Remote working was still well-known before Covid-19 disrupted our work life. The pandemic has only increased the popularity of remote working.
Whether you are looking for an online part-time job, a freelancer or want to try your hands on working remotely, remote working is on the rise today.
Check out these top tips and tricks for remote working and the best software that can boost your productivity.
But before we get into that section, let us try to understand the basics of working remotely.
What is Remote Work?
Remote work is one of the working styles which allows professionals to work outside a traditional office setup or environment. It focuses on the concept where one does not need to work in a specific place to complete the task successfully.
Thus, people who work remotely do not commute to their offices every day. Neither are they required to sit on their designated desks and make small talk with co-workers. Instead, remote working lets people execute their work and goals anywhere they would like.
People have the flexibility to choose their working days and styles, which balances their professional and personal lives. What society deems as a traditional workplace, remote working is the complete opposite of it.
What is the Difference Between Remote Working and Work from Home?
Many believe that remote working and working from home is the same thing. But both these workplace trends have different realities to them.
If you are working from home, you are temporarily working for your company.
Work from home is when people want to have a significant change in their everyday routine. The employees from your company usually adjust during your absence.
On the other hand, remote working is when you work outside of your office all the time. It requires resources, skills and excellent time management. Here, you can create your work atmosphere and complete your goals according to your preferences.
What Are the Benefits of Working Remotely?
Here are some of the bright sides of working remotely:
1. Flexible Lifestyle
This benefit is one of the most obvious and well sought after for many remote workers.
Moreover, a person who does not like a strict schedule and wants to complete their work through their methods can enjoy remote working. For example, remote work is beneficial for parents who have to look after their kids or students completing their education.
2. Better Health
According to reports, people who work remotely experience less stress as they complete their tasks while working in a comfortable environment.
Healthier employees create better work and hence feel more connected towards their company.
3. Higher Productivity
Remote employers are more productive and strive to put extra effort into their work. When employers work in a comfortable environment without surrounding themselves with other office rules, they perform effectively.
What Are the Disadvantages of Remote Work?
If you think you only need a laptop and internet to start working remotely, you are wrong. The concept of remote work is not all that easy.
1. You Might Feel Isolated
While in the office, it is easier to feel like you are part of the company and increase your relationship with co-workers. As you will be working alone during remote work, you might experience loneliness and feel less connected to the company.
2. Increased Distractions
You can indeed face interruptions in an office workplace, but while working remotely, you may face even more distractions. These can come from children, pets and neighbors who can disrupt your workflow.
It can result in lower dedication for your work and decrease your status at the company.
3. Less Physical Activity
No commuting sounds nice, but it does take effect on one’s physical health. Furthermore, when you sit on your desk all day long while working remotely, you won’t experience any physical activity.
Here Are Top 5 Remote Work Tips
Remote working involves a lot of practice where one needs to adapt to a new lifestyle. These are some of the tips that are crucial for people starting out remote working:
1. Effective Communication
Communication is the key to being professional anywhere, and remote work isn’t an exception. You need to over-communicate in remote work as you aren’t in the office space anymore.
In a workplace, co-workers, employees and bosses constantly surround you. You can always communicate and talk to them about anything and everything. During remote work, you will need to schedule every meeting and appointment weekly.
When you want to share your progress and goals with your team, it is better to invest in good screen capture software. Screen Capture is the safest bet for any remote employer.
Screen Capture is an online video recorder that has a webcam and records audio and screen activities simultaneously. The easy-to-use interface is perfect for beginners starting their work.
Users can enjoy the free version, which provides unlimited screen recording.
2. Create Your Work Schedule
One needs to treat their remote job as a real one. It is necessary to create a clear work schedule to start working remotely. Not having a plan or marking your deadlines will only postpone your work.
The best way is to plan a similar schedule as the employees in the office. It will also make your communication with them more manageable.
Another method is to set your schedule according to the hours you feel can be productive and fulfilling. For example- you can divide your day into two 4-hour periods, one for the morning and another for the evening. This way you can get some free time in the afternoon to relax and unwind.
One crucial tip to remember is never to procrastinate and leave things for the evening. It can lead to work piling up and will produce more stress.
Creating a schedule will keep your work-life balance in check too.
3. Keep an Organized Desk.
The more you have a messy desk, the less you might feel like working. A clean desk and environment lead to increased productivity.
An organized desk helps you find things at the right time. Keep your clutter to the minimum and your work desk free from other personal items.
Set up a system where you have a trash can, a cabinet, and possibly move your paper files to virtual ones. Organize offline files and keep them within reach so you won’t be wasting time while searching.
Twisted cables under your desk can be overwhelming, so make sure you keep them neatly tied together. You can also try and invest in wireless devices such as a mouse, keyboard, and printer.
4. Choose a Suitable Workplace.
Remote working involves finding a spot that serves as your office space. Select a location that you think can help you work more efficiently.
Can you work in white noise or need absolute silence to carry out work tasks? These questions are essential while picking the right spot.
Make sure the environment you select helps you feel motivated and ready to tackle any problems you face. It can be anywhere, a local coffee shop, a library, or even a designated place at your house.
You can also change your workplace from time to time to avoid monotony.
5. Take Time to Look After Yourself
As work is becoming more and more connected online, your tasks may pile up. You might even feel that your work and life balance is dwindling.
Ensure that you log off the internet from time to time and take care of your mental and physical health. Exercise, eat healthily and connect with nature whenever you can.
As remote working gives you the flexibility to set your schedule, you can take time off and enjoy the important moments of your life. Maybe even book your doctor’s appointment that you’ve been putting off due to the hectic schedule?
Make sure you thoroughly research remote working while taking into consideration its pros and cons.
And if you do start working remotely, enjoy the process with these helpful tips!