Working remotely has very much been on the rise in recent years. If you have been thinking of switching to a remote position, you’re not alone. Working remotely can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, there’s no commute, no dress code, and you can work in your PJs if you want. On the other hand, it can be isolating, distracting, and difficult to stay motivated. So before you make the decision to start applying for positions, it’s a good idea to understand more about what remote working involves as well as how you can make it work for you.

With the right attitude and strategies, you can make the most of this situation and thrive in your remote position. So in this blog post, we’re going to take a look at exactly what this lifestyle could like like for you and how to master it in order to create a successful career ahead.

So What Exactly is Remote Working?

Remote working is a phrase that has been gaining popularity in the workplace in recent years, with more and more employers offering their employees the option to telecommute. This can take various forms. Some people may need to only work remotely for occasional meetings and tasks, whilst others may find themselves able to do their entire job from the comfort of their own homes.

Either way, remote working eliminates many of the usual logistical problems associated with being an employee such as needing to commute to a physical location every day. It allows flexibility in terms of hours, meaning remote workers are generally able to set their own schedules which makes it perfect for busy lifestyles. Ultimately, while some workspaces will never be replaced by remote solutions, this technology has enabled a shift towards greater accessibility that is impacting many industries worldwide.

Why is it so Popular Right Now?

Many companies have been jumping on board the remote working train to productivity. It’s not hard to see why. Remote working offers greater flexibility and autonomy, while allowing both employers and employees to cut costs associated with an office space. It also offers a unique challenge, forcing people to get creative with ways to communicate effectively and stay on task without physical presence in the same place. Overall, if done right, remote working can be incredibly beneficial for everyone involved. It’s just up to each individual to take advantage of, and succeed in, this relatively new style of work.

How Does Remote Working Benefits Everyone?

So what exactly are the benefits of this idea for both employers and employees? With remote working, it’s easier than ever to access high-quality talent. Employers can now hire people from all over the world and they don’t have to worry about accommodating frequent physical meetings. This means more time focused on making real progress.

Employees also benefit from remote work as they get flexibility in their lifestyle and freedom to choose when, where and how they work each day. It’s a great option for those with demanding schedules or other commitments such as taking care of a family. Additionally, work-life balance is now easier to maintain with remote working options, allowing hardworking individuals to create an environment that is both productive and conducive to creating long-term success.

How to Make Remote Working Work for You

Now that you’re a little more knowledgeable on the idea of remote working itself, you might be curious to know what you can do to make it a success. So now we’re going to run through the key tips that will allow you to make remote working work for you.

1. Create A Dedicated Workspace at Home

One of the first steps to succeeding as a remote worker is setting up a dedicated workspace. This should be someplace that is comfortable so you can focus on your work but also inspiring so you don’t get stuck in an endless loop of procrastination. The setup should include all the necessary tools such as a laptop or computer, desk, chair, and any other resources you might need for your job. Make sure that your workspace is organized with enough lighting and ventilation to give you energy throughout the day.

2. Set A Schedule And Stick To It

Having a schedule will help keep you on track with all your tasks and goals. Without one, it can be easy to fall behind or forget about tasks altogether. Set aside time each day just for working on tasks related to your job. This could mean setting specific hours or having a set number of hours per week dedicated to work-related activities. Scheduling breaks throughout the day will also help keep you motivated and focused when working remotely.

3. Stay Connected With Co-Workers And Managers

Though working remotely means less face-to-face interaction, it doesn’t mean no interaction at all. You should still check in with co-workers or managers frequently via video chat, phone calls, emails or whatever communication platform is most convenient for everyone involved. Staying connected helps maintain relationships with colleagues which can lead to better collaboration if and when needed. Additionally, checking in regularly allows managers to know how their team members are doing which leads to better job performance overall.

4. Go into the Office from Time to Time

Even if your job is primarily remote-based, it’s important to make time to go into the office occasionally. This is especially true if reserving desks in your office is an option at your workplace. Spending time in-person with colleagues can provide a valuable opportunity for relationship building and collaboration that just isn’t possible through video chats or emails alone. Plus it helps break up the monotony of being stuck at home day after day. 

Choosing a public coworking space, like­ the coworking space in Chicago, offers nume­rous benefits for individuals and businesse­s alike. Firstly, these space­s create a collaborative atmosphe­re that encourages ne­tworking and idea sharing among professionals from various backgrounds. Secondly, the­y provide a cost-effective­ alternative to traditional offices, offe­ring flexibility in terms of workspace arrange­ments and lease durations.

Additionally, public coworking space­s often come equippe­d with essential amenitie­s such as high-speed interne­t, meeting rooms, and communal areas for re­laxation. These amenitie­s enhance productivity and comfort. Furthermore­, the central location of many coworking spaces in urban hubs like­ Chicago makes them easily acce­ssible and convenient for e­ntrepreneurs, fre­elancers, and small companies looking for an inspiring and practical work e­nvironment.

5. Work in Cafes to Get Out and Socialize

If going into the office isn’t an option or if you want some additional opportunities for human interaction outside of work hours, try working from cafes or libraries once in awhile. Not only will this give you a change of scenery and help prevent burnout from staring at the same four walls all day every day. It will also provide ample chances to socialise with other people who are doing their own work. Just remember to bring along headphones so as not to disturb others around you.

6. Remember to Take Breaks

It can be tempting when working remotely to power through tasks without taking breaks. After all, nobody is peeking over your shoulder during video calls. But this is actually very counterproductive in the long run. Regular breaks are essential for recharging energy levels and staying focused on tasks throughout the day. Even something as simple as taking 10 minutes for a quick walk outside or making yourself a cup of tea can make all the difference in keeping those productivity levels high.

7. Enjoy the Freedom

Remote working can be an incredibly freeing experience. To make the most of it, you really should ensure that you get to enjoy the freedom of it! This means working when it suits you, creating a working environment that works for you (whether that’s playing music or working during the evening), and actually getting out to enjoy your life. So if that means you want to be able to travel the world while you work, make sure that you actually do it. After all, you’re meant to be able to enjoy the liberty and satisfaction that comes along with this lifestyle choice.

8. Switch Off & Stay Stress Free

Working from home can be a great blessing — you have the freedom to work at any hour of the day, without having to factor in commute time and while the extra flexibility is highly beneficial. But at the same time, it’s important to remember to take a step back. Remote working can potentially blur the boundary between our job and personal life so it’s essential that we switch off and designate specific working hours every day. Having non-working hours allows us to unplug and puts us in a more relaxed mindset which helps us come back more energized when we sit down to work. So let’s appreciate the wonders of technology but remember not to spend all the time with it. That way, you can avoid stress and burnout.

Making Remote Working a Success!

Working remotely can have its own unique challenges but with the right strategies in place, anyone can succeed with this unique lifestyle. By utilizing key strategies, such as having a dedicated workspace, creating a schedule, socializing where you can, and staying connected to the office, among other things, will really help you to thrive. Just remember, that remote working gets to be a great life choice and something that is meant to add more freedom to your life.

As much as it can seem stressful when you’re getting used to being flexible with your time and needing to organize and manage yourself better, it can be a great thing for you. So it’s all about applying these key tips, adjusting, and ensuring that this is the right lifestyle for you.