6 Best Practices for Working Remote

COVID-19 has been an overnight game-changer for every human on the planet.  For folks like us, it’s made us rethink how WORK is done.  Many employees though are struggling with it.  You might have wished for days where you could roll out of bed and not have to get dressed and sit in traffic and now you realize that you MISS having an office to go to.  If this is you, then I’ve summarized six of the Best Practices people gave us that work for them.

1. Have a Home Office Space.  Now I know this may be a luxury for some of you, but if you don’t have a defined space, work and home will soon creep together and that’s never good.  If you happen to have kids in the house or aging parents, they don’t recognize work boundaries, so this is a good non-verbal way to cordon off some space.  If you can, decorate it like an office so people know not to set their crap all over your desk.
2. Stick to a Schedule.  We used to have clearly defined work hours but those are little fuzzy these days.  For some people, they love working through the night and sleeping all day.  If this works with your employer, then fine.  But whatever you choose, make it consistent.  You’ll benefit, your family will have their expectations set, and your boss will know when to reach you.  Nothing has changed at work except the location.  Keep it that way.
3. But Be Flexible.  Life happens.  Kids whine.  Spouses complain.  Sometimes you’ll have to deviate.  Do it, but then get right back to the schedule.
4. Use Technology.  We all had to adapt to email (at least if you are my age you did back in THE DAY), but now the technology is different.  Zoom, WebEx, etc. are expectations.  Be sure to get competent on those and when you’re in those virtual environments, be professional.
5. Collaborate and Communicate.  You should have been doing this in the physical office but it’s even more important now.  Don’t do the job alone if you have a team.  They need you and you need them more than ever now.
6. Track Progress.  If you are a “To-Do” list person, you’re already doing this.  Get up each day and set a plan for what you will accomplish.  Then get it done.  When you’re done, cross things off the list.  Your boss has no idea HOW you’re working but I’m sure they’re looking for results.  Be sure to log what you do and what you accomplish.  Remember, you are being paid for results, not just your smiling face and your butt in the chair.

One day we’ll look back on these Bad Ol’ Days and wonder how we made it.  But we will.  Lessons learned today will define the workplace of tomorrow. How will you make your mark?