In the last few years, remote working has become more and more prominent. With technology advancing at such a rapid rate, it’s easier than ever for employers and employees to stay connected and productive no matter where in the world they are.
But remote working still presents challenges that can make it difficult to stay on track. In this blog post, ultraGenius will discuss how you can make remote working work for you by creating systems, having a productive workspace, and setting boundaries between work and life.
Define your goals
To do remote work for you, you must first define your goals. What are you hoping to achieve by working remotely? Are you looking to improve your work/life balance? Are you wanting to save on commuting costs? Or are you simply wanting to have more flexible hours?
Once you have defined your goals, you can look at how remote working can help you to achieve them.
If you want to improve your work/life balance, then remote working can be a great option as it allows you to create your own schedule.
You can decide when and where you want to work, which means that you can fit your work around your other commitments. This can be particularly beneficial if you have young children or other caring responsibilities.
If reducing commuting costs is a goal, remote working can be a great option. Not only will you save on travel costs, but you will also save on time as there is no need to commute. This extra time can be used for relaxing or pursuing other interests outside of work.
If having more flexible hours is what you are after, then remote working can offer this. With no need to be in the office for set hours, you have much more control over when and where you work.
This could mean starting your day earlier or later than usual or even taking a couple of hours out in the middle of the day for a break.
Try remote work blog
Working from anywhere is the new normal. Many companies, in fact, are going ahead with making it permanent. Out of the 70% of remote workers who were happy with the amount of time spent working remotely, 80% reported working from home, according to a State of Remote Work report by Buffer.
Since 2020, most of the workforce has been working remotely against the backdrop of uncertainty brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. With distributed work on the rise, people are turning to resources to help adapt to this new way of working. Things are noticeably different when you’re collocated, and when you’re not sharing a physical workspace with your teammates. How you communicate for a quick catch-up, scheduled meetings and to provide work updates hinges on the reliability of the collaboration and communication tools you use.
More importantly, there’s the added task of remote surveillance. Remote employee monitoring is a necessary evil, given the inclination to lose track of the time during work hours and spend it elsewhere. Increased time on social media, for instance, can tempt even the most productive worker when they are remote. The point of remote work is to ensure that work stays visible and that workers are able to establish their presence virtually.
Many former and current remote work experts have weighed in with their experiences teleworking across 100% remote work blog. Their insights on how they went remote will help you steel your resolve to stay efficient no matter where you work.
Set a schedule
Assuming you still need to set up a remote work schedule, you should do a few things to ensure you’re productive when working from home.
First, take some time to figure out your most productive hours during the day. This will be different for everyone, but it’s crucial to find a time that works for you and stick to it.
Once you’ve figured out your ideal work hours, block off time in your calendar for each task you need to complete. Be realistic about how long each task will take, and try to build some buffer time in case something comes up.
Finally, make sure to take breaks! Working from home can be isolating, so taking breaks throughout the day is essential to move your body and interact with other people (even if it’s just via text or social media).
Find a dedicated workspace
Try to find a dedicated workspace in your home where you can go to focus on work. This could be a spare room, a quiet corner in your living room, or even a spot at the kitchen table.
A dedicated workspace will help you get into the right mindset for work and make it easier to stay focused.
If you can’t find a dedicated workspace, that’s OK too. Just make sure you create a space that’s comfortable and conducive to working.
It should be well-lit and free of distractions like television or other noise. And set up your workspace near a window to get some natural light.
Take breaks
When you work from home, it can be easy to get caught up in your work and forget to take breaks. However, taking breaks throughout the day is essential to stay refreshed and focused. Here are a few tips for taking breaks while working remotely:
- Schedule breaks into your day: Set a timer or alarm to remind you when it’s time to take a break. This will help ensure that you take regular breaks throughout the day.
- Get up and move around: Use your breaks to get up and move around. Take a walk, stretch, or get out of your chair and move around your house or apartment.
- Take mental breaks: In addition to physical breaks, taking them is also essential. Step away from your work and focus on something else for a few minutes. Listen to music, read a book, or meditate.
Set boundaries with friends and family
If you’re used to working in an office, you’re probably used to having colleagues around you during the day. But when you work remotely, you can sometimes feel isolated and alone.
Setting boundaries with your friends and family when you’re working from home is essential so that they respect your time and space.
Explain to them that even though you’re at home, you still work and need concentration. Tell them when you’re available for breaks or socializing, and stick to those times. Create a dedicated workspace in your home where you can close the door and focus on your work.
Staying disciplined when working from home can be challenging, but setting boundaries will help everyone adjust to the new remote working arrangement.
Make time for socializing
Working remotely can be a great way to get things done in peace, but it’s also essential to make time for socializing. Otherwise, you might start to feel isolated and lonely.
One way to stay connected is to join or create a small working group. This can be a great way to stay in touch with people and exchange ideas. There are also many online communities dedicated to remote workers.
Another option is to schedule regular check-ins with friends, family, or colleagues. You can use video chat services like Skype or FaceTime to catch up with loved ones or hold virtual happy hours with coworkers.
Finally, take breaks throughout the day to move your body and get some fresh air. Taking care of yourself is essential when working from home.
Be honest with yourself
When working remotely, being honest with yourself about your work style and what you need to be productive is essential. That means being honest about distractions, procrastination triggers, and limits.
If you’re honest about these things, you can set up systems and routines that help you avoid them. For example, if you know you’re prone to procrastination, set a daily or weekly goal list that you have to complete before you allow yourself any leisure time.
If you know distractions are a problem, set up a dedicated workspace in a quiet area of your home. And if you know your limits, schedule breaks and take time off when needed.
Being honest with yourself is the key to doing remote working work for you. By setting up systems and routines that help you avoid productivity pitfalls, you can make the most of your time at home and get work done without letting distractions or procrastination get in the way.
