If you work from home or are considering starting a remote team, there are many benefits to working remotely. Some of the top benefits include increased productivity, flexibility and a reduction in office expenses. There are also tools available to help you collaborate with your team, as well as a variety of co-working spaces to choose from. Here are some tips to help you make the best of your remote career.
Collaboration tools
With the rise of remote work, the need for collaboration tools has increased. These tools allow for efficient communication and file sharing between team members. Using a reliable tool will make working from a different location easier and more productive.
Companies are developing software to help improve their processes. A collaborative approach helps workers complete projects faster and more efficiently. Employees also report more satisfaction. Having a good set of tools can save 5 to 10 percent of the average worker’s time each week. However, not all collaboration tools are created equal. To choose the right tool, it’s important to consider what your team needs.
For instance, some asynchronous tools allow information to be structured for future use. Others can be used for document production, and some even allow for co-editing. While these tools are ideal for asynchronous workflows, synchronous tools are useful for real-time, face-to-face conversations.
One of the most popular online meeting and communication tools is Zoom. This video conference platform lets you hold meetings with people in different locations.
Another great option is Microsoft Teams. Its free plan allows up to 100 participants for a 60-minute video conference. You can share files, chat, and attend pre-scheduled meetings. The app is also available on iOS and Android.
Google Meet is a great way to collaborate via audio and video. It can be downloaded for free and is easy to use. Users can set up breakout “rooms” for meetings and can join pre-scheduled meetings.
Many people don’t want to work in the traditional 9 to 6 mode. With the right collaboration tools, you can work from a variety of locations, including home. They’re also useful for freelancers, consultants, and other business leaders.
Trello is another tool that’s excellent for asynchronous workflows. It’s a digital whiteboard that enables teams to collaborate on projects. Using cards, you can create tasks, create lists, or even add checklists and ongoing dialogue. Cards can represent a single project or sub-projects. If you’re using a card, you can assign tasks and checklists to individual team members.
Co-working spaces
Co-working spaces are an excellent option for remote workers. Not only can they offer a range of amenities to enhance your working experience, but they can also provide a sense of community to you and your colleagues.
While there are many different kinds of co-working spaces, there are a few key features that set them apart from the crowd. First, you should look for a space with a short-term office lease. This will allow your business to grow and scale as you need.
You will want to make sure you have access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Some co-working spaces have a hot desk, which can be a helpful resource when you need to concentrate on your work without interruption.
You will probably find that the co-working spaces in your area will have special events that you can attend. This will give you the chance to meet new people and boost your productivity. It will also increase your network.
Co-working spaces have become a hit with both workers and companies alike. Several large technology corporations have already started to shift their traditional offices into hybrid workspaces. For example, Verizon, Samsung, and IBM are all looking at a more distributed way of working.
Many freelancers and small businesses can also benefit from a co-working space. It allows them to take advantage of a nice office environment, with all the professional amenities, without requiring a long-term commitment.
You may be surprised by just how much a co-working space can improve your performance. Compared to your home, it can reduce your stress levels, give you more control over your environment, and boost your overall productivity.
In fact, you might even find that you’ll be able to complete your tasks in a shorter amount of time. If you’re a writer, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to get out of your house and work in a more creative, less lonely environment.
Co-working spaces are a must for any self-employed individual or small business. They are also great for traveling digital nomads. Even full-time employees will benefit from the amenities and opportunities offered by a co-working space.
Health benefits
Working from home offers a wide array of health benefits, ranging from lowering stress levels to improving overall performance. It also provides a better work-life balance and reduces pollution. Those with medical conditions will especially benefit from working from home.
Getting to and from the office can be a major stressor, but the option to work from home can alleviate some of that pressure. You can also take time off to visit the doctor or help your child with a project. Having a full kitchen for preparing healthy meals can be an added plus.
Commute times are the main reason employees prefer remote work. Although this is not for everyone, those who can find the time to work from home are more likely to be happier and healthier. This is in addition to the obvious benefits such as lower health care costs.
While the number of employees in the remote working sector has dropped, it is still high, especially in the states. More than two-thirds of telecommuters report that they have more energy and are less stressed. Many employees reported increased productivity due to more flexible schedules.
Working remotely has its own set of health benefits, most notably the ability to take a quick walk around your neighborhood. Also, many employees are now able to take advantage of new fitness gadgets and equipment that can be used in the comfort of their own homes.
Working from home has also been linked to a higher level of social interaction. While this is not for everyone, it can be a positive benefit for those who have families or live in a community with other remote workers.
A study published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology found that a remote work schedule is associated with reduced stress. In fact, it may be the best way to get a handle on your workload. Similarly, the ability to have a flexible schedule can also be a good way to combat employee burnout.
Although there are no guarantees that your work from home job will provide all of the health benefits you dream of, it certainly can’t hurt to try it out.
Impact on company culture
Company culture is the sum of what members of an organization believe, feel, and do. Culture is influenced by the behaviors of individual members, and organizations have the power to police that behavior.
The key to building a healthy workplace culture is to have an intentional approach. This includes fostering positive feedback and appreciation, creating opportunities for icebreaker activities, and keeping a record of company recognition programs.
Employees who are part of a tight-knit culture are more engaged. That engagement can lead to better work performance. They will also tend to be more loyal to the organization, as their sense of belonging can incentivize them to stay longer.
If you are transitioning to a remote work environment, it’s crucial that your company’s culture be well-represented. As you implement new policies and procedures, make sure they reflect the company’s values. You should also survey your employees to find out how they feel about the new system. Ensure they are comfortable with the change, and offer plenty of encouragement.
If you want to build a strong, cohesive remote work culture, you have to be intentional. This includes bringing new members into the fold, and changing the way people communicate. When you are co-located with your team, you transmit implicit signals that help your employees know when you are a part of the culture.
One company that has managed to keep its culture intact is Wishup, a remote company that has functioned without offices since its founding. Their successful business model proves that a strong culture is important to success.
Creating a healthy, welcoming, and productive workplace culture is a major factor in attracting top talent and retaining them. Companies with high employee turnover and poor employee engagement suffer from low productivity. However, it can be difficult to create and sustain a high-quality culture.
Whether your company is transitioning to a remote work environment or maintaining the culture you’ve established, it’s important to remember that the most crucial factor in a remote work culture is trust. Providing solutions and encouragement can strengthen bonds between you and your employees.