My Thoughts on Working Remotely
The Term working remote is not a new term, It is a commonly used word by many people who do not intend to work at the office space that most companies do provide, so they opt to work from anywhere else in the world that is not the office space. This is also a very common word used in the tech world, these include the Software Engineers, Product Designers, QA Engineers, Product Owners and many others in the tech world. I single out the tech world because I am greatly involved in the tech world and I clearly see this happen, as a preferred mode of work.
Whereas some people do not embrace it as a mode of work because of the challenges involved, that is, Many people think working from home has lots of temptations like, watching some TV, Diving into Bed for a quick nap, noise and distraction, finances to purchase perfect work station among others. Due to the looming growth of Corona Virus (COVID-19) with its challenges, and in the bid by many companies and governments to have most employees work remotely, is proving to be a challenge to lots of people trying out remote work for the first time. Face Book a social media giant company is reportedly giving every employee a $ 1,000 bonus to help them work remotely during the corona virus outbreak, according to Business Insider France. My current employers, a tech company that I currently do work for, has also placed all employees in the tech department to at least a 2 day schedule of working remote in a bid to prepare for an outbreak of Corona Virus in my Country and City.
Below are some of the tips I would like to share with anyone out there, trying out the idea of remote work for the first time.
1. Set up your work space
Set yourself up for success in a place where you can focus on the tasks at hand. Whether this means you find a great co-working space near you, stake out a local coffee shop, or create a designated spot for work at home, make sure that you feel motivated by your environment and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Some of the things I may consider when setting up my remote work station are as follows, A comfortable Office Chair that is adjustable to all heights, lean back and forward positions, many do prefer an actual gaming chair, a start office table height, an extra monitor for an extended screen, very good internet connection, assured of constant electricity supply, among others. These above seem major and more important to me.
2. What is your best working style
At the start of your remote work journey, it’s a great idea to figure out the environment that you need to work successfully. I don’t like being surrounded by noise that leads to lots of destruction. I prefer to work in silence because it allows deep concentration for long hours. I am a fun of music and this always adds to my attention span, I have a couple of deep concentration music play list that I can attribute to my deep concentration, hit me up to share my playlist with you. In my view, having noise cancelling headsets (earphones, head phones) are also a must have for working remote.
3. What is your most Productive working hours
Consider whether you’re more productive in the morning or in the evening and whether you’re motivated by taking small breaks throughout the day or a longer midday respite. The status of your stomach. I am most productive in the morning hours, from 08:30 hours to 11:45 hours. There after is more of research work and adding onto my knowledge base as I multi task with company work.
4. Invest in whatever you think is useful for the smooth sail of work
Consistent WiFi is integral to successful remote work, Having the ability to take video calls without losing connection, you should consider what tools and tech you’ll need to do your job well. I invested in a great noise cancelling headphone . Other remote workers have also bought a great and powerful microphone, wireless keyboards and mouses, or even a second screen, are integral to their efficiency.
5. Proper, Brief, Clear, Precise and Concise Communication
These are the major fundamentals for me to have proper communication among my teammates when remote. I call it the PPBCC that do govern my communication. Communication is a very important asset all remote workers must have, since you’re no longer a few desks down from your coworkers or your manager, Make sure to advocate for yourself and clearly state the progress you’ve made in the past week, which goals you’ve surpassed among others. When you’re not in the office, it can be difficult for your manager to keep your work top-of-mind, so don’t be afraid to bring important milestones up on your own.
6. Trust your Teammates
There is an assumption that remote workers are lonely, always available day and night, Don’t actually work since no measure of how much work is done, but this wrong and when working remote, do not try prove them wrong. Do all your tasks as expected and report to your line manager on daily basis to a certain your mile stones achieved on a daily basis.
7. Know when to “log off”
This can be one of the most challenging aspects for remote work beginners, as the world is becoming increasingly connected. Though you may receive emails and chat notifications at any hour (especially if you’re working in a different time zone than your coworkers), it’s important to develop a habit of setting a time when you officially “log off” for the night. The best part of working remotely is having the flexibility to work when you are most productive, so be careful about setting the standard that you are available 24/7.
8. Embrace the Pros of working remotely
Working remotely doesn’t just apply to those who would work from home or in the same region as their company’s office. If it’s possible with your current position, take your talent on the road!
Now that you’re working remotely, life will look a little bit different, being anti-social, less friends among others (and a little more awesome). However, if you rely on the eight tips that I have shared above, the transition to the freedom of a flexible work style will be smooth and successful.
This yet again is my opinion to a great starter pack for remote work.