Being a remote worker comes with its own set of challenges — not least of all the lack of a shared office culture. Not everyone does well working from home, and it’s important to know how to avoid burnout, what to do when you’re feeling disconnected and how to integrate yourself into your team if you plan on moving back into an office setting.
We have compiled a list of 10 tips for remote work success. If you’ve never worked remotely before, or if you’re looking for ways to improve productivity and morale in your current remote job, try implementing these tips:
- Start meetings on time. Starting meetings late can create a vicious cycle in which other people start their meetings late as well. Staying on schedule helps ensure that everyone is prepared and ready to contribute.
- Encourage socializing, but don’t force it. Since you won’t be able to see your coworkers all day, it’s easy for them to feel like they’re not part of the group.
- Block out your time for work. Like any other job, you need to treat working from home as a job where you need to show up on time and leave on time. Set aside a specific block of time every day that is dedicated to working. This way you won’t find yourself going through email at 1 am and then calling it quits early the next morning.
- Make sure you have the right tools. You may want to provide a desk with an ergonomic chair, a laptop or desktop computer, a printer and scanner, and at least one phone line if you need to contact directly for emergencies.
- Set goals for your performance in order to increase productivity. You can use project management software for this purpose, which will also help ensure that you are staying on task and meeting deadlines.
- Take care of yourself. If you’re not taking care of yourself and your health, then how can you expect to be productive? Make sure you get enough sleep and exercise. You’ll feel better and more alert if you do.
