Many businesses are allowing employees to work remotely due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Some are even hiring workers as remote staff.
The remote workforce is expanding. Companies are increasingly performing virtual hiring, and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
If you are open to remote work opportunities, you can position yourself to land a great job. And if you accept a remote job, you need to plan accordingly. That way, you can hit the ground running in your remote role. Plus, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in your remote position long into the future.
How to Get Ready to Work Remotely
Research indicates remote workers can encounter a wide range of problems, including:
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty getting work done without interruptions
- Inability to find the optimal balance between work and home responsibilities
- Loneliness
Remote work problems can hamper your productivity starting on day one at a new job. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can prepare for common remote work issues. Most importantly, you can mitigate these issues now and in the future.
Here are five tips to help you get ready to work remotely.
1. Establish a Dedicated Workspace
Devote a section of your home to work. Oftentimes, it helps to set up a spare bedroom in your home as a dedicated workspace. Or, you can transform a game or crafting room into a home office.
Your remote workspace should be distraction-free. The space should provide ample space from family members and others who can inadvertently disrupt you at work. It should also remain clean and organized. That way, you can quickly and easily access any materials you need to perform your job.
Create a workspace that brings a smile to your face, too. For instance, you can place family photographs or others on your desk. In doing so, your photographs can help you brighten up your workspace.
2. Leverage Remote Work Tools
Find out what remote work tools are required for your job. Your employer may provide a computer and other technology for working remotely. It may ask you to set up software and various remote work equipment as well.
With remote work tools, learn their ins and outs. Share any concerns or questions you have about your remote work tools with your employer. If you need assistance with setup or maintenance, your employer can help.
Consider how you will use remote work tools in conjunction with your workspace. For example, you may use video conferencing software to engage with colleagues and customers. In this instance, you should verify your workspace looks professional. And you should ensure there is sufficient lighting and little to no ambient noise that can be problematic during video calls.
3. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Resist the urge to tackle too much work at once. Otherwise, you may fall victim to an unhealthy work-life balance. At this point, it can be difficult to feel your best at work and outside of it.
It helps to establish a remote work routine. To do so, try to start and finish your work day around the same time each day. Take regular breaks throughout the day. Also, enjoy healthy snacks and stay hydrated as you work.
If you feel overwhelmed with constant video chats or online meetings, notify your manager. Remote workers can experience burnout and exhaustion if they become overwhelmed with virtual tasks. In these instances, it is important to meet with your manager to discuss any remote work issues. Then, you and your manager can work together to alleviate such problems and prevent them from recurring.
4. Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Engage with work colleagues during the day. Use email, text, and other communication platforms. This ensures you can reach out for assistance as needed. Meanwhile, your work colleagues will have no trouble contacting you.
It can be beneficial to request periodic virtual work meetings with your manager. Each meeting gives you a chance to check in and let your manager know how you feel about working remotely. Furthermore, your manager can discuss any concerns or questions regarding you and your work performance.
Of course, you should shut down your work devices at the end of each shift. Keep these devices in your workspace and avoid them until you need to return to work. As a result, you can focus on what’s most important: enjoying your time outside of your job.
5. Fine-Tune Your Remote Work Approach
Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to working remotely. If you find certain things work well when you start working from home, stick with them. On the other hand, if some things fall short of your expectations, make adjustments.
Typically, employees who have worked remotely since the start of the pandemic can provide tips, recommendations, and guidance to new hires. Reach out to remote staff to learn how they stay on track with their work. This can give you a glimpse into what you need to do to maximize your productivity as a remote worker.
Remain on the lookout for ways to bolster your remote work approach. There is always room for improvement, particularly when it comes to working remotely. Consider opportunities to boost your remote work productivity, and you can do just that.
The Bottom Line on Preparing to Work Remotely
Remote work has become an integral part of the “new normal” created by the pandemic. You may find many remote work opportunities in the months and years to come. If you accept one of these opportunities, it pays to plan ahead.
Careful planning is crucial for remote workers. Those who understand the challenges of working from home can prepare for these issues and minimize their impact. They can also remain productive, regardless of where or when they work.
Get ready to work from home and remain diligent in your efforts to make the most of your remote work experience. From here, you can complete remote work tasks on schedule and to the best of your ability. And you can become a vital contributor to your business’ success.
