5 Practical Tips for Successful Remote Working

Remote working offers a huge number of benefits to employees all over the world, particularly when it comes to flexibility, however it does come with its own set of challenges.

Whether you’re working from home full-time or in a hybrid setup, mastering the art of remote work is essential to staying productive, balanced, and connected.

To help you thrive outside the traditional office environment, here are just five practical ways to see success with remote working.

1. Set a Consistent Routine

One of the biggest misconceptions about remote work is that it allows you to work whenever you want. While flexibility is a major advantage, having no routine can quickly lead to disorganisation, reduced productivity, and burnout.

A structured day gives your brain cues for when it’s time to focus and when it’s time to relax. Begin by setting regular start and end times for your workday, and be sure to schedule regular breaks.

If you struggle planning your day, then consider utilising apps such as RescueTime to master your schedule and stay on top of tasks.

2. Create a Dedicated Work Space

Your environment plays a huge role in your ability to focus and perform. Working from your bed or the couch might seem tempting, but these are places your brain associates with rest, not productivity.

Instead, designate a specific area in your home as your workspace. Ideally, this should be a quiet, well-lit spot with a desk and comfortable chair. It’s also important to ensure that your setup is ergonomically friendly as this can help to prevent long-term strain or discomfort.

And, if you’re designing your home office from scratch, design with productivity in mind. Depending on the scale of your renovation plans, you could even install skylights or glazing bar features from experts such as Lonsdale Metal to help maximise the natural light that enters your office.

3. Communicate Clearly and Often

In a remote setting, communication needs to be more intentional. Make it a point to check in regularly with your team through tools such as Zoom, and share updates about your progress.

Also, remember that tone can be hard to interpret over text, so if you’re ever in doubt, make the effort to pick up the phone or schedule a quick video call.

4. Set Boundaries Between Work and Life

One of the biggest challenges of remote work is the lack of separation between professional and personal life.

Decide when your workday begins and ends, and communicate those hours to your team and household.

Setting boundaries also means saying “no” when needed and prioritising concentration time over constant availability.

5. Stay Connected Socially

Remote work can be isolating, especially if you’re used to the energy of an office, and over time, this can start to lead to a drop in motivation.

Make a conscious effort to maintain social connections, such as virtual coffee breaks with colleagues or taking part in team building activities.

And focus on your relationships outside of work as human connection is essential for our mental health.

Have you moved to a fully remote or hybrid working arrangement? Share your tips and tricks for success in the comments below!