Remote Worker 101

Perhaps you are considering working remotely or maybe you’ve just started out, well here are some essential tips to help you be productive and successful.

Remote work isn’t always as idyllic as it is portrayed. Whilst it is a fantastic way to work that many people never regret, it's good to know what you can do to make the experience as efficient as possible.

Some of these tips might seem simplistic but you will be surprised how quickly you can slip into bad habits when working remotely.

1. Establish a routine

Routine is important in many aspects of life but especially with remote work. The structure of clocking in to the 9 to 5 job is gone, you’re now on your own.

Make sure you establish a set schedule for your work and also your breaks. This will help you to be more focused and productive throughout the day. Although your starting time may now be more flexible, it's best to create a good morning routine to give your day that much needed structure.

Sure, you don’t need to be as rigid in your routine as if you were still going to the office, but routine does help.

2. Create a designated workspace

No matter where you are in the world or your reasons for remote working it’s important to find a quiet and comfortable place to work.

Sure, you can work from a desk at home but consider this, does it inspire you? You now have the flexibility of not being confined to a mundane, gray walled office so in terms of workspaces the world's your oyster.

You could find a coworking space close to where you stay or set up for the day in a local coffee shop or create an inspiring workspace in your living quarters. No matter which you decide, make sure it will allow for minimal distractions and maximum creativity.

3. Use technology to your advantage

Technology has made so many aspects of our daily lives so much easier and the same can be said for remote working. Since the pandemic remote working has become increasingly popular and therefore the tools and applications we can use have developed too.

Apps like Microsoft Teams and Slack have revolutionized the way that people communicate remotely. Slack allows you to form channels with your colleagues and communicate as you would do in the office but online. This can help you and your colleagues stay organized, communicate effectively and manage your workload effectively.

It’s not just applications that are thriving as more people move to remote work. The development of physical tools like standing desks have come on leaps and bounds.

4. Stay connected with your team

Although you are now working remotely it's still important to stay in touch with people you work with. This can be on a social level as well as a professional level. Choosing to work remotely means you’ll have to put in that little bit of extra effort to stay connected and informed about the goings on at the office.

Try scheduling 1:1 meetings with colleagues to check in. This will help you align your goals, stay focused on projects and keep you on track for those daily tasks.

It is also a good idea to organize or suggest a team get together. Whether the whole team is working remotely or just a few people it can be important for you personally as a remote worker and the whole team to stay bonded. Whether it’s drinks with colleagues or a full blown team building session it’s a good idea!

5. Take breaks

Breaks are so important. In fact, they are so important, take a break now!

When you are working to an important deadline, breaks can sometimes feel obsolete, but they really do help. Long term, taking breaks is one of the most effective things you can do to increase productivity.

A short break of around five to 15 minutes can do the trick. It is advised to take a longer break of around 30 minutes every two to four hours for the most productive work output.

6. Manage your distractions

Whatever form they might take, distractions are not beneficial for a productive and healthy work environment. It is super easy to get distracted at home and in other environments like coffee shops.

The best thing to do with distractions is first figure out exactly what they are and then you can see how you can manage them. Another good tip is to have a clear and tidy desk. If you don’t need your phone for work, then put it out of sight. It’s amazing to see how clear your mind feels when your workspace is distraction free.

7. Stay active

Regular exercise is good for your physical and mental health. It is also essential for remote workers as it helps you stay focused and relieve stress.

Scheduling exercise whether it be a morning walk to start your day, a gym workout or a soccer session helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Exercising helps in creating two distinct spheres, remember you are no longer going to an office to work so going to the gym creates that difference in social spaces that is very much needed.

8. Set boundaries

Boundaries and routines have a certain amount of crossover. Setting a schedule with clear boundaries is fundamental in creating a good balance between your work and personal life. Working remotely, and especially if your new workspace is in your home immediately blurs those work life lines.

By finishing work at a set time and creating established working hours and times with colleagues can help you and the people around you understand your work-life boundaries.

Working remotely your life is going to look a little different. You’ll have to experiment with the best ways to do things to get it right for you. But by following these tips you can hopefully make the transition to remote work smoother and more successful.

If you are new to remote work, here are some tips that may help you to be productive and successful:

1. Establish a routine: Having a set schedule for work and breaks can help you to be more focused and productive.

2. Create a designated workspace: Find a quiet and comfortable place to work where you can minimize distractions.

3. Use technology to your advantage: Take advantage of tools and apps that can help you to stay organized, communicate with your team, and manage your workload.

4. Stay connected with your team: Regular communication with your colleagues can help you to feel connected and stay informed about what's happening in the office.

5. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks can help you to avoid burnout and maintain your focus.

6. Manage your distractions: It can be easy to get sidetracked when working from home, so it's important to identify your distractions and find ways to manage them.

7. Stay active: Regular physical activity can help you to stay focused, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

8. Set boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life, so that you can avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance.

By following these tips, you can make your transition to remote work a smooth and successful one.