Working remotely can sometimes be overwhelming. New people, lifestyle, dreams and much-needed adaptations to meet expectations set by you, your team and boss (if that applies to you).
Are you just taking up your firm’s flexible working option or you are looking to join the remote working bandwagon? Either way, it’s important to note some vital tips to work remotely. In working remotely as a beginner, several questions come to mind. How can you pump up your productivity level with this flexible lifestyle? Also, stay creative, while having fun, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Here are the top seven tips if you are just working remotely as a beginner, and are really looking forward to all that comes with it.
1. Build a strong communication link
Since working remotely cuts off the physical connections through communications you can have with colleagues and your boss, it offers other means. You can build virtual connections via regular check-ins with the teams and updates on progress on tasks. Share updates on previous tasks, ongoing projects and anticipated work to be done. Let your manager in on your schedule and be open to sharing your propositions at work.
2. Invest in the right remote working tools
Quite often, you get to know more tools that make you comfortable while working remotely with time. But when working remotely as a beginner, it is important to consider various factors prior to choosing the tools that are suited to work from home. They include having reliable internet connectivity (WiFi, hotspot), a PC with accessories (wireless keyboard, mouse, webcam), communication tools (Slack, Zoom, etc), and headphones. The list can go on and one of the determining factors is your engagements. Do you need a second screen to work more productively as most programmers do? A writing pad, portable ergonomic laptop stand, etc.
3. Join a remote working community
It is the norm for remote workers to be loners if they don’t make deliberate efforts to socialize on their work or personal interests. Working remotely as a beginner can have you out of physical touch with the world most times. Make efforts to join a community with shared interests, stay an active member, build on the productivity and energy the community exudes while you embrace location flexibility with work. Remember you’re not your work.
4. Choose the right workspace and environment
The important keys here to note for the right workspace is the focus, motivation to work, and energy source. If your chosen workspace gives you these three factors, then you might have just made the right choice in an awesome work environment. How do you get to know if they offer these factors? Well, does your work environment or workspace present negative sides to these factors? Distractions, unwillingness to work or lethargy? That’s a quick way to know.
5. Have an understanding of your working style
When working remotely as a beginner, the trick to staying productive with a healthy mind is understanding how you work. The cards are not the same for all remote workers. What’s your working noise level? Complete silence, people talking in the background or music. At what time of the day or night is your energy level at its peak? How frequently do you need breaks in between work? This is the beauty of remote work experience, you get to work in your most productive state.
6. Prioritize on self-care
Having to work at a primary location with fixed schedules can cut us off from life important moments most times. But this becomes different from a remote working lifestyle. Therefore, you should be deliberate on putting blocks between your remote work schedules. Have healthy meals, sign up for workout sessions, meetup with medical appointments and visit family and friends.
7. Learn to stay 100% off work when it is time
When working remotely as a beginner, it is common to let yourself be available 24/7, in order to build a reliable reputation with the team. But this is not the best option for you, your clients or team. In maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you should take advantage of working at your most productive hours and going off after working hours to other engagements.
