Over the past five years, remote working has exploded, transforming from a seldom-offered perk into something that many more workplaces have started to implement. The flexibility and comfort of remote working can be unparalleled for workers, but that doesn’t mean that it’s all fun and games. In fact, that freedom can prove to be too much for some, leading to all kinds of unexpected frustrations and difficulties with productivity. As such, we’re going to look at what it takes to make remote working work for you.
Create A Dedicated Home Office
First and foremost, you’re going to need a designated workspace; somewhat that allows you to work productively. A WFH office, even if it’s just a small desk in a quiet corner, helps mentally separate work from home life. Equip it with a comfortable chair, proper lighting, and reliable internet.
Some people choose to work from the couch or from their bed, but this can end up blurring the lines between work-life and home-life in a way that can reduce the quality of both. The space needs to be customised with the things that you need and organised to make working much easier for you, giving you a place to focus when you need to, and to have uninterrupted space for video calls and other similar communications.
A Place To Work Outside The Home
Having a workspace at home doesn’t mean that this has to be the only place that you get your work done, however. Being able to get a change of scenery is one of the biggest benefits of remote working, and it can reset your focus and help you fight off the all-too-common issue of cabin fever. While official co-working spaces do offer professional environments with tech suited to making you as productive as possible, they can become very expensive to work in.
Working in coffee shops and libraries can be just as effective, from the ambient noise offering a little more comfort, to helping you maintain motivation with a nice cup of coffee or snack as you work. Planning weekly “out-of-home” days can also restore your work-life balance by physically separating your work from your living space.
Self-Discipline Is Vital
The flexibility offered by remote working is one of its greatest strengths, but it can also tank your productivity if you’re not able to make the right use of it. Self-discipline is vital, but it’s not a skill everyone brings naturally to the table. You can work on it, however, by creating a consistent routine of starting and ending your workday at the same time and taking structured breaks. This can be reinforced with digital tools like time-blocking apps, task lists, and website blockers to keep you free from distractions and focused on your work.
Staying accountable is important too, whether it’s through regular check-ins with teammates or even just a personal review system for yourself.
Make It Work With Your Family At Home
When you’re working from home, it can create an issue with how your family treats you. It’s an unfortunately common experience that a lot of remote workers find their family often doesn’t treat their workspace and boundaries with the same respect as they would if they were at the office.
Communicating your needs to the adults and teenagers in the home is vital, but managing working from home with kids is just as important. Coordinating with a partner or caregiver to help manage them can help a lot.
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