With the world in a panic state, although we might come out on top, and authorities advising everyone to stay indoors and only leave their houses for absolutely impeccable reasons, the white-collar now have to unwillingly work from the comfort of their homes – if possible of course. While the freelancers and the self-employed have years of remote working experience under their belts, the salaried newbie to the concept faces some problems.
Despite the endless benefits of remote working, staying in one place without any change-of-scenery and other coworkers to exchange words with can be enough to push some people over the edge. But how someone tames the harmful effects of being a digital nomad and still keeps the flow going?
Here are some tricks of the trade to help you overcome the difficulties:
The first step into transitioning into remote working is to establish your very work stations – your dedicated focus hub if you will. No matter where you set up makes sure that you’re comfortable and relaxed, and everything of use is in hands-reach because you don’t want to be wasting time on finding stuff or rearranging tools around you.
Whether you choose to a new place you rent as your work station, or to stake out a dingy table at the local café, or even redo the basement floor to fit your style, find a place that you can conveniently and encouragingly camp in and put in the hours. Remember, the more you feel connected to your environment, the more success you’ll going to get out of remote working.
Declare your state of affairs and do it without the slightest quavering in your voice; the circumstances are out of your hand, and you might need people around you to be more cooperative.
Also, many don’t realize that working from home can be as focus-demanding and stressful as the hectic conflicts of an office – if not more! So, communication is vital here. If you’re living with family, sit them down and explain to them what the magnitude of your remote working.
Miss-communications happen even in the reality of being physically present next to each other; widening the distances a bit can be enough to tip the ship over. Because of that, having a constant professional and reliable communication while working remotely is the most critical asset. Remember, you no longer can peek your head out of your office or cubical and exchange words, requests, or orders to others.
To over-communicate, there’s no need to answer each email right away or keep fingers on the keyboard of the fear of any comment or message in chat left unanswered; try to be more agile.
Be positive that you get back to your boss and coworkers at the earliest convenience. The team is counting on you, and to not let them down, you need to remind them of what you’re doing continuously.
If all of this causes any discomfort, try outing a once-a-day “recap” to the team. Inform your boss/coworker of what you’ve done, what’s left unfinished, and what you’re prioritizing for the next day. This way, they’d be sure that you didn’t spend all your time binge-watching T.V shows on Netflix!
When the devouring computer-chair flattens your buttocks and you slowly being to lose grasp of time and space starring at the screen, the hour has arrived to stretch your legs and shake your body.
We all know the significance of closing a major deal or making a deadline, but, as much as possible, cut yourself some slack. Sticking to a workout routine can be the bridge between feeling obnoxious, frustrated, isolated, or discouraged and having the energy to work non-stop.
In remote working, activities like reading books, listening to calming sounds, music, or even ASMR, jugging throughout the house or backyard, and talking to others, help you take better care of yourself.
Keeping up with a routine makes all the differences. Set time for your breakfast and caffeine take-in at specific times and try not to change it so you won’t feel cranky for the rest of the day.
If you can’t handle a stomach-stretching lunch with possible after-effects such as feeling sluggish and snoozy, then move the time of the meal further down your routine. Do so, and you save up a few more energy-driven hours of work before laying down for a midday break.
As for pauses - since there’s nobody around to hang with - take tiny café or game breaks but in a standard and repetitive fashion.
This section goes out to all of our workaholic readers fascinated by the concept of remote working. Staying at home and being blessed by the miracle of time (no more going back and forth to work) can trap you in a frenzy around-the-clock working schedule.
While “getting that last thing” done can be so intimating, it’s healthier to hit the brakes and learn when to say “enough.” Keep in mind that, despite working from the corner of your quarters, never cross the line between work and personal leisure hours; just because you can work unchecked, it doesn’t mean you ought to!
Working from home requires the same criteria as working in an office, being flexible included. Being forced to work from home, where family or kids take up most of our time, can toss us into a tormenting stand where we need to find the balance between the two.
To solve the balancing issue, put in the effort to break away from the office routine, and becoming more flexible. As a perk of Remote working, time is always on your side, and you can choose how to invest it in your job. For example, if you worked for eight hours straight at the office with a short lunch break, you can tear it down into two-hours periods and chunk out time to spend with your family or kids; even going slimmer would be beneficial if you can micro-manage the schedule.
You can also check out this video for more tips about working from home.
