It’s an interesting time at the moment, where most of us are required to work from home and practice social distancing to flatten the curve of COVID19 pandemic. Here are a few tips for better remote working. Feel free to share the graphics on your social media channels and credit us.
Get dressed
Yes, please put your pants on. Even though you don’t need to don neckties or power heels, it still feels empowering when you dress smartly for yourself. This could prepare you mentally for the work challenges ahead. Also, you still need to look presentable for video meetings.
Set your goals
Keep yourself motivated with daily goals and micro goals that could be broken down hourly. Sticking to a workable routine will help you become more productive. You may apply the 80/20 rules where you could prioritise the larger tasks (the 20%) that could solve majority of other work tasks (the 80%).
Prepare your workspace
Make sure you have a comfortable chair, table and computer display that are suitable for your posture. A spot facing the window is very good to rest the eyes. Tell your family members to give you privacy during your work hours. Finally, set your ambient by playing your Spotify playlist or listen to a podcast.
Use remote working tools
Fortunately, online technology is on our side today. There are good project management tools such as Trello, Jira or Asana to track your progress. Choose the most suitable communication channels such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout, Slack or Zoom to update your team. Some companies prefer WhatApp chat for immediate access.
Schedule your meetings
Schedule morning meetings at a regular time with your team to update progress. A regular 15 minutes catch-up is more efficient than an hour-long meeting if the agenda is outlined in advanced. It encourages transparency and builds trust over time.
Use simple words
Be clear and simple in emails for a more holistic interaction. It’s difficult to keep track of an overflowing inbox. Maybe it’s a good idea to dedicate a specific time during the day to respond, so you can focus better and manage expectations.
Have sufficient breaks
It’s so much easier to overwork when your operate from home. Set a clear boundary between your rest and work time. Go for regular short walks at lunchtime or do some yoga stretches. Enjoy your work-life balance!
