When you think of remote work, what comes to your mind? A slacker working in their pajamas or an effective employee working in their home or a co-working space? Popular perception might favor the former, but the latter is usually the reality. Studies have consistently shown that remote workers can be just as productive, if not more productive, than people working in an office.
Remote work is here to stay
Companies are embracing remote work as they have never done before, partly because of COVID-19. However, some companies have announced that they will continue remote working arrangements with many or most of their employees after the crisis passes, and experts expect a continued increase in remote working.
As a remote worker for seven years, I have learned that there are a few secrets to being a successful remote worker. Remote work is not for everyone, though. Remote working requires discipline, hard work and some degree of sacrifice, but the rewards are worth it.
If you are already working remotely, or if you are aspiring to work remotely, here are some things I have learned that helped me be more effective.
Create a dedicated working space
If you can, create a home office in a quiet room. If you do not have the space for an office, create a dedicated workspace—this could be a corner of the kitchen table, a table in the living room, etc. If possible, reserve that working space only for work, not leisure activities. Get in the mindset that it is time to work when you sit down at your workspace.
Dress for success
While you can work in casual clothes, I find it helpful to dress as if I was going to the office. It gets me in the mindset of “it’s time for work.” It is also better to present a professional appearance in your video conference calls; wearing a dingy t-shirt may send the wrong message to co-workers (especially your boss). However, working in very casual clothes is the norm for many workers, even in an office. Dress appropriately.
Create a routine
The need to communicate with co-workers means that most of us need to be available during regular working hours. Strive to start and end on time. Have lunch close to the same time each day. This keeps you focused on work, not the latest Netflix show.
Some remote positions have flexible hours; you can get the work done at any time that works for you. If that is the case, do not abuse the privilege and communicate your actual working hours with others, so others know when they can reach you.
Schedule breaks
It is easy for time to fly by when we are “heads down” working on a project. To stay fresh, schedule breaks in your routine. This helps keep you disciplined, as opposed to taking a break whenever you feel like it. However, sometimes you just need a break at a non-scheduled time. At the office, most of us can get up and stretch when you need to or get a cup of coffee; feel free to do the same at home if your work allows for that. Some workers will have the flexibility to take more frequent breaks as long as they get the work done.
Communicate regularly
Since there are no random hallway meetings or people popping into your office at a remote job, it is important to communicate frequently with co-workers and your boss. Err on the side of over-communication (but do not overdo it). If you need to go offline for a while, let people know in your “away” status. If possible, schedule regular chats or video conference calls with co-workers. Leave some time during calls to briefly socialize so you can keep up the team spirit.
To chat or not to chat
Here is a rule of thumb: If the communication is brief and time-sensitive, do it in chat. If the message needs to be more detailed, use email or video. Consider carefully whether it will be best to send an email or chat via phone or video; many times, an issue can be resolved more quickly by discussing it verbally. If the issue is not very time-sensitive, use your project management tools.
Be careful with your communication
It is easy to type a fast chat or email message without thinking it through, but that can back-fire. Re-read your message before sending it and consider how someone will perceive the message. With no non-verbal cues, people can misunderstand the intentions behind a written message. Give enough information that people will understand what you need to say, but do not overdo it. When you use too many words, it is more likely that the recipient will just skim your message, rather than reading it carefully. It is also a good idea to try to include some context in your written messages to prevent miscommunication.
Become friends with video
With video calls, people get some non-verbal cues from your facial expressions, which aids understanding. It is also good to see other people because it fosters teamwork. It is less likely that your message will be misconstrued when you are chatting face-to-face. If possible, have your team decide ahead of time what types of meetings are best done via video and which ones are best handled by chat or email.
Do not abuse the privilege
I consider working from home a privilege. If your job allows for it, it is nice to be able to check the mail, take a short walk, start a load of laundry, or rest your eyes for a few minutes. However, be careful that you do not exploit that freedom. Keep the distractions to a minimum. Remember, you are getting paid to work; give you company their money’s worth.
Be considerate of time zones
If your team is in different time zones, rotate meeting times so that everyone gets to attend a meeting at a time that is convenient for them. This is particularly important if your co-workers are in different countries. No one wants to be the person who always must get up at 5 am for a conference call.
It is not personal
When you are not on a video call, you never know what the other person might be doing at the time. Be considerate of their time. Do not harass them if they do not respond right away; they might be busy with something else, or have several chats going on at the same time. If someone only gives you a curt answer, do not take it personally.
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With the right tools and work habits, you can be highly productive and effective as a remote worker. Be grateful that you get the opportunity to work from home and make your boss proud.
Do you have any other tips for effectively working remotely? Leave them in the comments.
This post was originally published on LinkedIn.