Remote Work from an Employee's Viewpoint

The purpose of remote work is to allow employees to work from a location other than a traditional office or workplace. Remote work provides flexibility and allows employees to work from home, a coffee shop, or any other location that suits their needs. This can help employees achieve a better work-life balance and reduce the time and costs associated with commuting. Remote work can also increase employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being, which can lead to better business outcomes.

Remote work can be a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional office-based work, but it requires a different set of skills and strategies to be successful. Here are some key things employees need to know about remote work:

Communication

Communication is crucial in remote work. Remote work can present communication challenges such as misinterpretation of messages, lack of face-to-face interaction, and difficulty collaborating on complex projects. Even generational differences can be a factor that needs attention to improve communication efforts. Don’t be afraid to be an early adopter of any new communication technologies your organization is utilizing. Enhance your skills and be able to communicate effectively with your colleagues and manager using different channels like email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management tools.

Time management

Remote work requires self-discipline and time management skills. Remote workers may face distractions from family members, household chores, or other distractions in their work environment that can impact their ability to focus and complete tasks. Work on prioritizing your work, setting realistic deadlines, and avoiding distractions to stay productive.

Work environment

Your work environment plays a key role in your productivity and well-being. You need to create a comfortable and functional workspace that helps you focus and stay motivated. An example of a comfortable and functional workspace for remote work is a dedicated home office or a quiet area in your home that is free from distractions. The workspace should be comfortable and ergonomic, with a supportive chair and a desk that is the right height for you. Good lighting is also essential to reduce eye strain and maintain focus.

To help maintain focus and motivation, it can be helpful to personalize your workspace with decorations, artwork, or plants that inspire you. Some people find that playing music or using noise-cancelling headphones can also help them stay focused.

Create a workspace that meets your specific needs and preferences. This may require some experimentation and adjustment over time, but with the right setup, you can create a comfortable and functional workspace that helps you stay productive and motivated while working remotely. For more insights, check out Personalizing Your Remote Workspace.

Technology

Remote workers rely heavily on technology, and technical issues such as slow internet speeds, computer malfunctions, and software problems can cause significant disruptions to their work. You need to have a reliable internet connection and the necessary technology tools like a laptop, headset, and webcam, and the necessary software and apps for communication and project management.

Remote workers may use personal devices and networks to access work-related data, which can increase the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. Be sure to abide by your company’s IT policies for internet and device usage to safeguard yourself and your company.

Teamwork

Even though you are working remotely, you still need to work as part of a team. Remote workers can feel isolated and disconnected from their team and company culture, which can lead to decreased motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction. Make efforts to collaborate, share ideas, and support your colleagues to achieve goals. For more ideas, check our article, How to be a Remote Team Player.

Boundaries

It’s important to set boundaries between your work and personal life when working remotely. Remote work can make it challenging for employees to separate their work and personal lives, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. You need to define your work hours, take breaks, and disconnect from work to avoid burnout. To learn more about burnout, read our article How to Recognize and Avoid Remote Work Burnout.

Self-care

Remote work can be isolating and stressful, so it’s important to prioritize self-care. You need to take care of your physical and mental health by exercising, eating healthy, and practicing self-care activities like stress reduction activities or faith practices.

Training

Remote workers may not receive the same level of training and support as their office-based counterparts, which can impact their ability to perform their job duties effectively. Speak with your manager about professional development opportunities to support remote workers.

For more strategies to enhance your confidence in a remote work environment, sign up for the WorkForceRemote.org Remote Professional Certification. In this certification track, you will learn more about the WorkForceRemote.org PACE Model which includes factors that can enhance to remote Productivity, Access, Communication, and Engagement.