How to Be a Successful Remote Worker

The future of work will largely be a remote one. And no, it’s not just because pop group Fifth Harmony declared we should all “Work From Home” back in 2016 (but they weren’t wrong).

New data from the Global Workplace Analytics shows teleworking makes for more productive and satisfied employees. It also makes for a happier and healthier environment thanks to a reduction in carbon emissions and office energy consumption. A true win for everyone!

While working from home still feels like a luxury for many industries, it’s a common and beloved benefit of working in the tech industry.

If you’re planning to enjoy a career in tech, you can achieve boss status by leveling up your productivity and job satisfaction with these telecommuting tips.

Design a Dedicated Workspace

Half the fun of working remotely is that you can work from anywhere. Find out where you feel most inspired, focused, and “indistractable” and make that your get-stuff-done spot. Check out local coworking spaces or coffee shops if you want to get out of the house, or set up a home office which fosters your creativity. Wherever you choose to work, don’t infringe on areas you do life stuff in (like where you sleep and eat). As nice as the idea of coding from bed may seem, it can actually interfere with your sleep patterns.

Build a Routine

Building a daily routine will help you be more productive and also supplement some of the structure you miss out on not working in an office. Try to wake up at the same time each day, eat a well-balanced meal, and do a form of exercise you love like yoga or running around the block.

We know it’s hard but try not to look at your phone or any other electronic screens for the first hour of your day. Co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology Tristan Harris wrote about the effects early morning phone checks can have on the brain. In short, your emotions, productivity, and mental health can get thrown off course rather quickly when your routine starts with an Insta-scroll. Replace the habit with light exercise or reading.

When you’re ready to get down to business, get dressed like you would if you were commuting. This helps your brain get into work mode and prevents your bedhead from becoming office gossip.

Create Time for Interaction with Colleagues

Another perk of telecommuting is the chance to network with colleagues from all over the country or world. Though you’re not in a traditional office setting, you can still build community with these dope humans through messaging applications like Slack or video conferencing platforms like Zoom. Don’t let distance or lack of a water cooler keep you from interacting with your work fam.

Separate Work from Life

This is key. Remote work requires a level of balance and discernment that working from an office simply doesn’t. Make sure you’re setting aside time to tend to life admin and family commitments while also dedicating time purely for work. The lines can easily blur but they don’t have to if you approach your remote position with intentionality.

A simple trick is to log on and off at the same time each day. Whether that’s between 8am-4pm or 10am-6pm, choose to work during hours you feel most productive. Run your schedule by your boss, of course. And take your damn lunch break.

With these tips in mind, we’re confident you’ll nail this whole remote work thing. Go on with your bad, telecommuting self!

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