With the COVID-19 pandemic pushing workers to rethink their relationship with work, remote work has exploded in popularity. It’s a great way to boost your productivity, flexibility, and your bottom line.
However, working remotely requires a different approach than working in an office environment. It requires a strong self-starter attitude and purposeful communication.
Flexibility
The flexibility of remote work is one of the biggest perks of the new working landscape. Workers are finding that they can achieve their goals more effectively when they work remotely and can take care of their personal responsibilities.
Flexibility can help companies to attract and retain a diverse workforce, improve workplace satisfaction, and save money. Research also shows that a flexible work arrangement can reduce the impact of stress and promote better health and well-being among knowledge workers.
There are many types of flexibility, and managers must choose the best option for their company and their employees. Some of these options include accommodation (giving employees the flexibility to work around their own personal needs) and boundaryless work, which allows them to work anywhere they want, at any time.
Leaders need to understand how their company’s policies and flexibility practices affect their organization, employees, and customers. In addition, they need to develop written frameworks with flexibility principles and communicate them widely.
To get the most out of flexible work, leaders need to set clear expectations about schedule availability, communication, and productivity. They should also monitor these metrics regularly to make sure that the program is working for everyone.
Managers should also ensure that the right tools are used to keep teams productive and that they are able to collaborate effectively with other team members. For example, a weekly Zoom call for all remote workers could help them stay in touch with their colleagues and maintain a sense of community.
Finally, a centralized point of contact for questions and concerns can help employees feel supported by the company. This can be beneficial to the team and the company as a whole, and can encourage employees to continue to embrace remote work.
The main advantage of a flexible work arrangement is that it can allow workers to choose the hours they want to work, which can boost their productivity levels. However, this type of arrangement can also have some disadvantages. For instance, workers may not be able to focus on their work or may be distracted by social activities at home, which can negatively affect their performance. In addition, if they do not have the appropriate skills to get the job done, they may not be successful in their remote work arrangement.
Self-starter attitude
A self-starter attitude is a great way to succeed at remote work. It allows you to take charge of your own projects without the constant need for supervisors to tell you what to do. This makes it easy to work efficiently, and you can focus on what’s important to your business.
The self-starter attitude is characterized by a strong drive to achieve success. They strive to set goals that are attainable, and they regularly raise their expectations for themselves and others in the workplace.
They also tend to see obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth. This mindset can help them tackle problems and develop new skills that will improve their job performance.
Many people struggle to see the positives in situations they don’t like, but it’s vital for self-starters to do so. You can start practicing this skill by breaking down tasks, projects, and challenges into smaller, attainable goals.
You can then focus on completing these smaller assignments, rather than waiting for the perfect plan or solution to come along. This approach can also build confidence and make you more likely to face difficult challenges in the future.
It’s also important to recognize that being a self-starter isn’t always easy. Sometimes, you may have to ask for help from others if you’re struggling with a complex task. However, being able to get the assistance you need is an important part of your personal and professional development.
Often, this can be the difference between being a self-starter and not being one. You may need to ask for help from other professionals in your industry, or you might need to learn a new piece of software or take on a new task that’s outside of your wheelhouse.
You should try to surround yourself with other self-starters in your field, or you can look for peers who share your passions and values. These individuals can be a great source of inspiration and support for your remote career.
Communication
Communication is essential in any workplace, but it can be more difficult for remote employees because they may not have the same opportunities to interact with colleagues in person. However, they can still use these skills to achieve their goals and ensure their work is done efficiently and effectively.
Whether you’re communicating through email, Slack, or texting, it’s important to communicate clearly and concisely. This means that you should always check spelling and grammar, proofread emails before sending them, and be aware of the tone you’re using.
It also helps to avoid using sarcasm or humor when writing, as these don’t translate well when they’re read through. This is especially true if you’re using live chat, Slack, or video calls for communication.
In addition to being able to communicate clearly, you should also be able to respond quickly and efficiently. Getting back to team members as soon as possible shows that you are committed to their success and demonstrates that you value your relationships with other people in the company.
You can achieve this by being proactive, including checking in with your colleagues regularly to ensure they’re on track and that they’re meeting their goals. This includes scheduling dedicated one-on-ones and letting them know that you’re available to answer questions or give feedback.
For example, if you’re working with a team on a project that will require a lot of collaboration, be sure to schedule regular meetings online so you can all meet face-to-face and discuss your progress. This way, you can keep each other informed on how things are going and how you can work together more effectively.
Another important skill for remote workers is to be able to manage their time effectively. Trying to do too much at once can be detrimental to productivity and energy levels, so you should prioritize tasks that require less focus. This is particularly true if you’re dealing with projects that take a long time to complete, like data analysis or creating a sales pitch.
It’s also a good idea to pause notifications on your computer and phone so you can focus on your work and avoid being overwhelmed by incoming messages or alerts. This will help you to maintain your focus on the tasks that are most important for your job and avoid distractions and interruptions that can drain your mental and physical resources.
Company culture
Company culture is a living thing that evolves with the people who work at an organization. It’s an important aspect of the employee experience and a crucial driver of productivity, morale, and performance.
It’s also a factor in hiring and retaining talent, which can have a big impact on your business. When employees are happy and feel they’re a part of something worthwhile, they’ll stick around longer and produce better work.
When it comes to remote work, many companies worry about its effects on their culture. This is because a lot of work needs to be done to make sure everyone stays connected and feels like they’re working together, even when the physical presence of colleagues isn’t there.
One of the best ways to protect your company’s culture is to communicate it clearly with employees. This can be done through written definitions of the company’s values or through yearly trainings.
You can also get feedback on your company’s culture through employee surveys. These surveys can help you understand what your employees value most about the company and how to make changes that will strengthen your culture.
While it’s not always easy to create a company culture, the benefits are well worth the effort. Studies show that companies with a strong culture are more likely to have higher stock prices, lower turnover rates, and higher levels of employee engagement.
A good way to start is by taking a look at your company’s culture and assessing whether it fits with the goals you have for the business. This will help you determine if the new remote work environment is a good fit for your culture and if it can be improved to support remote employees.
Regardless of the type of culture you’re trying to foster, it is vital for remote workers to have the proper tools to do their job effectively. This includes effective communication software and a flexible work environment that is designed to accommodate the differences in workplace styles.
When it comes to remote work, it’s essential for managers and senior leadership to lead by example. This means being respectful and demonstrating respect for others. It also means communicating clearly with team members and setting expectations. These practices will help your company’s culture become a living thing that can thrive even with a virtual workforce.