take 15 to 30 minutes.
This is recommended for creative work that requires being done over an extended time to prevent creatives from burning out.
Your Own Focused Sprints
Like the Pomodoro technique, but rather than fixed-interval work sessions, it is a relay of 20 minutes or more with 6-minute breaks for a total of 90 minutes meant for deep work. It is meant to start up your creative flow state, ensuring you stay focused on your ‘sprint’.
Time Management Tools to Improve Your Workflow
Using physical calendars and your phone’s timer can help; however, when there are apps to help remind and notify you, time management becomes a little easier. Especially when it involves your workflow and daily tasks.
Time-Tracking
Apps like Toggl Track and Harvest have time-tracking features to help you figure out how long you spend on certain tasks to plan out your day better.
Calendar Blocking
Using tools like Google Calendar and Calendly can help you visually block your time in a day. It is tempting to only mentally note it in your mind, but with a physical view of your schedule, it helps set the expectations of your day and helps prevent any missed tasks.
Project Management Workflows
If you have heard of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), it can give you a time estimate for your tasks as you schedule your workflow.
Setting Boundaries When Managing Your Time
As important as it is to set when you are working, scheduling your breaks is just as important. The blur between work and rest can be blurry as a remote creative. Hence, setting boundaries for dedicated rest is essential for your well-being.
Set Digital Boundaries
Working remotely can make it hard to draw the line on when you should disconnect from your work. So, for your sake, limit your responsibilities within your set time of working.
Creating a separation between your professional and personal life will also prevent work stress from affecting your personal life.
Learn to Say No
When accepting new tasks or projects, check with yourself if you have enough capacity. Taking opportunities to showcase your abilities is good, but it shouldn’t be at the cost of your mental health.
It might be uncomfortable at first, but learning to say no can save you from future stress and troubles.
End-Of-Working-Day Rituals
If you’re struggling to find the separation between work and rest, start a routine or ritual to transition towards personal time. Doing a “shutdown” action for yourself, as you would with your laptop or PC, can break that work time.
Key Takeaways
Time management for remote workers looks a little different from the traditional 9-to-5.
Each creative has different working times, as they depend on their creative energy, which tends to differ from individual, so a variety of methods need to be used before finding the right one
However, scheduling regular breaks and setting up a routine to break the working time is essential to separate personal time from responsibilities.
We have prepared a checklist to help get your week started:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are scheduled breaks important?
Scheduled breaks are important because they prevent burnout and long-term health issues. By establishing breaks in your schedule, you reduce the risk of future issues related to stress, mental, and physical health.
What do I do when I can’t do all my tasks in the given week?
When the tasks that are given to you cannot be completed in the stated week, let your leaders know of your circumstances. They can help you in prioritising your tasks and delegating your tasks to a different time or a team member who has the right capacity for them.
Knowing that your capacity is limited helps prevent burnout, as an excessive workload can be harmful in the long run.
I have tried time blocking, but I still struggle to manage my time. How can I be strict with myself?
Managing time can be hard at first, so give yourself ample time to adjust. However, if you’re still struggling, set alarms with your tasks to remind you of what task you should finish.
Author Bio
With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies, like parodies of animated shows and plots for board games. She loves to read anything and everything from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Now she is an advocate for mental health and effective project management for the creative industry. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.
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