Are you suddenly trying to figure out how to be successful while working remotely? Shortening your commute to just down the hall and trading the dress shoes for slippers might sound lovely but with it comes a unique set of challenges. It requires learning how to limit distractions and uphold productivity while maintaining work/life boundaries. 12 years ago I moved 700 miles away from my office and have worked remotely ever since. During that time, I’ve learned how to thrive as a remote worker and find joy in the flexibility and ease of life it provides. I’ve compiled a list of several tips for working remotely that has helped me significantly over the years.
7 Tips for Working Remotely:
1. Establish Work Hours & Stick to Them
I can’t stress enough the importance of establishing a routine. Having set hours can help you maintain a good work/life balance as well as give your co-workers, supervisor, and clients a heads up on your availability. Being available during normal business hours is key! It also can take great discipline to leave work alone when it is not your work hours. I often can hear my desk phone ring while I am making dinner, or feel the pull to get a few more hours of work after the children have gone to bed. Although having that flexibility can be beneficial in a crunch, having boundaries and not allowing work to distract you from your home life is important to long-term success. If you’re unable to work during your normal hours, I suggest submitting a PTO request as you would if you were in your company’s office. It keeps you accountable to your employer and helps maintain your personal balance.
2. Get Dressed
Yes, by all means, wear those yoga pants and slippers but start your day by showering and getting yourself put together. It will change your mindset. You start fresh, you have more confidence and it gives you normalcy in the midst of chaos.
3. Establish a Designated Workspace
Having a separate and designated work area helps minimize distractions and maintain focus. Working from home comes with a unique set of distractions which are different than in an office setting. You no longer have to worry about your chatty co-worker popping by your desk but instead, you have that pile of dirty dishes on the counter seeming to call your name. Being able to shut the door and forget about the nagging household chores during your work hours, takes self-discipline, but is a key to staying focused and productive. Don’t be afraid to customize your workspace and request proper equipment from your employer.
4. Make Childcare Arrangements
Working and watching the kids can be a recipe for disaster. When possible (outside of the Coronavirus shutdown), taking your kids to childcare or having a nanny watch them in your home, is very important for the long-term success of your career and, let’s be real, your mental sanity. Find a childcare arrangement that works best for you but save yourself a lot of stress and frustration and don’t try to do both!
5. Stay Connected to Your Co-workers
Staying connected when working remotely takes effort and intention. Thankfully, technology makes it fun and easy. I love having a voice over IP desk phone, so co-workers can dial my extension just like they would if I was physically in the office and I can call clients without giving away my cell phone number. Another must-have is a good instant messaging and virtual meeting app (Skype, Slack, Teams, Zoom, GoTo, etc.). These apps allow you to message your co-workers for a quick check-in, call them and share your screen or do a video conference. Don’t let too many days go by without touching base with your people! Being visible is extremely important to having long-term success with a remote career. And if your remote set-up becomes permanent, don’t forget to visit in person on occasion (once the shelter-in-place has been lifted). Take your staff to lunch, have some in-person meetings with clients and physically meet new hires.
6. Communicate and Then Communicate Some More
I truly believe that without effective communication, a person cannot be a successful remote worker. One of the biggest drawbacks to not being able to physically see your co-workers, or have them see you is not being able to read body language, notice a change in schedule or a person’s demeanor. This can all be overcome with communication! Life happens and you have to be open and upfront about it with your employer. You also have to remember to meet regularly with those that report to you and ask open questions so you can be sure they are supported and appreciated too. When your plate gets overly full, speak up! If you are not feeling well or are you are caring for a sick child, speak up! If one of your direct reports is not doing their job well, do some straight talk. Communication will not only benefit your work/life balance but it will help your employer better meet client needs and help you retain your employees.
7. Be Social Outside of Work
No matter if you are an introvert or extrovert, we all have a desire to be connected with others. For many, this desire is fulfilled by co-workers at the office. When working from home, I have found replacing this interaction with others outside of work is crucial. It might be done through sports, kid’s activities, church or other social groups, or exercising with friends. During the Cornonavirus shutdown, this is a little bit more challenging but I’d encourage you to set up virtual video calls with family and friends and at least get outside for a walk or run every day.
Adapting to remote working when you’re used to an office setting can be difficult, but give it a chance and you might find you actually enjoy it! I know I have! I hope these tips for working remotely are helpful as you adjust to a new routine. I’d love to hear from you with any questions. Sarahm@whhcpas.com
By: Sarah Moore
Manager
