Remote working has seen a drastic upsurge in recent years, with cheaper flights and internet connection pretty much everywhere we go. In fact, according to Global Workplace Analytics, there has been a 140% increase in remote work over the last fifteen years. Still, the idea of working remotely is unfamiliar to many. The shift to online workspaces following the outbreak of COVID-19 is new territory to many workers, and is likely going to become the norm, so how do we make the transition to remote work as smooth as possible?
Much focus needs to be placed on educating workers about the ins and outs of remote work, or in other words, what to do and what not to do. Of course there are many freedoms associated with this manner of working; many of those who have already been working remotely have enjoyed freedoms like the ability to work in the comfort of your home, away from typical workplace distractions like a busy office space, and the elimination of long morning commutes. However, remote working is not always easy, and requires a certain level of motivation and discipline that often takes time to cultivate.
In order to maximise your output as a remote worker, it’s essential to develop discipline and a strong work ethic, whereby you set reasonable and responsible boundaries for yourself and stick by them. For companies, it’s important to be compassionate and understanding of the difficulties workers are facing. With work-life and home-life intertwined, there may be many disruptions in workers work-life balance. Children are staying home from school, meaning parents must allocate more time and resources for child care, and healthy time away from those we love and live with is reduced. This can be a source of stress for many, who appreciate some degree of separation in these aspects of life.
So, how do we make the best of these unforeseen circumstances and get the best out of working remotely?
Create A Routine
Though we may be away from workplace distractions, we are now presented with distractions at home. The mental line separating work from home is blurry, as work is at home – our place of rest and relaxation. Children, a partner, or other family members can significantly reduce one’s ability to focus on work, so it’s important to create a routine or schedule and be diligent in following it. This is by no means easy, and often requires a certain level of assertiveness and prioritisation. However, once a routine has been developed, over time it becomes easier to follow.
Establish a routine by setting work hours and designating a space in the home specifically for work purposes. Establish to those you live with it that this space is yours to work in, and must be respected. Again, every home has a different dynamic, and what works for some may not work for others.
Furthermore, if you have to work in your bedroom, avoid working in your bed. Use a desk in another area of the room as a workspace instead. Working in bed can disrupt your sleep cycle, as your body may struggle to recognise its reason for being there. A disrupted sleep cycle is a surefire way to disrupt your functioning and focus with work, so try to avoid it, as tempting as it may be to climb under the covers.
Set Reasonable Boundaries
Reasonable and appropriate boundaries are needed to maximise your functioning as a worker. Practice open and honest communication about your needs to yourself and those you live with it in order reduce stress and feelings of overwhelm. This can mean saying no to request, knowing when to start working, and knowing when to stop. With the lack of need to commute, allocate some time for yourself to relax and do what you need to do to transition from work mind to home mind.
Stay Connected
Being outside of the workplace can make people feel disconnected from their work life. Many workers communicate with each in person about the day’s goals and tasks, and this can be a strong motivator in achieving them. The physical disconnect as a result of working from home can reduce this motivation, so stay in touch with colleagues and staff over the phone or through video chat, as opposed to texts and emails. Feelings of isolation and loneliness are likely to be prevalent, so even if it’s not work related, hearing a colleague’s voice or seeing their face can help in making things feel normal.
For Managers and Leaders
For those in leadership and managerial positions, the idea of managing staff remotely may be completely foreign. However, a characteristic trait of such a position is the ability to overcome obstacles and adapt to change, so use these skills to face the challenge. Keep a schedule to check in with team members, and try to address them individually when possible to promote feelings of validity and inclusion. Provide regular feedback and encourage discussion on tasks and projects.
A Necessary Change
As difficult as the transition to remote work may be for many, it is a change that is essential in ensuring public health and safety. Implementing the above advice will make this transition as smooth as possible for you or your employees.
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