FOCUS: How to work remotely

Friday 13 March 2020

As more and more businesses are considering remote work in response to the coronavirus outbreak, Express examines the topical subject in-depth.

With increasing numbers of businesses offering flexible working policies and an increase in employing freelancers, remote work is rapidly on the increase around the world.

In our ever-changing digital world, do we know when it’s time to switch off, during the fast-paced blur of everyday life?  

Since the introduction of smart phones, tablets, iPads and Apple watches (the list goes on), we have created an environment where we’re always connected and therefore accessible.

Pictured: Technology allows us to respond to emails, texts and calls at any time.

We respond to emails, reply to texts and take calls at any time to be at the top of our game, even outside of work hours. Remote working certainly has its advantages, but do the ‘pros’ outweigh the ‘cons’? Or does it blur the lines between work and life? 

Remote working is steadily becoming more and more common in business due to changing attitudes, and advanced network capabilities. It allows us to pick up from where we left off, without needing to be in the office. It’s particularly beneficial for those that need to travel often.

The ability, and flexibility, to work wherever there is Wi-Fi can give us both a sense of freedom, and control over our work. For many employers, offering the benefit can give them a competitive edge, attracting the top talent and adding to their employees’ satisfaction.

With climate change at the forefront of our minds, businesses may even encourage more remote working to reduce a company’s overhead costs, as well as the carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment. It’s a trend that will continue to rise with nearly half of the UK workforce expected to be working remotely in 2020.  

Pictured: "For many, when you work in an office, your day starts when you sit down at your desk and finishes when you leave."

On the other hand, remote working can start to have a negative effect if you can’t identify when work stops, and life starts. For many, when you work in an office, your day starts when you sit down at your desk and finishes when you leave. Remote working can shift this balance, resulting in working longer hours and added stress.

Especially if companies rely on remote workers to be available at different hours, there can be more pressure to be online and ‘always on call’. Loneliness can also be a common factor for those working remotely, because they miss out on the social interaction of working with their colleagues in an office. It’s all down to personal preference; some may feel more productive working remotely away from the distractions of the office, but it could be the complete opposite for others. 

On the whole, the culture of being one click away can be both a blessing and a curse. We can make remote working work in our favour, as long as it’s carefully managed and we set realistic expectations for ourselves.

Know your boundaries 

If you’re working remotely, set yourself clear boundaries and stick to them. Commit to your normal work hours and be strict with yourself when it’s time to switch off and relax. If you’re feeling under the weather, don’t feel pressured to work from home. Your body is telling you it needs rest and forcing yourself to work is not going to speed up your recovery any quicker.

Pictured: "If you’re on holiday, your ‘out of office’ message should be on."

If you’re on holiday, your ‘out of office’ message should be on. You’ve booked the time off, so just enjoy it and try not to worry about work. It will be there when you get back! 

Manage your time and workload 

Write a ‘to-do’ list at the start of your day and prioritise the workload. Make sure it’s manageable to complete during work time, so you’re not working late into the evening. You’re still entitled to take a break when you’re working remotely, so make sure you factor one in.

Pictured: "You’re still entitled to take a break when you’re working remotely."

Go outside, get some fresh air and take a walk to stretch your legs. It will help you to re-focus and it breaks up the day. We can be our own worst enemy by pushing ourselves to do more. Work smarter during the day so you can truly switch off, and enjoy ‘me’ time in the evenings. 

Communication is key

Be sure to stay in regular contact with your colleagues and manager at work so you don’t feel isolated. Despite working remotely, you still want to feel connected, and part of a team. Maintaining that line of communication will boost your morale and help you to stay motivated in the job you’re doing. 

Pictured: "Be sure to stay in regular contact with your colleagues and manager."

It's unavoidable that the world is going digital, with an increase on digital workplaces, shared workspaces and the demand for remote work growing for companies as well as employees. We have to adapt, but in a way that works for us all.

Remote working will play an important role in the future of business and we should embrace it. As long as we remain disciplined and know when it’s time to unplug, disconnect and switch off from work so life can start. Ultimately, we work to live, not live to work. 

Find the right balance and avoid the blurred lines.

This article first appeared in Connect, which you can read by clicking HERE.