Remote working is about working anywhere outside the workplace – whether that’s home, a coffee shop, a co-working space, a library, a park or – if you’re lucky – a beach.
During the pandemic, office-based employees around the world suddenly found themselves hard at work at their dining tables, ironing boards or any flat surface they could find in their house or apartment. But remote working and working from home aren’t the same thing – there are lots of ways to work remotely.
Millions of people have now had a taste of life without the daily commute or flying thousands of miles to attend face-to-face meetings. And it’s unlikely that things will go back to normal.
Since the pandemic, many companies have announced their commitment to remote working. Working remotely – wherever you do it – is here to stay, and it’s getting more popular than ever. It’s what people want to do, and the technology is there to help us do it well.
While remote working isn’t for everyone, it’s opened a new, more relaxed lifestyle for many people. Here are just a few of the pros of remote working.
Working remotely for the first time is a big adjustment. Experienced remote workers know how important it is to have the right place to work – and the right mindset.
Whether it’s a room in your home, a shared workspace, or a favourite coffee shop, the environment matters when working remotely. Make sure temperature and noise levels are comfortable for you, you have plenty of space for your equipment, and it’s somewhere you’re not likely to be disturbed. Look for areas that offer natural light to help you feel energized.
Working remotely often means more flexibility – so you might have more choice about when you do your tasks. it’s important to set yourself a schedule and stick to it as much as you can.
It may be tempting to work in your pyjamas, but it won’t make you feel professional. Clothes influence our mood and emotions, so wear something that makes you feel motivated, professional, and confident. Getting dressed for work will also help you mark the distinction between work and home life, helping you switch off when the working day is over.
With no prompts to take lunch and coffee breaks, remote workers can find whole days passing in front of a screen. Taking a break is energizing, especially if you can get outside, so set yourself a schedule and make sure everyday features at least a walk around the block.
Working remotely requires more communication – not less. Use instant messaging and group chats to stay in the loop with colleagues and projects, video call into meetings, and above all, check in with colleagues and managers.
Body language and audio cues can be lacking when you’re not speaking face to face. Because of this, communication needs to be more explicit when working remotely. Check your messages for clarity and conciseness to make sure colleagues understand what you mean.
People working alone can find themselves soldiering on with tasks, even if they need help. It’s okay to reach out when support is needed – and it’s the right thing to do. For managers, providing regular check-ins with proactive offers of help is vital.
