10 Essential Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Remote Working

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that remote working is here to stay. Due to this, we will need to update our ways of working to find the most effective processes for virtual offices.

Use the following tips to help you make the most out of remote working. 

• Have a designated work space 

Having a designated working space is so important to ensure you can work without being distracted. Being able to make the distinction between home and work makes all the difference when it comes to productivity. 

• Make sure you have everything you need 

Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, hardware, software, stationary, paper, and so on. You might find that a Microsoft Teams phone system is useful when it comes to knowing how to get IT support, and staying in touch with both your team and clients. 

• Get dressed each day

Changing into work clothes, or at least out of your pyjamas, will help you to mentally switch from ‘home mode’ to productive work mode. 

• Make a daily to-do list

Each morning set out some realistic tasks to keep you focused and productive throughout the day. It might help to have separate AM and PM lists if you struggle with the afternoon slump in particular. 

• Take breaks and know when to stop

In the same way that you have set working hours in the office, know when your working day begins and ends and make sure you take regular breaks throughout. Nobody expects you to work solidly for 8 or more hours! 

• Remain in contact with your team 

Being physically separated doesn’t mean you have to remain cut off from your co-workers. Make the effort to contribute to team chats and send personal messages every so often so you don’t find yourself getting isolated. 

• Make an extra effort to nurture relationships 

Make time for non-work-related chats as you would in the office and use video calling as a way to maintain a form of face-to-face contact whenever possible. you’d be surprised at how much a video chat or two a week can make you feel connected to those you usually communicate with regularly. 

• Be clear in your communication

When you communicate in person you have extra visual and audio cues to help you and your associates communicate more effectively.  When you’re speaking remotely instead, a lot of the extra information that makes communicating easy is taken away, so you need to make sure you’re as clear as possible when communicating remotely. 

• Don’t be afraid to ask for support 

Speaking out when you need support is always important, but even more so when working remotely. Every person in your team should be making an extra effort to support each other, so make sure you get in touch with someone when you feel you need a little assistance. 

• Adjust things until it works for you 

Remote working is different for everyone. For some, it’s easier than working in an office but for others it offers more distractions. Experiment with different seating arrangements, levels of light, music, and so on, until you find what works best for you. Ultimately, make the most of being able to sit in your home without pinching shoes or long commutes! 

And there you have it – 10 essential tips for ensuring you get the most out of your remote working.