Guide to Working Remotely Amy Smith, March 7, 2023January 27, 2024 The Ultimate Guide to Working Remotely, According to Experts Did you know that over 60% of people are working remotely at least once a week? It’s no wonder, with the benefits being so great. Remote working is commonplace in our digital era. With the advent of high-speed internet and advances in communication technology, more and more employees are finding that they can be just as productive working from anywhere as they can in an office. This trend is driven by several factors, including the desire for a greater work/life balance and the need to save on costs associated with commute times and office space. Even for employers, remote working presents several advantages, including the ability to attract talents from around the world and the opportunity to reduce overhead costs. But if this is your first time working remotely, it can take time to figure out how to do it best. That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide on how to get started. From tips on staying productive to what tools and software you need, we will show everything you need to become a pro at working remotely! So read on and get inspired! What is Remote Work? Remote work includes any work that can be done outside a traditional office setting. This can be working from home, a coffee shop, a co-working space, or even from another country. With the advance of technology, more and more businesses are starting to offer remote work options to their employees. According to recent work statistics, remote work has increased by 159% over 12 years, and only in 2022, 16% of companies worldwide have adapted to working 100% remotely. Considering its advantages, there is no wonder companies are adapting fast to this strategy. Working Remotely vs. Working From Home One thing is sure, working remotely is different from working from home. With more and more companies moving from the traditional way of working, it’s essential to understand the difference between these two concepts. Working remotely means you are in a different location than your employer. For one, you have the freedom to work from anywhere you want. I mean, who doesn’t want to work in a beach chair once in a while? Setting your own working pace will help you avoid distractions from colleagues and office politics. Instead, you’ll work in a different environment, not surrounded by the office buzz. On the other hand, working from home simply means working from your own home rather than an external office location. This arrangement typically requires less time and money spent commuting, and it can provide greater flexibility and control over your work schedule. Benefits of Working Remotely While some challenges come with remote work, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. For many people, working in a location of their choice functions perfectly, and here’s why. Improved work-life balance Even though you’ll be working the same as you used to, not wasting time commuting to and from an office equals more time for family, friends, and hobbies. No longer tied to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, you can often set your own hours and take advantage of flexible scheduling options. This makes managing work and personal obligations easier and improves work-life balance. Increased Productivity With fewer distractions and the ability to create a comfortable work environment, many people achieve more when working remotely. They have more control over their work, which means they can eliminate distractions and create a space that allows them to focus. And although there can be some difficulty in building relationships with colleagues, working remotely still enables employees to use tools designed for this purpose. Saving Money One of the best advantages of working remotely is saving money. Working remotely eliminates the need for childcare, commuting costs, and expensive office attire. You also can choose where you live, which might lower your cost of living. And even employers don’t have to cover your overhead costs, so it’s a win-win for both sides. However, the cost of remote servers can be expensive, so if you’re an employer looking to expand your remote working offering, you may want to do a price analysis to weigh up the pros and cons of different server solutions. More Energy for Yourself Working remotely is an effective way to control your time and energy. You have more flexibility when taking breaks and structuring your day. This means less stress and more energy. You can connect with people more personally when you’re not confined to an office. As a result, you can build strong relationships based on mutual respect and boost your energy levels. Setting Your Own Schedule Working remotely has a lot of benefits, one of which is that you can set your own schedule. This flexibility is excellent for those who have trouble sticking to traditional working hours. For example, if you’re a night owl, you can work later in the evening and sleep later in the morning. Or, if you need to take care of children during the day, you can do your work during their naps or after they go to bed. Having the freedom to plan your own schedule makes it simpler to get your job done while also taking care of other obligations. Disadvantages of Working Remotely While there are many potential benefits to working remotely, there are also some disadvantages to consider. The Lack of Face-To-Face Interaction with Colleagues While email and chat platforms can help you stay in touch, they can’t replace the benefits of in-person communication. When working with someone, it’s easy to pick up on nonverbal cues and build rapport. You can also take advantage of conversations to collaborate on projects or bounce ideas off each other. For remote workers, though, these interactions are more challenging. However, there are still regular video calls and meetings that allow members to stay in touch regularly. They can also socialize outside work, whether joining a remote club or planning virtual happy hours. The Challenge of Staying Focused Remote workers know how challenging it can be to build discipline when they are not obligated to wake up at 7 am. Without the structure of a traditional office environment, it is easy to get distracted by social media, the internet, and even household chores. One way to stay focused is to create a designated workspace. This can help to establish boundaries between work and home life. And remember to take breaks throughout the day and schedule time for physical activity. Challenging to Receive Feedback Another challenge of remote working is receiving feedback and support from managers. When you’re not working side-by-side with them, it’s challenging to stay on the same page and ensure that you’re meeting expectations. This can lead to frustration on both sides and a decrease in productivity. To prevent that from happening, you can set up regular check-ins with your manager. This gives you both a chance to ensure that your remote work arrangement is successful. Loneliness Working remotely is a great way to boost your career while enjoying the flexibility of setting your own hours and working from home. However, without the structure of an office environment, you can quickly become isolated from your co-workers and feel like you’re the only one working. If you’re feeling lonely while working remotely, here’s what you can do to change it. Create a regular schedule for yourself This will help you to feel like you’re still part of a team, even if you’re not physically in the same space. Reach out to your co-workers You should also make an effort to reach out to your co-workers, whether it’s through video chats or just sending a quick email. Take some time for yourself. Spend some time outside work and schedule some social activities so you don’t feel you’re always working. Without the opportunity to socialize and build relationships with colleagues, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected from the team. How to Know if Working Remotely Is Right for You Working remotely is a great way to enjoy a more flexible lifestyle and save on commuting costs, but it’s not right for everyone. So before you make the switch, you must consider a few factors. First, think about whether you work better in isolation or with others. If you prefer having colleagues nearby, working remotely may not be for you. Second, consider your self-discipline. Working from home can be distracting, and staying focused on your work can be challenging if there are no set office hours. Finally, take a look at your home setup. Do you have a dedicated workspace that is free from distractions? If not, working remotely might not be the best option. Only you can decide whether working remotely is right for you, but taking the time to evaluate your needs can help make decision-making easier. Strategies for Approaching Remote Work The COVID-19 pandemic made many people work from home, and even after the worst of the outbreak, remote work is here to stay. For some, this is a welcome change; for others, it may take some getting used to. In either case, there are a few strategies and tools that can help make the transition to remote work smoother. Dedicated Workspace A customized workspace at home will help you stay focused and avoid distractions. Set up your space comfortably and efficiently. Set Daily Goals Establish a set daily schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This will help to bring a sense of structure to your day. This may include setting regular hours, taking breaks each day, and scheduling specific times for tasks that require concentration. Use Communication Tools Use communication and collaboration tools like Slack, Asana, or Zoom, as these can help you stay connected with your colleagues and make working from home feel less isolated. There are many available project management applications that allow teams to collaborate online and via messaging platforms. Take Care of Yourself Remember to take care of yourself both mentally and physically while working remotely. This means making time for leisure activities, exercise, and healthy meals. Where to Search Remote Jobs There are several platforms to search for remote jobs. Indeed, Upwork and Freelancer are among the most popular websites that job seekers can explore. Other well-known platforms include: Fiverr Flexjobs Remote OK We Work Remotely Some believe these websites need an exhaustive list of remote job openings. Moreover, some recruiters may post job openings on their respective company websites, which are not accessible to the public unless one goes through the trouble of creating an account with the website. Therefore, it is advisable to comb through various websites and create multiple accounts on said websites to have a better chance of landing a remote job. Another way to search for remote jobs is through social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Some companies post job openings on their social media platforms to reach out to a wider pool of candidates. Plus, job seekers can also connect with recruiters on social media platforms and inquire about job openings that might not be publicly advertised. Another way to search for remote jobs is through personal connections such as friends, family, and acquaintances. Therefore, it would benefit one to let their connections know that they are searching for a remote job so that they can be notified about any potential openings. How to Get a Remote Job Working remotely has become increasingly popular just recently, as technology has made it easier to stay connected, even when you’re not in the office. So, if you’re interested in finding a remote job, there are a few strategies to increase your chances of success. First, consider your skill set and determine which roles could be performed remotely. For example, jobs that involve data entry or customer service are often well suited to work-from-home arrangements. Once you’ve identified potential positions, start searching online job boards and contacting companies directly. In many cases, having an existing relationship with a company is helpful before applying for a remote position. Emphasize your ability to stay organized and on task even when you’re not closely supervised. Then, with a little effort, landing a remote job can be well within reach. Does Remote Working Match Your Goals? While working remotely may have some clear benefits – like increased flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere – there are better fits for everyone. So before switching to remote work, it’s important to research and ask yourself some tough questions to determine if it’s the right fit. Do you crave human interaction? Will you be able to stay disciplined and focused without an office environment? Are you willing to sacrifice job security for the sake of greater flexibility? Of course, only you can answer these questions, but taking the time to think about them before switching to remote work will help set you up for success. Image by Freepik Image source: Freepik Image Source: Freepik Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave Business