Managing a remote team can be a blast, especially when you're working from a sunny coworking space in Pattaya. But let’s be real—it’s not always smooth sailing when it comes to productivity. Ever notice your team members yawning through Zoom calls or dragging out deadlines? Chances are, they’re not getting into that sweet, sweet deep work zone. Luckily, with a few tweaks and some creative solutions, you can help your team find their flow and get more done. Let’s dive in!
First things first: figure out what’s holding your team back from hitting deep work mode. In his book Deep Work, Cal Newport talks about the difference between "deep work" (focused, valuable tasks) and "shallow work" (easy, low-impact tasks). Think answering emails, attending meetings, or just scrolling through Slack channels.
Challenge your team to take a good look at their schedules—how much time are they spending in deep work versus shallow work? A quick audit can be an eye-opener. Maybe those endless Zoom calls are eating away hours that could be spent on more meaningful projects. Once you’ve pinpointed the distractions, you can start cutting the fat.
Remote work means people are logging in from all kinds of places: home, cafés, maybe even a hammock. But not all spaces are created equal when it comes to focus. Some thrive in the buzz of a coworking space, while others need absolute silence.
Ask your team where they work best. If distractions are an issue, maybe it’s time to suggest some upgrades. Offer access to coworking spots in Pattaya, like a membership discount, or invest in noise-canceling headphones. Comfort and organization are key to helping your team reach their productivity potential.
Nobody loves meetings that go on forever—especially if they’re not necessary. According to Atlassian, over half of employees say meetings are a total time-waster. Instead of booking another hour-long Zoom, ask yourself: could this be an email? If you do need a meeting, keep it short and sweet with a clear agenda and an end time.
Another tip: encourage your team to check emails just once or twice a day. Constant email checks are a huge distraction, and blocking off specific times to handle them will free up more hours for deep work.
We live in a world of constant pings and notifications. Between Slack, emails, and social media, staying focused is harder than ever. But here’s the good news: there’s an app for that! Actually, there are a bunch of apps designed to help your team focus.
Consider tools like FocusMe, which blocks distracting websites, or Dewo, which mutes notifications and analyzes your team’s work habits to suggest improvements. There are also apps like RescueTime, Twist, and Forest that help create a more distraction-free work environment. Investing in these tools could be the productivity boost your team needs.
Good habits lead to great results. Help your team develop a deep work routine by encouraging them to block off chunks of time on their calendars for focused work. When there’s a dedicated slot for deep work, it’s much easier to stay disciplined.
Check in with your team: when are they most productive? Some people hit their peak in the morning, while others do their best work in the afternoon. Let them structure their days around their energy levels, reserving their most productive hours for deep work.
Remote work has its perks, but it can also blur the lines between personal and professional life. Some people struggle to shut off, especially when they’re in different time zones and feel like they need to be "always on." This can lead to burnout and a drop in productivity.
As a team leader, set the tone for a healthy work-life balance. Encourage your team to log off at a reasonable time and embrace the flexibility of remote work. When your team feels rested and recharged, they’ll be able to dive into deep work with more focus and energy.
If you want your team to prioritize deep work, you’ve got to walk the walk. Take a look at your own calendar—are you carving out time for deep work, or are you drowning in shallow tasks? Once you start practicing what you preach, it’ll be easier to help your team follow suit.
Helping your remote team master deep work doesn’t have to be a drag. By identifying distractions, making space for focused work, using tech to block interruptions, and promoting healthy work habits, your team can achieve more in less time. And when deep work becomes part of your team culture—whether you're working from a hip coworking space in Pattaya or anywhere else—you’re all set for success. Let’s get to work!
