Three Tips to Excel in a Remote Work Culture
When I first entered the workforce, remote working was not as popular as it is today.
And although remote working isn’t an entirely new concept, it has become significantly more prevalent in recent years. Today, roughly 70% of people globally work remotely at least once a week. And trends are only shifting more towards “remote-friendly” workplaces according to a recent Forbes article.
When I began working at DemandLab and began a full-time remote position, it was an adjustment, but one I welcomed with open arms. If you’re considering a full or partial remote working position, here are some tips that could help you transition successfully!
Know Your Working Style
Prior to joining the DemandLab team, I worked full time in an open floor plan office setting, the polar opposite of working 100% remotely. In an open floor plan setting, you are surrounded by your colleagues all day versus working remotely where you are alone most of the day. Working remotely is a good fit for people who prefer a non-traditional work style. However, it takes self-discipline and serious organization and time management skills to succeed in a remote setting.
Remote work takes self-discipline and serious #organization and #timemanagement skills to succeed. Click To Tweet
Plan & Prepare
Preparing myself, mentally and physically, prior to embarking on this opportunity was crucial to having a successful transition into my position as a Solutions Consultant for DemandLab.
Planning ahead and having multiple backup plans for things such as a power outage (which I learned the hard way my 2nd week on the job) is also very important. Through conducting a small scope of my neighborhood I’ve found multiple places that could be an alternative workspace, taking into consideration their noise levels and proximity. Therefore, I always have options for a workspace despite the circumstances.
I also have found that pre-planning my days, down to the minute but leaving room for unforeseen tasks, is a great way to keep my schedule prioritized and workload organized.
Included in my minute-by-minute schedule, is time away from my computer! Whether it be taking a brisk walk around the block, or hopping on my bike to pick up lunch, I ensure that I get outside during the workday. I think any remote employee should make some physical activity a priority daily. For me personally, it improves my mental focus tremendously and prevents burnout. It also helps that DemandLab culture encourages employees to get up from their desk and have work-life balance.
Excelling in a remote work culture requires 3 P’s: Planning, Preparation, and the prioritization of Physical activity. Click To Tweet
Embrace Flexibility
The flexibility in choosing to work remotely has immense benefits. The ability to travel while still being a productive member of the team is helpful in so many ways. For example, I have been able to visit my grandpa in Texas and my sister in Colorado without missing a meeting or a day of work. To me, that is an incalculable advantage to working remotely and being a member of the DemandLab Team!
Transitioning to a remote role can take some adjustment, but the supportive team at DemandLab has helped make my move smooth and virtually seamless. Team collaboration and communication is such that you never feel alone. Plus, there is still the ability to have “virtual water cooler moments.” It has truly been a priceless experience since coming on board.
Working remotely is becoming the new normal for many people and companies, but it isn’t the ideal working environment for everyone. If you are considering a remote position, this post is a great starting point to help you prepare for this transition.