Working remotely for the first time in your life requires a lot of flexibility. Having the right mindset and the right home office are two of the most important things experienced remote workers rely on to do their job. Here are seven tips to help you get started.
- Find The Ideal Work Space
You don’t need to work from home if you don’t want to. Your office may as well be a desk in a shared workspace or a table in your favorite coffee shop. Whatever your choice, bear in mind that the environment has a direct influence on your productivity. Make sure there’s not a lot of noise or any other distractions that could prevent you from focusing on the task at hand. Choose a spot with plenty of natural light, in order to draw an energy boost from the sun.
Check out our best tips for setting up a home office for success and productivity.
- Have a Work Schedule
Even though working remotely comes with greater flexibility, you should still try to set up a work schedule and follow it closely. Loose deadlines are good because they allow you to choose your work hours to fit your other activities. Nevertheless, there’s a risk that you mix work with leisure, ending up working way too much and in a chaotic style that may lead to burnout. Sticking to a rough work schedule will help you stay on the right track and to keep your private life separate from work.
- Dress to Impress
This is not a joke! Working in your pajamas won’t make you feel professional at all. What if you need to take a video call on a very short notice? Besides, the clothes we wear influence our mood and our emotions. Dressing for business would set you in a professional mood and would make you feel more confident in your ability to do your work. In addition, by getting dressed for work you’ll draw a clear line between your professional and your personal life.
- Take Breaks
Many remote workers find themselves spending long hours at their desks. As there’s no more lunch break or coffee break to look forward to, it’s very easy to overlook your need for such breaks. Working on a schedule, on the contrary, allows you to take breaks during the day, in order to allow your brain and your eyes to relax. If possible, take short walks during these breaks. If not, stand up and take some steps across the room.
You may also want to do some stretching or exercise during some of your breaks to counteract the tension accumulated during your work hours.
- Communicate a Lot
Working remotely requires you to communicate more. As you’ll need to share information and ideas with other members of your teams, you’ll need to use various communication tools and means such as video calls, emails, and instant messaging. Ensure that you have hyperfast broadband to stay online when you need it. When you participate in group calls, try to express your ideas and your opinions, even if you don’t feel like taking a stance. By contributing to the general conversation, you’ll counteract any feelings of loneliness and isolation that might haunt you.
- Communicate Clearly
When communicating remotely, you can’t use body language. This means you need to rely on the power of your words to convey your messages. Be concise and to the point.
- Ask For Help
If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Your managers will be happy to help you overcome any hurdles, in order for you to be as productive as possible.
ALSO READ: ARE TEAMS MORE PRODUCTIVE WHILE WORKING REMOTELY?
