When the pandemic hit, many people found their work-life balance flipped upside down. The morning commute was a thing of the past, coffee shop runs were canceled, and after-work drinks went out the window.
But with a little extra planning, working from home can be just as fun and productive as your office job.
1. Work from anywhere
Work-from-anywhere is a new type of flexible working arrangement that allows employees to work from a location outside the office without violating company policy. This option is gaining popularity, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and offers massive upsides for businesses and their employees.
Whether it’s from a home office, coffee shop or coworking space, working remotely lets you choose the best place to get things done. This flexibility can boost productivity and morale, as well as reduce employee stress and anxiety.
Working from home or a remote workspace can also improve communication and collaboration with colleagues. By eliminating the need for face-to-face meetings, you can focus on communicating effectively over email and chat apps. This can also help to avoid misunderstandings that can occur in face-to-face conversations.
However, it’s important to note that working from anywhere is not for everyone. It can be difficult to establish a healthy work-life balance when you don’t have clear boundaries between home life and professional life. You may find that you have to set a strict schedule for yourself so that you don’t overwork and burn out. You also have to be disciplined about keeping up with deadlines and meeting client needs, which requires a lot of self-motivation.
If you’re considering a work-from-anywhere role, it’s worth speaking to your manager about what expectations and policies are in place. Some industries are better suited for remote work than others, so it’s crucial to know what your responsibilities and expectations are before taking the leap. Once you’re prepared, though, a work-from-anywhere job can be the perfect fit for your career goals.
2. Work on your own schedule
Remote work offers a great deal of flexibility, especially when it comes to scheduling. You can work when you’re most productive, whether that’s morning or night, which is a huge benefit for people with family commitments, health issues or who need to take care of children or elderly parents.
Having the freedom to choose your own schedule also makes it easier to find the perfect work-life balance. You can attend meetings in the middle of the day without having to leave your home, and you can start and stop work at times that are best for you, which helps reduce burnout and stress.
However, having total freedom can be a double-edged sword. Not having a set daily routine can make it easy to procrastinate, which then leads to working too much and burning out. That’s why it’s important to have a structure in place, such as scheduling a daily work schedule and taking breaks, to keep you focused.
It’s also important to check in with coworkers throughout the day, whether that’s a virtual meeting or just sending a quick message, to prevent feeling isolated. And don’t forget to block time-wasting websites during your workday with a tool like Stayfocusd, which blocks specific websites or time periods so you can get more done. With a little practice, you can build a work from home schedule that lets you be your most productive and find the work-life balance that’s right for you.
3. More focus
Working remotely allows employees to focus on their work without distractions, allowing them to get more done in the same amount of time. This is especially important for teams that deal with a high volume of emails or projects with short deadlines. By not having to worry about a chat from their co-workers or checking out the latest episode of Westworld, remote workers can be more productive and hit their goals.
But this doesn’t mean that remote employees aren’t susceptible to the same distractions as their in-office counterparts. The line between work and home can become blurred if employees are always available to their team and bosses, and a lack of boundaries can lead to burnout and low productivity. A good way to avoid these pitfalls is to encourage remote employees to have regular breaks and sign off at the end of the day or on weekends.
Another way to support productivity is to make sure remote employees have the tools they need to succeed, like video conferencing platforms that act as their virtual office. This allows them to collaborate with their teammates and bosses without having to leave the comfort of their own homes, and it helps keep everyone on the same page.
For the most part, companies are realizing that a positive remote culture is possible, and that it can be more effective than an in-office one. In fact, according to Owl Labs’ State of Remote Work report, companies that allow for a remote or flexible work arrangement have a 25% higher retention rate than those that don’t. To ensure a strong remote culture, it’s crucial that leaders prioritize the needs of their remote workers and regularly evaluate whether or not their processes, policies, and communications are supporting them well.
4. More time to do the things you love
Working remotely can give you more time to pursue your hobbies or personal passions. By identifying your priorities, scheduling activities, saying no to unnecessary commitments, being realistic, using your commute, combining activities, and taking advantage of downtime, you can find time for the things that matter most in your life.
Another benefit of remote work is that it allows you to create a workspace and environment that suits your needs. You can make your home office comfortable, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing. This can lead to higher productivity and more happiness in your job. It can also improve your health and quality of life.
By allowing employees to work from home, your business can save on office space and supplies. It can also reduce employee turnover and absenteeism by fostering a positive work-life balance, better morale, and reduced stress levels.
One downside of working remotely is that it can be difficult to separate your professional and personal lives. This can happen if you are easily distracted, have family members or pets around, or struggle with multitasking. It’s important to focus on work during working hours and be free from distractions outside of that time.
There are many benefits to working remotely, and it’s becoming increasingly common in today’s workplace. By implementing a few key strategies, you can set yourself up for success and achieve your career goals. By embracing the flexibility of remote work, you can enjoy the benefits for yourself, your team, and your business. If you’re ready to start exploring the possibilities of a remote position, contact us for more information! We’ll help you find the perfect role to take your career to the next level.
5. Better mental health
The ability to work remotely can help people find a better balance between their personal and professional lives. Often, the biggest trap in a workplace is being too focused on work and not having enough time to take care of oneself or spend time with family. This is especially difficult for workers who have to leave the office regularly or are required to travel a lot. Working remotely eliminates this issue.
But it’s important for companies to set boundaries around their remote workers. For example, they should provide a safe and comfortable workspace that’s separate from their home or other leisure activities. They should also make sure that employees have all the tools they need to work effectively. This includes a stable internet connection and videoconferencing software.
It’s also important to create a culture of collaboration between onsite and remote employees. This can be done by using a communication tool like Slack that allows employees to communicate in real-time and with their coworkers. It’s also important to use video in meetings so that employees can see each other’s facial expressions and body language. This makes it easier to understand each other’s intentions.
Another way that businesses can support the mental health of their employees is by promoting flexible scheduling policies. This is becoming a common element in modern workplaces. It’s also great for the environment because it reduces commuting emissions and saves money on office space. And because a lot of commuting is driving, it can reduce fuel consumption and deforestation rates. Providing employees with the flexibility to choose when and where they work also means that more people have the opportunity to get the jobs they want.