What does ‘Remote Work’ mean to you? Is it an opportunity to work less or an opportunity to be more productive?
Studies have shown that some employees would be willing to take a pay cut just to be able to work from home. This willingness to take on remote work majorly borders on the comfort they assume it brings.
The recent spread of the Coronavirus pandemic disease has brought the desires of these set of employees to fruition as a lockdown on movement and large gatherings in various nations has taken effect to curb the spread of the virus. As such, most private organizations and government parastatals have adopted the ‘work from home’ policy.
This unprecedented turn of events caught several organizations and employees who had previously not approved of remote work off guard. Most companies have never operated from home or even experimented with the ideas and as such the transition to this unexpected trend proved a bit difficult.
Remote work does not mean your staff will be unproductive. There are ways to maintain the level of productivity you get from your employees even as they work from home.
Benefits of Working from Home
Dawn Papandrea in his article “Want to work from home? Understand the pros and cons before deciding” stated that ‘Working from home requires you to be more responsive as you must develop the habit of replying promptly to an email, message, call or other necessary collaborations that will bring you closer to your co-workers hence making you communications savvy’.
Working from home comes with its cons like zero opportunities for team bonding, distractions from family, feeling disconnected from your colleagues and boredom. It also comes with a huge responsibility on your part as you have to be self-motivated, reliable, disciplined, focus, and timely.
However, there are benefits to remote work that you will find very interesting.
- Working from home is the best way to prove true independence on the job as it puts your time management skills, productivity, and reliability to the test. It also proves to your employer that you did not lie when you stated in your CV or cover letter that you can work with little or no supervision.
- Taking a cue from the introduction paragraph, working from home may mean so many things to different people, but as a productive employee, this should be an engaging period as you can invest the time you would have spent on your daily commute to get more work done.
- You also do not have to dress up to go to work. You can decide to be in your pajamas all day and your HR manager will not give you a query for inappropriate dressing.
- What’s more? You help the world fight the spread of Coronavirus and also reduce your risk of contracting the virus. Some of the things you also get to enjoy include homemade meals and a flexible schedule.
Enjoying these benefits is one thing and being productive, is another. How can you and your team remain productive while working from home?
Tips to Help Your Team Remain Productive While Working Remotely
The sudden switch from workspaces to the comfort of one’s home can be a bit challenging for some as it exposes individual productivity levels and a team’s ability to deliver as at when due without supervision. It may also be a difficult adjustment for green-horns who have never had the opportunity to work remotely. However, there are a few tips and tricks one can implement to easily adapt to working remotely and remaining productive.
Tip 1
Maintain your regular schedule
Working from home provides a lot of flexibility but this should not alter your regular work hours. If you work 9-5. Ensure your workstation is set up before time. This way, you are set up to accomplish your tasks for the day.
Tip 2
Continue your regular Morning Routine
What are the things you do to get you hyped up for work in the morning? A cup of coffee? Getting dressed up for work? Whatever it is, keep doing it to set your mind in the mood for work.
Tip 3
Set Rules with the People at Home
Unlike your workspace where everyone has the same vibe to focus on what matters in order to get work done, your housemates or family members may distract you and invade your workspace. Help them understand your work hours and work out a plan that does not limit your productivity
Tip 4
Communicate with your Team
Do not isolate yourself from your team members. Stay in touch with them and your employer. Get regular updates, feedback and set specific touchpoints with your team. As Sarah Pulliam succinctly puts it,” Whether through email or text message, keep your boss and colleagues in the loop. Solicit feedback. Check on your goals and progress. Keep a running document of ideas and another one for accomplishments. Note your awards and the encouraging feedback you get from people. Your manager might not be able to see you, but he or she can track your work”.
Tip 5
Do not stop learning. Personal development is very important at a time like this. Take this opportunity to brush up your CV by taking up an online course or learning a new skill online. You never know how beneficial it will be for you when everything returns to normal.
Tip 6
Follow COVID-19 safety and prevention guidelines
This is not the time to throw a party and visit friends or break lockdown rules. Maintain social distancing, wash your hands frequently, wear a facemask if you have to go out, avoid crowds and unnecessary gatherings. Remember, health is wealth. Stay safe.
Working from home comes with its challenges and at first but it is the best and safest way to work especially in dire times such as this.