Remote work is any full-time, part-time or project-based job that you do from outside a company’s office. It’s vital to understand your role, even though you are not physically present. You are still part of the team and there are many ways to understand what is expected of you and be able to deliver that.
Here are some things to expect when working remotely:
Flexibility:
You can expect a level of flexibility in remote work, but just because your supervisors aren’t there to watch you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a healthy work-life balance. Many people feel more creative and focused early in the morning or in the afternoon – you need to discuss your working hours so you can communicate and optimise your productivity. If your company values connectivity throughout the working day, make sure you share those values.
With flexibility comes freedom. If you feel like working from a cafe, at home or in a different city, all are possible.
Communication:
Because you are not sharing an office with co-workers, communication is more important than ever. Many remote-work companies require certain check-ins to make sure everyone is in the loop. This can come in the form of video calls, voice calls or written summaries.
You can expect a lack of rapport with co-workers because you spend less time together, but you should still make an effort to communicate. This will also help you feel less isolated.
Remember, when managing a remote team, the key to effective communication is knowing the communication style of each team member.
Professionalism:
Working from home may feel more relaxed but you need to maintain a level of professionalism. For example, treat meetings the way you would in person (even if it means changing your clothes).
On the positive side, there are many perks, such as saving time by not commuting. But that doesn’t mean you should wake up two minutes before starting work!
Time:
Try to keep a routine, even though you don’t share your lunch break with co-workers. On the plus side, you can spend an hour doing exactly what you want at home, but don’t let time slip away. Similarly, if you have a 9-5 job, maintain a healthy work-life balance by putting your work away when the day is done.
Isolation:
It’s easy for employees to feel they’re part of a company’s bigger picture when they’re in the office and brainstorming with co-workers every day. You might feel isolated in your remote-working position, so make an effort to chat to your colleagues, or work in a room with someone else to keep you company.
Software:
You may need to get familiar with new technologies to help you keep track of your tasks, and communicate across platforms and within your team. This will help you stay up to date with any project changes and avoid misunderstandings.
Accountability:
Hold yourself accountable for your time, because you need to be more disciplined than ever in a remote-work situation. Motivation is key to keeping yourself on track and feeling positive about the contributions you make to your company.
You may adapt quickly to remote work or struggle in the beginning to find your rhythm. Knowing what to expect is the first step to understanding whether a remote job is something you want.
Topic: Motivation Mastery, Communication Power
