Covid-19 may have disrupted the in-office working arrangement, but remote working is not a new concept. The only difference is that it has become the new normal in the pandemic situation, and many are only beginners.
Remote work is not as easy as it seems apparently. You can take that from seasoned remote workers who still face problems while working from home.
Whether done by compulsion or choice, working from home has its perks. However, it also calls for significant adjustments so that you can make the most of your time and be productive at the same time.
For that, you need to keep self-motivating from time to time and keep a few essential things in mind.
Top 9 remote work tips
Many companies did not have the time or resources to invest in properly training their employees. So, our experts have listed a few essential tips for working remotely. Whether you want to cope with the downsides of work from home, become a pro at remote work or want to focus better on your office tasks- the following set of tips can get you through.
Create a Workspace
Home can make you lazy. So, creating work triggers for your brain is crucial. Enjoying a hot cup of coffee or changing into formal clothes can be a signal. You can also start with creating a designated workspace.
It is excellent if you are someone who can sit anywhere and still be productive. However, for people who need structure, having a fixed workspace can be an ice breaker.
Set your workstation in a corner that helps you focus better. Be it a cozy couch, a table facing the window or a separate room- whatever helps your brain to get into the ‘work mode.’
Speaking of distractions, they are inevitable and one of the critical things remote workers struggle with. The best way to deal with distractions is to avoid non-work tasks while you’re working. For instance, schedule household chores at a separate time.
Make a to-do list
Remote workers can hit the trifecta of being motivated, productive and organized all at once with a simple list. Rather than having a mental list, it is best to jot down the list. That way, you can eliminate the headspace to remember your next task continuously. There’s also immense pleasure in striking tasks off the list which can keep you motivated.
While making your to-do list, concentrate on both big goals like completing a project and short-term goals. Noting down small goals is vital because finishing each of them will indicate that you are making progress.
Short-term goals make work feel more doable and helps you remain boosted throughout the day.
Invest in important tech
Having access to a steady internet connection is integral to be a success when working remotely. However, to be a pro at remote work, one needs much more than consistent WiFi. Along with zero call drops on video calls, you also need to consider the tech or tools that add to your productivity levels.
For instance, it is not always possible to be in a noise-free environment when you’re working from home or anywhere other than an office set-up. A pair of headphones with a noise-cancellation feature can work wonders in this case. Thus, you will see many remote workers investing in such tech to work smoothly irrespective of the background noise.
For others, something else like a second screen or a wireless mouse or keyboard may increase efficiency. Figure out which one is it for you!
Effective Communication is Key
Being a successful professional and effective communication goes hand-in-hand. Now that you are either working or planning to work remotely, communication becomes an even more significant asset. It is because you are no longer just a few desks away from your team members.
Is it possible to always check your email inbox? Real-time interaction with the team is essential, which gave rise to cloud-based tools like Workplace or Slack. However, some think that these message boards are not necessarily productive when conveying detailed messages comprehensively.
When only words are not enough, video recordings and screen shares can become an effective communication solution. Screen capturing tools like Movavi Screen Recorder can ease out the communication problem while working remotely by allowing you to record desktop and share your video. After all, screen sharing is an integral part of today’s work process.
Work your best hours.
Find out what kind of atmosphere helps you work more efficiently. For instance, while some may like working around white noise, you may prefer absolute silence. Similarly, chalk out your working style.
One of the most significant upsides to remote work is that you are free to take advantage of the work-time flexibility! Notice whether you are more productive in the evenings or mornings. Does long midday time-off keep you motivated, or smaller breaks (along the day) work better? That’s the beauty of working remotely-you get to work in your best hours, whenever they may be.
Invest time on self-care
Remote work can often cloud the line between “home” and “work.” Are you finding yourself stuck in front of your PC screen for long hours? It is understandable when you are finalizing a project or closing an important deal. However, it is also crucial to invest in some “you” time.
Make sure your daily meals on time because your body needs the nutrients to stay focused and become productive. Moreover, don’t miss out on a regular fitness routine. Strolling out in the open for a while may also help some.
Schedule everything
Much like an office job, remote work also demands a lot of scheduling. Except, in the latter scenario, no one apart from you is holding yourself accountable. This does not mean that you only work the entire day. Breaks are necessary to rejuvenate emotionally, mentally as well as physically. Thus, just as work, you also need to schedule non-work activities.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the important moments of your life. Always remember that you also have other commitments. In your case, it might be your kids or pets even. Allow them time and schedule your work around it.
If possible, you can also make your schedule visible on a common calendar for co-workers to see. That way, they’ll know when you’ll be free for meetings.
Setting expectations & boundaries are equally important. You cannot have your friends & family expecting you to be accessible all the time just because you’re at home.
Set a time to log-off
Keeping track of time becomes difficult when you are working remotely. If you’re working in a different time zone, learn to set a specific time for you to log off. Since the world is becoming more connected due to the web, you may receive emails at any hour.
Be sure not to work odd hours or set 24/7 availability standards for your co-workers.
Connect to your community
Make sure you take out time to connect to the real world, either in-person or virtually. Connecting with other remote workers may help you embrace location flexibility.
Life may seem slightly different due to remote work, but it can get easier if you consider the arrangement’s positives. However, these tips can also help you with a smooth transition to this flexible work style.