Working remotely means having to juggle multiple roles at once. While it is possible, it isn't easy to complete without sacrificing some essential work habits.
If you're new to working remotely full-time or part-time, you might need to think differently about your day-to-day routine to ensure you're still meeting all of your objectives.
Working remotely may seem like the ultimate in freedom. But it's not always so easy to be self-reliant. You may need to manage your time effectively to get things done, and you'll need to work on improving your communication skills when you're working independently. So, what are the top tips you can implement to ensure a successful remote working experience? Here are ten of the best tips from our experts on the benefits and pitfalls of working remotely.
1. Don't scrimp on recognition
A strong sense of community can help remote workers feel less alone and more productive. I like to send a quick email to my team to let them know I'm thinking about them. This is an excellent way to stay in touch and demonstrate your concern.
Recognition and praise can be powerful motivators. It is essential to know that your actions are appreciated, but it is more important to know you are appreciated.
2. Foster a healthy feedback environment
While working remotely, you are working in a virtual team. If you are not getting feedback, you are not getting the chance to improve; this can be a huge missed opportunity.
Therefore, encourage your team to ask for and share feedback. A healthy feedback system is beneficial, especially when a team member struggles with a project. Although it is often difficult to hear constructive criticism, make your team realise that sharing and giving results in a healthy virtual work environment.
The most effective method is to do it yourself. - ask your team to provide you with feedback on anything that involves work, the project, and your relationship with them. Encourage them to be honest yet constructive.
By the same token, if a team member is not getting the work done, it's time to say so. You can't hide inefficiencies and let them go unchecked. If you work from home, you may have to work harder to gain the trust you need to succeed.
3. Set clear expectations from the beginning
Laying down clear expectations is critical to having a successful working relationship with your team. If you don't set expectations early on, you will likely get off on the wrong foot, and it won't be easy to get back on track. You will have a successful remote working experience if you do it right.
Set expectations for the working relationship early on, and don't be afraid to say "no" if you cannot meet them.
A remote working experience is a unique experience, and it's essential to be aware that your team will not be able to meet all of your expectations. It's also important to realise that you may not be able to meet all of their expectations either.
Since you are not physically in the same room, you will need to find a way to work together to meet your goals.
4. Invest in workspace technology
If you work from home, it's critical to have the right technology to help you be more productive. Because you are now a part of a virtual team, you will be limiting yourself if you do not invest in the technology you need to succeed.
As a remote worker, you will need to have access to a variety of different tools, including a laptop or desktop computer, a fast internet connection, required remote work software, and other essential peripherals such as printers, scanners, noise-cancelling headsets, good quality camera, a simple yet effective lighting rig, a desk, ergonomic chair, and a few other things. If you are not investing in these tools, you will not be able to work effectively.
Edworking allows you to manage your work from anywhere. You can access your projects, share your documents and get feedback from your team. It's free to try, and you only pay £10 per member per month.
5. Set boundaries
I'm not saying that you should work all the time, but I am saying that if you have a flexible schedule and you're working from home, you have to be clear about what's expected of you and what's not. It's so easy for work to creep into your home life, but setting some boundaries is essential.
Don't forget about yourself! If you're trying to balance the needs of a family, it's essential to find a way to carve out some time for yourself. This may mean getting up earlier, spending time with your family at lunch, or making sure to spend your weekend with the people in your life.
6. Get dressed - every day
Some people have a wardrobe of suits, pants, shirts, ties, and shoes for every occasion. And others wear the same jeans and t-shirts every day. When it comes to dressing for work, I'm not talking about dressing up or down. I'm talking about dressing for the casual corporate level of dress at work. You don't have to put on a suit to work every day.
Dressing up to work positively affects your psyche and your confidence. You'll be more focused, and you'll be more productive.
You don't want to get caught in your underwear if you accidentally forget to turn your camera off during a meeting while you try to grab a cup of coffee.
7. Mind what you eat
If you want to stay productive while working from home, you need to keep your body fed. It may sound strange, but it's true. I've found that I get more done when I am eating healthier. It may be tough to get away from unhealthy foods, but I recommend eating better.
I'm not saying it's impossible to eat junk food while dieting, but it's just not good for you. Eating junk food will make you feel sluggish and cause you to gain weight, which is not what you want.
8. Stand Up and stretch
This may seem counterintuitive, but standing once in a while can help you be more productive. Sitting for too long can cause back problem, cause headaches, and according to a new study, it can also lead to depression; if you want to be more productive, standing up for a few minutes now and then will help.
I'm not saying you should exercise or do a full-blown workout. Standing up while working can break the monotony of sitting, relieve your neck, back, buttocks, and legs of pressure, and help your blood circulate, allowing you to function better.
9. Exercise
The most important part of your work from home environment is to make sure that you're healthy and well-rested. You should get enough sleep at night and make sure to exercise daily. You can start by walking for twenty minutes each day, and if you feel like you need more, then, by all means, do so.
10. Put human interaction on your agenda
If you're working from home, you're probably spending more time at home than before. It's tempting to withdraw into your little world, but it is critical to maintaining contact with others. You should make an effort to talk to people around you. It's essential to be social.
By comparison, there is always someone to talk to when working in an office environment, and it is simple to keep up with what is going on.
You don't have to be the person who always talks, but it's essential to make an effort to talk to people. You can do this by going to the grocery store, the library, the park, the mall, or attending a weekend party with friends. Just make an effort to interact with others.
Conclusion
The key to being productive while working from home is to know what software is best for you and to follow a few simple steps to ensure you're well-rested, healthy, and fed. You'll be able to focus, be more productive, and get more done if you do so.
Therefore, working from home is vital to ensure you're making the proper steps to be more productive.
I hope you found this article helpful. Please share it with your friends if you do. In addition, if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section. I'd be happy to help you out.
