It’s like making yourself a little office adventure when you work from home. Enjoyable, but with its own problems. Here are a few easy pointers on becoming a model telecommuter—working effectively and staying in touch with your workmates.
Make Your Own Work Corner:
Locate a pleasant spot where you can work. It could be a table, a desk or even an armchair. Having your own special work zone lets your brain know when to be a superspy at the office.
Pick a Routine That Works for You:
Working in your PJs is neat, but having a routine is cooler. Decide when work begins and ends. Divide your day up into parts, like a superhero’s schedule. It makes things less confusing.
Dress Up a Little:
You don’t have to wear a suit, but changing out of your bedtime clothes can change everything. It’s like slipping into your superhero uniform–it makes you feel ready to go.
Use Cool Tech Stuff:
In the age of remote work, technology is your compensation. Talk to your work friends through video calls, messages and apps. It’s like the online meeting of a superhero team.
Set Goals and Do One Thing at a Time:
Write out the things you want to do each day. Concentrate on one task at a time. Think of yourself as a superhero with a mission to accomplish. It keeps you from burning out and leaving things undone.
Take Breaks and Stretch:
Superheroes need breaks, too! When you stretch, walk around and take breaks. It gives you the kick to tackle the next task.
Tell Others When You’re Working:
When you’re in superhero mode, let your family or friends know. It prevents them from asking you to do non-heroic things during work hours.
Chat with Your Work Buddies:
Being a superhero can be lonely work. Talk with your workmates about non-work things. It’s like getting together for a virtual coffee break to chat with friends.
Learn New Things:
Superheroes are always learning. Use your free time to explore. Perhaps there’s a cool online class or a neat skill you can learn.
Think About How You Work:
But think about what works and doesn’t work for you. Flexible. Change if needed. The superheroes produce, so can you!
Essential Technologies for Remote Work
Video Conferencing Tools:
Examples: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet
Purpose: Organization of virtual face-to-face meetings, team collaborations or discussions.
Instant Messaging and Chat Apps:
Examples: Slack, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp
Purpose: Facilitating quick, real-time communication and easy collaboration between team members.
Project Management Platforms:
Examples: Trello, Asana, Jira
Purpose: Task organisation, project tracking and management of workflows.
Cloud Storage and File Sharing:
Examples: Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive
Purpose: Add and edit documents, spreadsheets, and other files in the cloud.
Collaborative Document Editing:
Examples: Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft 365
Purpose: Enable multiple users to edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations at the same time.
Virtual Private Network (VPN):
Examples: Cisco AnyConnect, NordVPN, ExpressVPN
Purpose: It enables remote access to files and systems in a secure connection with a company’s network.
Remote Desktop Software:
Examples: TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
Purpose: Watch a computer or server as if you were there.
Time Tracking Tools:
Examples: Toggl, Harvest, RescueTime
Purpose: Keeping track of time spent on tasks, projects and overall productivity.
Collaborative Whiteboards:
Examples: Miro, Microsoft Whiteboard
Purpose: Allow brainstorming, exchange of ideas and drawing together in cyberspace.
Virtual Private Meeting Spaces:
Examples: Sococo, Remo, Gather
Purpose: Establish digital office surroundings in which virtual workers can interact on a deeper plane.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services:
Examples: Zoom Phone, Microsoft Teams Voice, Skype
Purpose: Allow voice communication on the internet, such as phone calls.
Online Learning Platforms:
Examples: LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Udemy
Purpose: Encourage remote employees to continue learning and developing skills.
Cybersecurity Tools:
Examples: Antivirus software, firewalls, multi-factor authentication
Purpose: Protect against cyber threats to ensure the security of remote work environments.
Remote work is an adventure, and you’re the hero of your own little story. By following these simple tips, you’ll get your work done and still keep in touch with your workmates. So, suit up in your imaginary cape, pick up the laptop and get going with a day of remote work excitement!