Working remotely is here to stay for many Americans. More careers are transitioning into virtual spaces, and the insurance industry is no different. For anyone not already familiar with working remotely, there can be some growing pains in staying productive and defining what your work-from-home life looks like.
Being intentional with your workspace can make a huge difference to your productivity and success as a remote life insurance agent. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of five tips that can help you stay the course and make the most out of your virtual work environment.
#1: Dress the part
When it comes to confidence in any situation, a well-matched wardrobe cannot be underestimated – and working remotely is no exception. Fight the urge to draft emails from the comfort of sweatpants and whatever shirt you fell asleep in and treat your remote-work outfit with care.
Even if you don’t have any meetings, dressing for work can get you in the right headspace as you start your day. Transitioning to after-work clothes once you’re finished for the day is also a great way to signify that work time is over and personal time has started.
This doesn’t mean you need to don your classiest tuxedo every day, instead, try and be as thoughtful and consistent with your wardrobe as you would be working from an office.
Beyond your own confidence, dressing the part can influence how you are perceived by your managers and fellow agents. Dressing professionally will help build a sense of authority for your clients and instill more trust in your suggestions.
#2: Define your workspace
Having a clearly defined workspace is important to the structure and success of your remote work environment. Where you work, and what you work with, will influence your schedule, productivity and your ability to stay focused. Give your space an identity that allows you to work more efficiently and with minimized distractions.
For starters, having a designated workspace and desk of some kind is a great way to stay productive. It’s better than a comfy couch that’s facing a tempting tv or a breakfast bar in full view of snack opportunities!
Speaking of designated space, if you’re missing your morning commute and the process of preparing for work mode, then consider making space for that as well.
You can drive, walk or bike around your block, street or building before your workday starts. It can help mentally prepare you and give you a chance to differentiate workspace from living space. Similarly, making the same routine of “leaving work” can help you decompress after a day of working with clients.
#3: Stick to a schedule
Sticking to a schedule can be hard, and remote work means many life insurance agents are having to be more intentional in building out their own schedules. Having a strict schedule can do wonders for your productivity and focus during work hours.
A rather obvious foundation for any work schedule is a firm start and stop time. The time that you enter work mode and choose to leave it is important how tight and consistent your schedule will be. Regardless of your daily workload, having a designated start and end time is crucial to keeping a successful remote work schedule.
Beyond that, practice dedicating specific time blocks to your schedule. Do you have a time that you find works best for meeting with clients and scheduling appointments? Clear time in your daily schedule for those activities and try and only work on that specific task during that time.
Finally, regularly reflect on the effectiveness of your day-to-day schedule. If you notice a particular task isn’t getting done in time or is more easily achieved earlier in the day, make that change. Be willing to adapt your remote work schedule as needed to meet all your daily work goals.
#4: Don’t forget to take a break
Speaking of creating a strict schedule, you must give yourself time for breaks during your workday. Even though you’re working remotely, you should still carve out specific times to clear your mind and take a step back from the computer screen.
If you’re plowing through every workday without taking any breaks, you might find your overall work quality drop without the necessary space to decompress throughout the day. Take a walk or simply sit outside for a bit — whatever keeps you fueled for the rest of your workday is an important thing to add to your daily calendar.
#5: Physical and mental well-being
Keeping on top of your physical and mental well-being is critical to your success as a life insurance working remotely. It’s easy to push through a workday without taking the necessary time to care for yourself.
Instead, make sure to support yourself throughout the workday with habits that allow you to work effectively while caring for your mental and physical health.
That support might take the shape of healthier meals while working from home, walks around the block during your breaks or simply a moment of silence in your favorite, quiet spot.
It’s hard to be productive when you don’t feel like your personal health is suffering as a result. Find ways (both big and small) to care for yourself while working remotely.
Stay productive with Symmetry
Staying productive while working remotely can require new processes and tricks. If you’re not already used to creating a virtual place for work, it can take some time to iron out what that looks like for you.
Whether you’re dressing for work, crafting your ideal workspace or simply taking the time for a breather, we hope something in this guide will help you stay productive while working remotely.
