In the modern era, thanks to technology and IT Services, the world is connected by virtual means. Therefore, it is not necessary for one to commute to work or join employment opportunities in their vicinity. Thanks to the option of working remotely, people can now work from their own homes. Work for clients abroad and even join offices in other parts of the world with different time zones.
Although many people consider remote working a blessing and according to a survey, around 96% of people would recommend remote working to their peers, it is very easy for things to go downhill. Ensuring productivity and staying focused are common issues that people struggle with when working on a remote basis.
Bearing this in mind, we have compiled a list of remote workers best practices that will make sure you can stay on track and work remotely with ease:
1. Set And Follow A Schedule:
When people work from home, the one thing that they tend to ignore is the significance and need of a proper schedule. As a remote worker, you can work on your own schedule, but make sure that you set up a routine for yourself. Designate proper working hours and make sure that you abide by them. Also designate days for working and make sure you give yourself some time to take a break and rewind.
As a remote worker, people start slacking off when they don’t have a proper time table. Other than a time table, it is also recommended that you set up a proper workspace. Call it your office and only use it for working.
2. Set Deadlines:
Remote workers have flexible working deadlines. They can work on their own pace and as needed. Around sixty percent of people fall a prey to procrastination in this case. “I’ll do it tomorrow”, “ I can finish the work in a couple of hours”, “Tomorrow is the day”, these are some statements that remote workers often make to themselves.
Everyday, before you sit down to work, make a to do list. Set an agenda and set some deadlines for yourself. This way, you will be able to stay organized and finish up the work within time and official deadlines don’t start pilling up.
3. Communication Is Key:
Communication is extremely important in a workplace, but the importance of effective communication is a lot more when people are working in remote settings. Emails and video meetings are your best friend as a remote worker. Use emails to document everything. There are email apps available that will organize everything for you. Have all your inboxes in one place and emails categorized automatically. Also, have virtual meetings with clients and colleagues every now and then to make sure that you and your team members are on the same page.
The use of collaborative platforms like Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Keep, Google Notes and Google Drive is another efficient way of staying organized.
4. Maintain A Proper Work-Life Balance:
For people working on remote basis, things can go either way. Either they lose track and don’t pay attention towards their work, or, they get too immersed in work that it starts to affect their personal lives. Both of these situations are hazardous.
Sticking with a proper schedule can solve this problem. But other than that, one himself has to be vigilant as well. Working too much can have adverse effects on not only personal relationships but on one’s health and overall well being as well. Therefore, make sure that you maintain a proper balance and only bite off what you can chew.
5. Dress Up For Work!
This practice may seem a bit comical but you will be amazed to see how it will change your remote working routine. There are some practices and certain activities that have an impact on our productivity. When you make it a habit to get dressed for work, as soon as your change and get ready, the brain will be wired automatically that it is time to set off for work.
People who tend to lack a proper workspace or simply work in their pajamas report a lot more trouble whilst focusing. This leads to not only procrastination but also impacts their productivity levels.
6. Make Use Of The Right Tools:
There are plenty of platforms that offer IT Support for remote workers. From time management softwares to other tools that help one set a schedule and stay on track, there are plenty of both free as well as paid platforms that offer support for remote workers. These platforms help organize tasks and make coordination easier thus taking a lot of load off of the shoulders of the remote workers.