When you’re working remote, you need a space you can trust to get you through the day. If you’re leading a team of remote employees, you also need to know how to help them build a workspace that works for them on their best days and their worst days.
In a traditional office environment, these things are simple. You have desk space, office supplies, computer equipment, and a designated break area. In a remote environment, this might not be the case at all. Of course, there’s still the computer and possibly a desk space, but beyond that, it’s likely just your home.
Luckily, it’s completely possible to create an ideal, productive remote workspace even if you only have a corner in your bedroom to work with. Beyond working at home, remote workers also have a lot of other options like co-working spaces or even just the local coffee shop. Here’s how to master the workspace as a remote worker or remote manager.
1. Designated Working Space
First, you need a space that is 100% used for working. While it’s tempting to work from your couch or even your bed, you’ll quickly discover this is a recipe for disaster. Even if you work while traveling, you’ll want to stick to separating your “work space” from your “personal space.” This isn’t always easy if you’re in close quarters like your home, but you can make it work with some creative thinking.
Use a room or corner that is free from other activities and distractions. A surprisingly 3 out of every 4 workers report feeling distracted at work. While this is for traditional office workers, it does show the importance of eliminating distractions.
Keep your desk a work only zone. Make sure everything you need for productive sessions is easily in reach. You don’t want to give yourself an excuse to get up “just this one time” to grab a spare pen from your kitchen.
2. Establish Your Schedule
One of the perks of remote work is a flexible schedule. While some businesses might require you to still stick to the 9-5 routine, many are allowing workers to choose the hours that work best for them. Either way, you need a schedule you can stick with the majority of the time.
A routine is how you keep your work life separate from your personal life. If you’re a remote work manager, you need a system to keep employees on track and aware of the hours they’re putting in. Click here fore more details on tracking time from anywhere.
Finding a schedule means knowing what times work for you, and also being realistic. It’s not a good idea to skip breaks and assume you can push through an 8-hour work session every day. If you know you work best in the afternoons, schedule the bulk of your work during the afternoon. No matter what you choose, make sure it’s something that works for your natural rhythm.
3. Create a Remote Work Bag
A remote work bag, or a go-bag, is full of all of your essentials you take with you on the go. If you’re working remotely, you’ll need a change of scenery from time to time. It can be isolating to work from home. This just comes with the territory, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it.
If you choose a co-working space in your local community or a coffee shop, you want to make sure you have everything you need when you leave the house. Pack a backpack with your essentials and only the essentials. Leave the clutter at home where it belongs.
This bag will have your chargers, documents, devices, and any other work items. For best results, always leave these things in the bag and put them back immediately after use. You don’t want to end up in a coffee shop only to discover you left your charger at home.
Master Remote Working
As a remote worker or remote manager, you have a lot on your plate. Make sure your workspace actually works for you and not the other way around. As long as you’re proactive about separating work life from home life, you’ll find something that’s the perfect fit for your needs.
Don’t forget the importance of building a team with your coworkers and having fun. There are so many benefits to remote working! Don’t let the stress of establishing a routine and creating a space keep you from making the most of your time.
