These days you see “remote work habits” everywhere. People can’t stop talking about it on social media, at conferences, and in online forums. But what does it mean to cultivate successful remote work habits?
What goes into being productive, staying motivated, and thriving in a world where work is no longer confined to a traditional office setting? Good remote work habits go beyond just setting up a home office and checking emails. This isn’t about the tools or tech as much as it is about the mindset and strategies.
It’s about understanding the unique demands and opportunities that remote work presents and then taking proactive steps to create a sustainable and fulfilling work life.
Table Of Contents:
- The Rise of the Remote Worker
- The Importance of Solid Remote Work Habits
- Mastering Remote Work Habits for Success
- Conclusion
The Rise of the Remote Worker
Working remotely has exploded. In the past, working from home was considered a perk.
These days, nearly 58% of Americans have the option to work remotely, according to this McKinsey report. That’s wild to think about.
Why Remote Work is Here to Stay
So, why are so many companies saying YES to this new style of working? And what does this mass exodus from traditional workspaces mean for individuals?
For starters, this work-from-home revolution has blurred the lines between work and life like never before. We can now work from anywhere with an internet connection. This means we’ve got more freedom, autonomy, and flexibility in our work schedules.
The Importance of Solid Remote Work Habits
Remote work presents its own unique set of challenges that need to be acknowledged. This is where powerful remote work habits come into play. They’re non-negotiable if you want to thrive in a remote setting.
The Pitfalls of Poor Remote Work Habits
Without solid remote work habits, it’s all too easy to fall into a productivity slump. There are common struggles, such as distractions at home, the feeling of isolation, and the pressure to always be “on.”
Mastering Remote Work Habits for Success
There’s good news here. The challenges of working remotely are not insurmountable.
Setting Up Your Foundation: Mindset Matters.
Before diving into specific remote work habits, it’s crucial to address the foundation of a successful remote work experience: your mindset. If your head’s not in the right place, nothing else matters. Having a dedicated workspace is important to help you focus on your daily routines.
Embrace the Remote Work Mindset
Working from home isn’t for everyone. To make it work, you have to get rid of old beliefs of working in an office. Think about it like this…remote work is a skill that must be developed.
Cultivate a Positive Outlook on Working Remotely
Working remotely allows for greater autonomy and control over your workday. A large percentage of people who have transitioned to remote positions enjoy it more, they even tend to be more productive.
That being said, those people generally cultivate a positive outlook on their new way of working. Maintaining a positive work ethic is a good way to start working remotely.
Practical Remote Work Habits
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork with the right mindset, let’s move to those practical, actionable steps to take. When you start work, it’s easy to get distracted by things in your home, such as household chores or phone calls. To avoid falling into this trap, try to treat your work time like you would if you were going into an office. It’s easier said than done, but this is key to establishing a healthy work-life balance.
1. The Power of Routine and a Designated Workspace
One of the first things you will learn is just how much structure matters. Remember, blurred lines? It’s key to have some kind of separation.
Establish a designated workspace to improve focus and get yourself in “work mode”.
| Pro Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wake up at the same time each day. | Consistency helps. |
| Create a simple morning routine before work. | Something to signal the beginning of your workday. |
Remember those early days of the pandemic when it seemed like we were all in our pajamas for Zoom calls? Well, this kind of bleeds into the idea of creating a designated workspace. It’s amazing what getting dressed can do for your productivity.
An Office Depot survey showed that almost all of the 995 remote workers interviewed said that getting ready for their day at home helped them stay focused. Having a dedicated work area, whether it be a standing desk or a specific area, is key.
Creating an ergonomic workspace for yourself can work wonders on your mind and body. It can also help to set goals each work day to stay organized.
2. Productivity Hacks
Staying focused and on track is a must. Make sure you’re working when you’re working. This means avoiding distractions like social media, personal phone calls, and household chores.
Try keeping your phone in another room to avoid the temptation to look at it. It’s important to set boundaries with family members and let them know when you’re working and unavailable. Try setting specific times throughout the day when you’ll be available for calls and video conferences.
Time Blocking
This technique has taken the remote world by storm. Think about allocating blocks of time to specific tasks throughout your day. Toggl and other desktop and mobile time trackers can be helpful tools in determining how much time to spend on a given project.
Once you know your general timeframe, you can set up those blocks. People swear by these time management apps. Having a to-do list can help you stay on track as well.
Take regular breaks to clear your head. Get up and move around, stretch, or grab a snack. You’d be surprised how much a little fresh air can help you avoid burnout.
3. Communication and Collaboration for Remote Teams
Remote work isn’t about being a lone wolf, even if you’re a freelancer.
Effective communication and collaboration strategies are super important. Especially as remote work continues to evolve, and companies bring teams back into the office, using a more hybrid approach, having strong communication skills has never been more important. Working long hours can take a toll so make sure to find a good work-life balance by spending time doing things you enjoy outside of work.
Use Technology
Thankfully we live in a world where video conferencing, project management tools, instant messaging, and email help bridge the gap between teams. Make use of the platforms and software available. Try to schedule regular team meetings and video calls to stay connected.
Keep your colleagues updated on your progress. Being a good communicator can help ensure that everyone is on the same page. Quality work should always be your top priority.
4. Mindfulness and Wellbeing for Remote Workers
The potential for burnout in the remote world is very real. Remote work, while flexible, often leads to blurred boundaries and extended work hours. That’s why maintaining your well-being is just as crucial, if not more, than mastering your task list.
To thrive in a remote role, you gotta prioritize your well-being just as much as work tasks. Prioritize creating a harmonious work-life balance.
Remember, success without fulfillment is meaningless. It is crucial for people working from home to set firm boundaries between their work life and their home life, after all, for most remote work is the new normal. Try taking walks or getting physical activity outside of your working hours.
Conclusion
Creating solid remote work habits is crucial in this new age. We looked at how the remote landscape is changing, and with that, so are the demands on professionals. From prioritizing mental health to navigating tech, it’s about adapting and being intentional with how we approach our day-to-day routines.
It can be easy to feel like you’re always in work mode when you work from home, but by setting boundaries, getting regular exercise, and staying connected with friends and family, you can create a fulfilling work life. Find ways to feel good outside of your work. Hopefully, these tips help you on your remote work journey.
