Here we are, 2022 is almost over and 2023 is about to begin.
Remote workers are getting more and more common, but we stil have so many things to learn about.
Even if remote working became so popular in the last 2 years, most of the companies were not ready to manage such a huge revolution.
Working remotely is amazing, but it’s not so easy. And if you are a remote worker, you know what I’m talking about.
We still have so much to learn, and I think there’s no better time to do it than now.
Change comes from the little things. If we want to change the way we work for the better, we should start from our daily routines.
So here’s a list of 6 good intentions for remote workers in 2023.
1. Avoid distractions
Working from home makes focusing on your job much harder. Even if it’s proved that remote working generally improves productivity, people find it harder to focus on their tasks while working from home.
According to a recent study by Buffer, 24% of remote workers consider their homes more distractful than their offices. It makes sense if you think about that.
Most of us were not prepared for remote work before the pandemic, and so were not our houses.
There are so many things that can affect our productivity when we are at home. Being focused all the time is hard, but here’s a list of things you can do to improve it.
- Create your work space.
Design and organize your workplace as you were at the office. Get everything you need to get a comfortable workstation that could fit your needs.
- Avoid working on your bed
Working on your bed might not stimulate your mind, and would eventually push you to relax or fall asleep. Sleep on your bed, but don’t work on it.
- Log out from social media
Scrolling your instagram or tik tok feed will make you lose so much time, and you won’t even realize it. Turn notifications off or log out from them while you’re working. You’ll feel so much better.
- Take breaks every once in a while
Remember that you can’t be productive all the time. Taking breaks is crucial to charge your batteries and come back on your tasks with more motivation.
2. Limit the number of your calls
Alignments’ calls and virtual meetings are some very useful tools that you can use to better organize your work. While it’s true that they can be very helpful for you and your team, it is also true that an excessive amount of them can obstaculate your performances and your focus on your tasks.
How can you do your daily activities if you spend most of your time on calls?
Of course you should not avoid them, but if you see you’re working too much or you can’t be productive because of your calls, you should change your attitude towards them.
- Every call must be scheduled with a purpose.
Don’t schedule calls with no reasons. If you simply want to chat with your coworkers, do it in another way.
– Calls must be scheduled in advanced, if you have a last minute emergency, always ask your coworker if she/he is available before calling.
- Stick to a plan.
Schedule your call with a – to do – list and stick to it. Every point should be discussed in details, but the call should not last longer than planned. Get through every point following a logic, don’t get lost.
- Change your calls’ length or do breaks.
Short calls are often better than long calls. Microsoft found out that the majority of teams are now getting better results while doing 15 minutes call. If you need more time, be sure to take breaks every once in a while so people can rest and be better focus.
- Change the time.
Microsoft found out that most of the business are now switching their call schedule after lunch. They are seing better results in terms of focus and productivity. Pick up times that better suit your and your team’s needs.
If you follow all of these simple tips, calls will simplify your work.
3. Prioritize your personal wellbeing.
Your mental and physical health are the most important things. Our modern society is complex and we live in a world full of stress.
Did you know that the overall worldwide stress level among remote workers has never been so high?
44% of people defined their current stress level as high, or very high.
Burnout conditions has spread fast in the last two years, and people found themselves overloaded by an unsostainable amount of work.
Remote workers are more likely to feel depression and anxiety.
- Dedicate some time to yourself
Find something you love and that makes you feel good and do it whenever you can. Don’t sacrifice the pleasure you can get from these activities for your work.
- Slow Down
If you feel things are getting too hard to handle and you start struggling to get your tasks done, just slow down. Say no to a new position or activity you’re offered to if you think that’s too much. Your success also depends on your wellbeing, and if you’re not good how can you be successfull?
Your personal wellbeing is the most important thing ever.
Listen to your body’s and mind’s messages and don’t be scared to prioritize yourself. Ask for help if you need it.
4. Unplug from work
We live in a constantly connected world and we spend most of our time online. We work online, we chat online, we have fun online: that’s why its so hard to unplug ourselves from work when our job is remote.
While unplugging from work is undoubtly hard – according to Buffer it’s the greatest challenge of remote work – it is crucial for the quality of our lives.
What can you do if it’s so hard?
- Turn off your phone notifications while you’re off
- Turn your company’s phone off while you’re not working.
- Entertain yourself offline. Leave your house and go out.
- Do sport. Doesn’t matter what kind of sport you do, but do it. Yoga, Running, Weights lifting… Do whatever you like but train your body.
- Spend time with your friends or family.
5. Communicate more
Communication is essential in everyone’s lives, no matter what.
That said, we know communicating at work is not easy for anyone, but if you are a remote worker this can turn even more challenging.
Talking to someone in person and doing it online are two completely different things.
We’ve made huge steps in distant communication and world’s boundaries are softer and lighter than ever. Technology help us in a way some years ago was impossible to even think about, but despite the countless number of digital tools we have, communicating online still has its limits.
These limits can impact the quality of your work and worse the relationships with you and your company. But if you learn how to communicate efficiently online, you’ll overcome these challenges.
Here’s something you should do to improve your digital communication:
- Don’t isolate yourself.
Let your team members know what you’re doing. You don’t have to report every single activity – you’re flexible for a reason – but be sure they know what you are working on. Show them your progress, and ask them for support and suggestions. Remember that you are a team, even if you work by yourself.
- If you have some problems with your coworkers or with your company, talk about them with your hr. Don’t hide your feelings and don’t pretend everything is fine when it’s not. This will only make thins worse.
- Be respectful and empathic.
Remember that behind every chat and every screen there’s a person whose feelings might be hurted by your communication.
When there’s no body language, the only thing people see are words. Pay attention to them.
Communication is crucial for you and your team. Follow these
6. Work with other people
Working remotely might mean working alone for the most of your time, but that makes sense if you think about it.
Most of the companies introduced remote working mainly to avoid human interactions during the pandemic. When people stopped going to the office, they also stopped seeing each other. Now, even if the pandemic is almost over, most of us keep working in the same way we did during covid times, but it’s not the way it has to be. Why?
We are humans and we need social intercations to stimulate our creativity and motivation. Working remote often times feels lonely, because in actuality you are alone. If enstablishing connetcions with people in real life could be thrilling, isolating yourself could be obstaculate your work. Hence why it is crucial to maintain connections with other people.
How can you do it?
- Go to a coworking space
Find a coworking space you like and go there as often as possible.
- Find other remote workers on social media
- Meet your coworkers
Schedule in person meetings or activities with your team mates and coworkers.
Surrounding yourself with good energies and good people will improve your creativity and your productivity.
If you got to the end of this article you are now ready to boost your 2023.
We wish you a great and happy new year.
If you want to learn more about remote work keep following us and enjoy our newsletter or if you feel ready to start your journey as a remote worker go now on our calendar choose your location and date and start your year with a completely new perspective.
