Tips For Being A Successful And Happy Remote Worker

As more organisations hire remote workers to expand their talent pool, businesses are attempting to differentiate themselves by implementing robust remote work programmes and reward and recognition strategies to attract and retain remote workers. 

Here are some benefits of remote work based on research and personal experience. According to Buffer's State of Remote Work 2018 Report, the most significant benefit of remote work is the ability to work on a flexible schedule. As a remote worker, you can set your working hours.

Of course, you must be available during standard business hours, but with a flexible schedule, you can also complete your tasks in the evenings or on weekends if that is more convenient for you.

Working from home saves energy by eliminating the need to commute to and from physical labour, often freeing up at least one hour per day. You are more concerned with being comfy and productive than with your appearance and dress. Being in your environment can relax you, save energy, and make you feel less exhausted at the end of the day. Many people find that working remotely reduces distractions, allowing for greater productivity and job satisfaction.

Working in your pyjamas at odd hours, with your only human contact for the day being chat messengers and video calls, remote working can be both challenging and liberating. Whether you already work remotely or are thinking about it, here are some pointers to help you make the most of this wonderful opportunity.

Prioritize purpose in your work: It is even more essential to derive meaning from your job when working remotely because you are missing the camaraderie and human connections that can give you purpose. There are always ways to find meaning in your work, whether in advertising, engineering, or technical support. Consider who will ultimately benefit from your efforts. Perhaps you assisted a customer in resolving a problem or wrote a helpful article. Work is no longer merely a means to an end, and motivating factors are now more powerful than ever.

Be clear about your expectations: Make sure you know what is required of you and that you take the initiative rather than waiting for your leader. Following a meeting, it's a good practice to send an email summarising what actions you'll take or providing a summary of the assignment. It's always better to be too specific than general; because you're working remotely, some matters may be perceived differently than you originally meant. You can avoid miscommunication by being more specific.

Communicate progress: Make it simple for others to see how far you've come on agreed-upon tasks. According to TalentLMS's remote work statistics survey, the most popular collaborative tools were Skype and Dropbox. These tools and others like Slack make it simpler for your remote team manager and coworkers to receive updates on your progress as needed.

Have regular online meetings: If you're collaborating on a project with other team members, having regular meetings is critical. This provides the opportunity to converse with teammates about topics that would not otherwise come up.

Meet in person frequently: While working remotely can be very effective, meeting the team individually now and then is essential. Meeting face-to-face allows you to get to know your colleagues more personally, which helps you better understand team dynamics. It's beneficial to have a regular rhythmic visitation pattern with your team, whether it's once a month, quarter, or half-year. Everyone will understand what to expect, and specific activities can be scheduled during your visit. Meeting in the office is typically the best setting if remote workers are in the minority. An offsite getaway is a good alternative if you have a remote team.

Take regular breaks: As a remote worker, you may sit at your desk for too long due to fewer distractions. To avoid working too long, get up every hour, get some fresh air, and set a reminder at the end of the day. Also, make sure you receive sufficient physical activity.

Set aside a separate workspace: This should ideally be a separate room, shared office space, or a favourite coffee shop. When members of the family or roommates come home, it's critical to have an area where you can work without distraction. Separating your professional and personal lives can help you focus on your work.

Maintain a routine while remaining flexible: One of the best aspects of remote work is its freedom. You can do so if you prefer to work in the evenings or on weekends. However, having a routine and working at set times is beneficial. This will also make it much easier for your coworkers to work with you.

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