{"id":11959,"date":"2023-06-27T07:51:11","date_gmt":"2023-06-27T07:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.funminews.com\/?p=11959"},"modified":"2023-06-27T07:51:13","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T07:51:13","slug":"remote-work-success-dos-and-donts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/2023\/06\/27\/remote-work-success-dos-and-donts\/","title":{"rendered":"Remote Work Success: Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s a lot of upside to working remotely. No daily commute. No worries about organizing outfits to wear to the office. No coworkers nearby to interrupt your workflow with chit-chat. No need to spend hours in meetings in a stuffy conference room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most remote workers are indeed enjoying the ability to have a more flexible work arrangement, according to a recent Robert Half survey of U.S. workers. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents said they don\u2019t miss working in an office. And more than half (57%) said that working remotely has allowed them to make a lifestyle change without negatively impacting their career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, many professionals find the transition to remote work challenging \u2014 at least initially. And the truth is, excelling at remote work does take work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAsk a seasoned remote worker to share the keys to their success, and they\u2019ll no doubt list commitment, discipline and organization top among them,\u201d says Trisha Plovie, senior vice president, Future of Work, at Robert Half. \u201cThey\u2019ll also likely say they\u2019ve learned to use a range of best practices to make sure they stay motivated, productive and well-connected to their manager, coworkers and anyone else they interact with for work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you set a similar course for remote work success, we\u2019ve compiled a list of best practices into a \u201cdo\u2019s and don\u2019ts\u201d list provided below. We\u2019ve also created an infographic, which you can view here<\/a>, that includes the core recommendations for remote work success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, first up, let\u2019s take a look at some of the \u201cdo\u2019s\u201d of remote work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DO have a fast, reliable and secure internet connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re collaborating with teammates virtually all day long, and using bandwidth-intensive tools like videoconferencing, you can\u2019t risk having an internet connection that\u2019s slow or prone to cutting out. It will undermine productivity \u2014 and annoy others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your internet connection should also be secure. In fact, cybersecurity should be a top priority when working remotely. Measures include using a virtual private network (VPN) to connect to employer resources, keeping your antivirus and internet security software up to date on your devices, and using strong passwords, including for your home Wi-Fi network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not sure how best to bolster your cybersecurity for remote work, look to your employer\u2019s IT team for guidance. You\u2019ll likely receive security tips and training during the onboarding process, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DO use a computer with a camera and headset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a remote worker, you can expect to be video conferencing often during the workweek. So, consider investing in a high-quality webcam that has HD resolution, so you can always look sharp. Also, be sure to set up good lighting in your workspace and use a quality microphone. A headset can also be helpful for communicating during a videoconference \u2014 both for hearing and speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See this post<\/a> for 14 virtual meeting etiquette tips to help you master the art of videoconferencing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

DO make the effort to look your best<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll likely dress more casually to work at home than you would if you were in your employer\u2019s office. However, that doesn\u2019t mean anything goes. You\u2019re still at work, so you need to look the part, especially if you plan to be on video throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dressing in casual but business-suitable attire will help you maintain a professional appearance. It can also help put you into a \u201cwork mode\u201d mindset, which will help you to focus and be more productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DO schedule breaks during the workday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to lose track of time when working remotely \u2014 and overlook the need to take a break. But it\u2019s critical for your overall wellness to get up from your desk occasionally throughout the workday to stretch your legs and recharge your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider setting aside at least 15 minutes every few hours to \u201cunplug.\u201d You could use that time to meditate, take the dog for a quick walk around the block, or sit outside on your patio to grab a few rays of sunshine. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it isn\u2019t work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DO set office hours and communicate your availability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This \u201cdo\u201d is quite simple: Keep structure in your workday, just as you would if you worked in your company\u2019s office. Start and stop work around the same time each day. Schedule time for a couple of quick breaks to recharge (see above!) and take a lunch hour. Also, make good use of your company\u2019s calendar and scheduling apps so your boss and coworkers always know when you\u2019re available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many professionals who work from home find that \u201cwindowed working\u201d \u2014 breaking up their day into distinct chunks of business and personal time \u2014 helps them create the structure they need to balance various daily demands while also making time for their well-being. Consider trying it for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employers across industries are hiring remote workers. Check out this post<\/a> for suggestions on how to refine your search for remote jobs.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

DO connect and keep in touch with coworkers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One aspect of virtual work that many people struggle with is the lack of in-person interaction with their work colleagues. And there\u2019s no question you\u2019ll need to make an extra effort to forge strong working relationships with your cohorts (including your boss) when working remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, you may want to consider setting up a short, monthly \u201ccoffee chat\u201d by video with various teammates just to catch up on work and personal news. Using company-approved business communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams can also help you stay connected with your colleagues, celebrate achievements, share project updates and schedule availability, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DO have a quiet place to work that\u2019s free of distractions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Home isn\u2019t always the quietest place, especially if others in your household also work virtually, or if you have young children or pets (or all of the above). Also, there are countless things that can distract you from the business of work during the day \u2014 the TV, social media apps or that closet you\u2019ve been meaning to clean for months, for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do your best to find a quiet spot in your home that\u2019s designated for work, and away from potential distractions. Request that others in your household not disturb you while you\u2019re on the clock. Turning off social media alerts while working can also help you stay focused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, we have a short list of \u201cdon\u2019ts\u201d that can help guide you toward work-from-anywhere success:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DON\u2019T take personal calls during scheduled work hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may be tempted to talk on the phone more often with friends and family when you\u2019re working at home. However, unless the matter is urgent, it\u2019s best to avoid taking personal calls during work hours because it can waste time and derail your productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, on the flip side, you may need to set boundaries with your friends and family who think that because you\u2019re working from home, they can call you anytime. Let them know you\u2019re only available to chat during nonwork hours, especially if they want to have a lengthy conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DON\u2019T use a workspace that\u2019s noisy and poorly lit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This \u201cdon\u2019t\u201d isn\u2019t just about avoiding a space that isn\u2019t videoconference-friendly. You need to make sure you can concentrate on your work, and that means finding a workspace that isn\u2019t noisy and which has good lighting. If possible, find a space that offers some natural light during the workday, which can help to elevate your mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DON\u2019T procrastinate when powering up your tech<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re working from home, or anywhere else, your first order of the day should be checking your technology. Don\u2019t wait until five minutes before your Zoom call with the boss or an important client to figure out if your internet connection is stable. Also, make sure you can access all the critical apps and tools you\u2019ll need to accomplish that day\u2019s tasks. If not, move fast to contact technical support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DON\u2019T be late for virtual or in-office meetings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Working from home may give you more time in your schedule, but it doesn\u2019t change the time on the clock. Always be on time for meetings \u2014 including if you\u2019re asked to come into the office for one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DON\u2019T post gripes in a meeting chat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tools you use to communicate and collaborate with teammates virtually are meant for work, and sometimes, for fun activities like team celebrations. They\u2019re not channels for airing complaints about people or policies at work. If a work-related issue is upsetting you, take the matter up privately with your manager or with human resources, if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DON\u2019T forget to move, get fresh air, and eat and drink!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This \u201cdon\u2019t\u201d echoes some of the advice from our \u201cdo\u2019s\u201d list above. Remember not to get so caught up in work that your health and well-being suffer. Take breaks, get exercise, grab some fresh air, stay hydrated and eat healthy foods during your workday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSucceeding at remote work, just as with in-office work, includes finding the right balance between the professional and personal sides of your life while always putting your best foot forward in your job and career,\u201d says Plovie. \u201cThat said, transition to remote work can be a challenging journey. So, give yourself time to adapt and learn what works best for you while using these do\u2019s and don\u2019ts to guide you.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a lot of upside to working remotely. No daily commute. No worries about organizing outfits to wear to the office. No coworkers nearby to interrupt your workflow with chit-chat. No need to spend hours in meetings in a stuffy conference room. Most remote workers are indeed enjoying the ability to have a more flexible […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11962,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,8,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11959","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-jobs","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.funminews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Woman-Laptop.jpeg?fit=1036%2C691&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11959","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11959"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11959\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11963,"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11959\/revisions\/11963"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11959"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11959"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funminews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11959"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}