Technology now makes it easier than ever to work remotely. But as humans who need to socialize and can easily get distracted, working from home or our favorite coffee shop is not always as easy as it might sound.
This is why remote work best practices exist: to help us stay productive and focused, to keep us energized and happy, and to remind us to set healthy boundaries and to be good to ourselves.
Here are nine best practices you should know if you have to work remotely.
1. Create A Distinct Work Area
Working from your bed, your couch, or a corner of your kitchen table is not a good idea. To maintain a good work-life balance, you should create a distinct work area instead of working from anywhere in your home.
You don’t need a huge home office: you could set up a small one in a closet. Or you could work from a coffee shop to separate your work area from the areas of your home where you relax and eat.
2. Equip Yourself With The Right Tools
Your employer should provide a digital workplace platform to connect you virtually to your coworkers. But unless they also provide you with a computer, it will be up to you to equip yourself.
Don’t work from an old laptop with an unreliable internet connection. Be sure you have all the right tools to efficiently complete your tasks, including an ergonomic desk chair, office supplies, and good lighting for your work area.
3. Follow A Work Schedule
Remote work gives you more freedom and flexibility than working in an office. However, as a best practice, you should follow a schedule and daily routine.
It doesn’t mean you have to work from 9 to 5. Instead, choose a work schedule that works well for you, and stick to it.
This will help your brain know when it’s time to work and when it’s time to relax or have some fun.
4. Set Boundaries And Guidelines
When you work from home, you don’t want your coworkers and your clients to think it means you are always available. Set boundaries by letting everyone know about your schedule and making it clear you will not respond to messages when you’re not working.
You also need to set boundaries and guidelines with your family. Your loved ones need to know you’re unavailable during work hours, and your kids need to know they can’t scream and run around when you have scheduled meetings.
5. Take Good Care Of Yourself
It’s primordial to take good care of yourself when you work remotely. It might be tempting to stay in your pajamas all day, but you will feel refreshed and professional if you shower and get dressed.
Be sure you always have great snacks and fresh coffee available, and don’t work if you are sick.
You also need to be kind to yourself. You might not be able to be productive all day long, but you should not feel bad about it. You’re a human being, not a robot.
6. Don’t Forget To Take Breaks
Another way to take good care of yourself is to add breaks to your schedule. Pausing from time to time can help you regain your focus when you feel tired. Breaks also give you occasions to get up and stretch your body.
So have lunch with a friend, go outside for a short walk, or simply get up and move your body for a few minutes.
7. Keep Yourself Accountable
When you work remotely, no manager oversees you and ensures you do what you should. It’s up to you to keep yourself accountable.
Organization and discipline are skills you must develop when you work remotely. You must set goals, stay focused, and find ways to resist distractions and temptations.
8. Protect Sensitive Information
Another important remote work best practice is to always protect sensitive information. Any confidential document or data you work with must be kept secure, and you need to take this as seriously as if you were working in an office.
Never leave your computer unattended, especially if you are working from a coffee shop. And keep your software updated to protect sensitive info from hackers.\
9. Connect With Others
Communicating regularly with coworkers is important for sharing deadlines, information, updates, and feedback. But be sure you also dedicate some time to fun social interactions.
Having casual chats with your coworkers helps you feel more connected to them, and feeling connected to others is good for your mental health and your happiness.
Read Also:
