Working remotely is more common now than it has been in the past, but you still need to make it work for you. Whether you’ve recently started a new job that requires you to work remotely or your longtime employer has started to allow you to work from home, here are a few things that you can do that will help you as you work remotely.
Communicate
Communication is important for any job, but it is especially crucial when you’re working remotely. You no longer have a desk that is mere feet away from your coworkers and supervisor, which means that you need to check in regularly via email, video chat, or any other way that you and your supervisor decides will be best. Try to do this at least once a week.
Invest in quality equipment
You will at the very least need a good computer and a reliable Internet connection if you’re to do your job away from the office, but your equipment shouldn’t stop there. You will need to be able to make video calls without losing your work or your wi-fi connection, and you should have a pair of noise-canceling headphones for when you want to work in a public place.
Create your workspace
Your workspace can either be a quiet and organized office in your home or a table at a local coffee shop. In any case, try to pin down what kind of workspace helps you stay productive and relaxed since you will be spending the majority of your time there.
Find a working style that works for you
One of the benefits of working remotely is that you have more freedom to find your own working style. If you find that listening to music or white noise helps you stay productive, there is nothing stopping you from playing music while you work. If you find that you get more work done if you take frequent breaks, there is nobody keeping you at your desk or who can complain that you take several breaks throughout the day. You have the freedom to find out what works best for you, so take advantage of it.
Know when to stop
Many remote workers find that they feel obligated to work longer hours and be available at all times. This might seem admirable to some employers, but you need to know when to sign off for the day. It’s okay to put in some long hours occasionally, but you should still stick to a schedule that allows for plenty of downtime and sleep. It’s important for your own mental health, even if you feel like you should always be “on.”
