Remote Work Tips for Employees

Employee Remote Work Success in 5 Steps

Step 1:  Plan for your Day

• Use your calendar: work backwards from the year, monthly milestones, weekly deliverables, daily tasks (in addition to the everyday tasks)
• Structure each day of work:
  • Prepare a list of three accomplishments for each day (preferably the end of day before)
  • Prioritize non-negotiable tasks
  • Tend to things behind schedule
  • Determine what is the most important work in front of you
  • Move difficult tasks to your best “work-energy” of the day

Step 2:  Set up your environment  

• A recurring, well-organized, dedicated space to work sets up a “work attitude” and productivity.
• Create a separation between work and home that signals your brain the differences
• Optimize natural light
• Ensure noise and distraction control to promote focus
• Essential tools: quality chair, desk, computer, external monitor, storage
• Add personal touches

Step 3:  Strive for productivity

• Respect work time: ensure non-work activities are not an option to invade work time
  • Avoid personal distractions (physical or digital)
  • Keep “office” hours—establish rules and priorities with others in the dwelling
  • Keep distractions out of sight
• Establish a routine that works for you to create order out of randomness
  • Start with a 5-minute review of your three goals for the day
  • Keep in mind that your established routine does not always work for the demands of every day
  • Break routine to encourage creative thought…take your breaks

Step 4:  Optimize communications 

• Decide how you will monitor the various channels for communication
• Use proactive messaging to reduce emails requesting your attention (status updates, fyis)
• Block times/let the rest of the team know if you have a busy day or time planned for “offline” work
• Balance e-communication with more human communications and connections
• Make sure your voice is heard on big issues

Step 5:   Stay connected  

• Feelings of isolation can lead to loss of motivation and focus. Essential tactics for connection:
  • Find a way to connect in-person on a regular basis
  • Remember the higher purpose you serve beyond your paycheck
  • Use technology tools for social interactions as well as work interactions
  • Don’t forget to take breaks...use the opportunity to socialize
  • Maintain dialogue with the larger circle of colleagues