10 (+ 1) tips for working remotely
With the spread of the novel coronavirus, many companies are recommending employees work remotely until the virus can be slowed.
While you may have fantasised about working from the comfort of home, the reality is a little more complicated. It’s not as easy as it looks. There are the competing personal and professional to-do lists, isolation from work colleagues, lack of motivation and temptation of distractions (hello Netflix).
For those new to working remotely, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you navigate your new work situation.
Set aside a designated workspace
A clear space to set up your computer will help you make the mental shift from personal to professional time. Rather than working from the couch or bed, make your work environment one that inspires and supports you in getting IT done.
Get dressed
While it’s tempting to stay in your PJs, it’s hard to shift your brain away from lounging into work mode. Put away the suits and high heels and take advantage of dressing comfortably—but get dressed.
Create a work pattern
Keeping to a regular work schedule will help you stay focused and maintain a work-life balance. But be flexible! This is an opportunity to work at times that suit you best, as long as you can still be available to your coworkers.
Sign up and learn how to use virtual tools
Cloud-based services like Skype, Zoom, Hangouts, Google Drive and Dropbox can help you stay connected with your team in real-time. Set up regular group teleconferences—and don’t shy away from using the video!
Create a shared work program with clearly assigned milestones and goals
Remote employees can often feel forgotten or overlooked. Project management tools like Asana, Trello and Basecamp allow teams to regularly check-in on progress and struggles and deliver acknowledgement and recognition.
Schedule regular virtual catch-ups with colleagues
Working remotely can be isolating, especially if you’re used to chatting with your workmates. Make time in the day to meet at the ‘virtual water cooler’ with those you’re used to seeing.
Have work to complete offline
If your business systems or internet go down, have work you can do without being connected. Edit a printed document, read a professional development book or watch a downloaded training.
Tackle something new
Not every task will be suitable for ‘work from home’. You may have a list of projects waiting in the wings or you could use this time to brainstorm creative ways to keep business moving.
Share childcare responsibilities
Don’t try and juggle working and taking care of your kids at the same time. You’ll get more achieved in a shorter block of distraction-free time. Take turns working for a few hours while your partner or another caregiver mind the children—then switch.
Change up your venue
If you’re climbing the walls at home, try working from a coffee shop or library (though be aware of any social distancing recommendations from the government). Be sure to pick a venue where you can easily take calls (not too quiet or noisy) and remember to bring headphones.
Check-in regularly with your mental wellbeing, as well as those around you
Are you feeling stressed or anxious? Are you feeling a bit low and unmotivated? Make time in your day to take regular breaks—go for a walk, do meditation or play with your dogs. Figure out strategies that engage your soul and integrate them into your day*.
*We were aiming for ten tips but there was a late entry 😉