Working remotely is becoming the new norm. However, how do you ensure you’re getting the most from this circumstance? Here are some tips.
- Communicate Regularly
Communication is the key to being successful in any professional role, but when it comes to working remotely, it becomes an even more important asset. Since you are no longer just a couple of desks away from your manager or coworkers, you need to schedule one-on-one check-in meetings with them every week to connect on your goals, daily tasks, and upcoming projects.
Ensure that you advocate for yourself and clearly state the progress that you have made in the past week, the goals that you have surpassed, and the projects that you have led. It can be difficult for your manager to keep your work top-of-mind when you are not in the office, so don’t be afraid to bring up key milestones on your own.
- Invest in Reliable Technology
Any remote worker will tell you that access to consistent Wi-Fi is key to their success, but there’s actually more to a successful setup than just the internet connection. Besides being able to make video calls without losing the connection, it is also important to consider what technologies and tools you need to do your job properly.
For instance, remote workers often invest in a great pair of noise-canceling headphones so that they can take their work anywhere regardless of the background noise levels. Others may find that a wireless mouse and keyboard and perhaps even a second screen is key to their efficiency. A fast wireless charger can be a great investment.
- Lean on the Community
One of the biggest myths surrounding remote work is that those that don’t work in a corporate office are lonely.
To ensure that you are feeling supported and connected to the “real world”, you should consider becoming part of a remote working community – either online or physically at your local coworking space or collective.
It has been found that being surrounded by other people who are working remotely successfully helps to inspire beginners to stay the course and stay productive while embracing the flexibility of location that remote working allows.
- Consider the Workspace
Set yourself up for success in a place where you are able to focus on the tasks at hand. Whether that means finding a great coworking space close to you, staking out a local coffee shop, or creating a designated space for work at home, ensure that you feel motivated by your environment and ready to tackle anything that may come your way.
- Figure Out Your Working Style
At the beginning of your remote work journey, you need to figure out what environment you need to work in successfully. For instance, do you love working while surrounded by white noise? A café is perhaps the most suitable option for you. Do you prefer working in silence? You should consider buying some noise-cancelling headphones.
Other things you need to consider are whether you are more productive in the morning or in the evening and whether you are motivated by taking small breaks spread throughout the day or a long midday break. This is what makes remote work so appealing – you get to work during your best hours, whatever they might be.
- Take Time for Self-Care
If you find the line between “work” and “home” starting to get blurred, you can easily find yourself stuck to your computer screen for longer periods of time. While that can be necessary at times when you want to close a major deal or finalize an important presentation, give yourself time for yourself. Commit to your fitness routine and ensure that you create blocks in your schedule for eating healthy, nutritious meals so that you can be focused and productive when you need to be.
The benefits of working remotely can extend into your life outside work too. You may take more time to ensure that you don’t miss any of life’s most critical events now that you have more freedom. You can take care of the kids without having to leave the office during regular business hours, you can work from any location in the globe, and you can even arrange that doctor’s visit that you’ve been putting off because it didn’t fit into your schedule.
- Know When to “Log Off”
Knowing when to log off is perhaps the most challenging aspect for remote work beginners since the world is becoming increasingly connected. While you may receive chat and email notifications at any hour, particularly if you are working in a different time zone than your coworkers, you should develop a habit of setting a time for officially “logging off” for the night.
The best part about remote working is having the flexibility to work when you are the most productive, which means that you need to be careful about setting the standard of you being available 24/7.
