Remote working has become increasingly popular during this pandemic. At the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, many companies have adopted the work-from-home (WFH) policy. After almost two years of the pandemic, they have implemented the hybrid work setup. Some employees work from home and visit their office on certain days. It appears that remote work is gradually redefining the business landscape and reshaping the future of business.
For this reason, you should capitalize on the opportunity to work remotely. Find ways and means to make the most of your remote work, whether WFH or hybrid work. The ultimate goal is to boost your productivity and not compromise your job. That way, you can take advantage of the other benefits like having no commute, flexible working hours, travel opportunities, work-life balance, and an excellent lifestyle.
That said, here’s how to optimize your remote work in the new normal:
Table of Contents
1. Have a conducive working environment
The first thing to consider is your working environment. If you’re working from home, choose and set a dedicated space for working. It can be a particular space in your bedroom or a separate room somewhere in your house. Once decided, go ahead and set it up, turning your workspace into a perfect place for working. If you’re working remotely outside of your home, opt for a coffee shop or co-working space good for working. Ensure your workspace has a stable internet connection, fewer distractions, and an ideal ambiance.
2. Invest in needed resources for mobile work
If you choose to go mobile for your remote work, you must invest in a handful of resources. On top of this is your device, your laptop. It must have the ideal specs required for your work. The next on the list is your internet connection. Even if you’ll have access to free Wi-Fi, it’s still best to purchase a pocket Wi-Fi or satellite hotspot. Other things you might want to consider investing include a mechanical keyboard, mouse, webcam, microphone, and headphones.
3. Establish your working hours
If your company requires you to log in and log out, you have no choice but to stick to these working hours. Of course, don’t forget to take your breaks and lunch as well. However, the majority of remote workers have flexible working hours. If that’s your case, be sure to set your working hours at a particular time of the day or night. Also, know when your peak hours are and make the most of your work during this time. Finally, draw the line between working and having personal time.
4. Define and set your boundaries
In line with establishing your working hours, you must also define your boundaries. Unfortunately, doing so is easier said and done. If you’re working from home, it’s hard to draw the line between your personal and professional time. Even if you’re working somewhere else, you might get distracted by several things. To rise above these challenges, you must set your boundaries. Once you establish your working hours, be sure to stick to them.
5. Maintain an open line of communication with your team
It’s one thing to work in the office; it’s another to do so remotely. The latter doesn’t allow you to communicate with your team instantly. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication. Thanks to digital tools and communications technology, communication has never been this more seamless. However, you must do your part by asking queries, scheduling meetings, and communicating with your team regularly.
6. Augment your work ethic and attitude
When it comes to working, boosting productivity boils down to your work ethic. Whether working in the office or remotely, you must have the right attitude towards your job. It doesn’t only pay the bills and put food on the table, but it is also changing your customers’ lives. Be sure to acquire the habits of punctuality, honesty, accountability, and utmost responsibility. Ultimately, all these attributes will pay off in the long run and take you to places as an employee.
7. Know when to ask for help
The last on the list is to ask for help. Remote working entails a lot of obstacles and challenges. It may be hard to ask for help from your boss and colleagues. However, you don’t have to grope in the dark. As a responsible employee, know when to ask for help. If you have technical issues, be sure to reach out to your remote IT staff. If you cannot pull off a particular task, seek help from your colleague. If you’re struggling, reach out to your immediate boss.
At this point, you now know what it takes to optimize your remote work during this pandemic. Consider the strategies recommended above, from having a conducive working environment to defining and setting your boundaries to asking for help. With all these crucial steps, you’ll boost your productivity and make the most of your remote work. Ultimately, you’ll be more successful and better as a remote employee!