Remote Work Tips for Employees

Remote work allows for flexiblity and a manageable work-life balance. Follow the tips below to add structure and expectations to your day just as you would working onsite.

Remote Work Arrangement Guidelines

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