Today, we’re talking all things remote work. Because here at We Edit Podcasts, we’re big fans of the remote work life! We have a fully distributed team of 65+ people living and working in 9 countries around the world. Pretty cool, right? And more and more, we’re seeing peers and contemporaries seek out job roles that offer the option to work remotely. This trend stems from many factors. But the main drawcard is that a remote worker has the flexibility to work from a location of their choice. They can work from home, co-working spaces, coffee shops, or literally any place with a reliable internet connection. The idea of more freedom and a less rigid structure is also seriously enticing.
But while the perks of being a remote worker are a big part of its sales pitch, remote work is not easy. It’s not all lounging in your pajamas and sipping coffee from the comfort of your home. It’s certainly a perk, don’t get me wrong. But remote work brings with it a unique set of challenges.
To be a successful remote worker requires a unique set of skills and strategies to navigate the digital nomad life effectively.
And while we love the ability to work from home, or anywhere for that matter, as with most things in life, it’s not for everyone. At least, not without equipping yourself with some necessary skills and strategies.
Before we get into the heart of today’s post, we’ll help you decide if remote work is for you by drawing up a good ol’ pros and cons list…
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of being a remote worker:
Remember that the pros and cons of remote work can vary depending on individual preferences, job roles, company policies, and the level of support and infrastructure provided by employers. When all the players involved are committed to creating a healthy remote work culture, working remotely can be a great experience for all involved.
That being said, I know remote work isn’t for everyone. If you know that remote work is not something you’d ever be interested in, this post isn’t for you. Perhaps check out our previous post, The Best Celebrity-Hosted Rewatch Podcasts, we’re pretty sure that post is for everyone…
But for those who want to work remotely, but you’re facing some challenges in making remote work work for you, then this post is certainly for you.
Our team has been in the remote work game for a good number of years, so we’re sharing our top tips to help you master the remote worker life.
Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or just embarking on a new adventure, join us as we uncover the secrets to conquering the remote work world and making it work for you.
Tips For Being a Successful Remote Worker
1. Set Up a Productive Workspace
Successful remote work starts with getting the basics right. And that starts with creating a productive workspace. You should set your desk up in a dedicated and comfortable workspace free from distractions. I know that one of the perks of remote work is that you can theoretically work anywhere. But there are definitely places where you should not work. And, I’m sorry to break it to you, but one of those places is your bed!
You naturally associate your bed with rest. And so working from there will seriously undermine your productivity.
If you want to find success in remote work, create a designated workspace! Have fun making your space your own. You want to be excited to “go to work” and an attractive space really helps.
As an additional tip. If you’re looking to “go remote” for the long term, then I would highly recommend really investing in your workspace. Look at investing in ergonomic furniture and other equipment to support your productivity and health.
2. Establish a Routine
The next fundamental for successful remote work is to establish a routine. Again, one of the many perks of working remotely is that, at least to a large extent, you don’t have to stick to a traditional schedule. However, for remote work to actually work for you, you do need your own daily schedule. A schedule is key to productivity.
So as much as possible, you need to schedule out set working hours. Not only for productivity’s sake but also to help you maintain a work-life balance.
Because a con of remote work is that it can be hard to switch off for the day and “go home”. Because, obviously, you’re already home. So to prevent burning out, set that schedule!
Remember to include breaks in your schedule to recharge and help you stay focused!
3. Dress for Success
Next, you want to dress for success! In other words, if you want to be productive as you’re working remotely, you need to actually get dressed to help put you in a professional mindset.
When you’re working from home, it’s all too tempting to stay in your pajamas all day. I get it. And I’ve totally been there! So I can tell you with a good deal of certainty that, although it may feel good at the time, staying in your PJs all day is not going to help you get your work done. You need to dress for success…not sleep.
Now, dressing for success does not mean you’re donning a three-piece suit or pencil skirt. It’s about finding that sweet spot where comfort meets professionalism.
By taking the time to dress up, you signal to yourself that it’s time to be productive. It’s a visual cue that helps shift your mindset from relaxation mode to work mode. Plus, when you look good, you often feel more confident, which can lead to a more productive day.
4. Invest in Technology
Remote work is reliant on technology. There is no way around this. You need technology to complete your tasks and to communicate with your team. Remote work success is really only possible because of technology. So you need to invest in it.
You need reliable internet, the right equipment, and the necessary software, whether it’s office suites, design programs, or specialized tools for your role. You’ll also need access to messaging apps, and project management software. And of course, the hardware and software for video conferencing. These digital companions bridge the physical distance, enabling seamless communication, brainstorming sessions, and organized project coordination, enabling you to successfully complete tasks while you’re remote.
5. Communicate Effectively
My next tip is to always ensure that you’re communicating clearly and effectively. This is particularly important if you’re part of a remote team Clear communication helps bridge the physical gap, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and understands their roles and responsibilities.
This will help prevent misunderstandings that often occur when we’re not communicating face-to-face. Clear communication also builds trust between you and your colleagues. Trust, in turn, leads to better collaboration, increased productivity, and stronger working relationships.
In essence, clear and effective communication is the glue that holds remote teams together. It fosters a positive remote work environment, ensures that tasks are completed efficiently, and builds trust among team members.
If you remember nothing else I say today, remember this: Always communicate!
6. Stay Organized
Another essential tip when you work from home is just to stay organized. In the absence of a physical office and constant supervision, remote workers must take charge of their own productivity and master their time management.
If you don’t want to feel like you’re always being chased down by the latest deadline, stay organized. It is really easy to fall into bad procrastination habits when you’re working remotely. Especially when you’re first starting out. So take it from me. Rather than falling into those bad habits from the beginning, stay organized! Have a schedule, create team schedules, and use digital to-do lists or time-management apps. Just stay organized.
This level of organization not only enhances your individual efficiency but also contributes to a smoother workflow within remote teams. Ultimately, staying organized in the digital workspace is a strategy that empowers remote workers to take control of their responsibilities and achieve success in a flexible and often dynamic work environment.
7. Avoid Multitasking
Newsflash! Multitasking might be a myth! But whether it’s fact or fiction, I can tell you that multitasking is not going to take you to remote work success! Successful remote work requires structure and a schedule. Not jumping from uncompleted task to uncompleted task.
The truth is, multitasking often leads to a downward spiral of decreased productivity and increased stress, couple that with the “freedom” of remote work, and you have all the ingredients of a recipe for disaster!
But by focusing on a single task at a time, you can give structure to your work, producing better outcomes and reducing the stress associated with trying to do it all at once. In the remote work arena, quality trumps quantity, and the path to success is paved with focused, single-tasking productivity.
8. Take Breaks and Move
Another important but often overlooked tip for successful remote work…taking breaks! When you’re working remotely, It’s easy to get wrapped up in tasks and forget to take regular breaks. But breaks are a vital part of maintaining productivity and well-being.
If you want to enjoy your remote work experience, you need to make it sustainable. And working non-stop is definitely not sustainable. So you have to make a conscious effort to take breaks, refuel your body, and just move around throughout your workday.
You can incorporate short breaks into your workday to stretch and move around. Physical activity not only helps to prevent the physical strains associated with prolonged sitting but also serves as a mental reset. It re-energizes you and refocuses your mind, allowing you to return to your tasks with newfound clarity and vigor.
9. Overcommunicate Progress
In the world of remote work, overcommunicating progress is a superpower. Yes, I’m bringing up overcommunicating again. But really, it is that important to finding the remote worker experience rewarding and effective. And communication is at the very center of that outcome.
And yes, you should communicate with your team in general. But overcommunicating the progress on your different tasks is also vital. Regularly updating your team on your progress and completed tasks provides transparency. It ensures that everyone is on the same page, fostering a sense of unity and accountability.
When you get into the habit of overcommunicating your progress, you minimize the possibility of miscommunication taking place or mistrust building up between you and your team.
Find project management software that can be the channel for this type of communication and your remote team will function like a well-oiled machine.
10. Set Boundaries
This next tip when it comes to being a successful remote worker is to set boundaries. And this is often easier said than done! Setting clear boundaries is an art and one you need to master if you’re choosing remote work for the long haul.
And this starts by communicating your work hours to family and friends.
Remote work can blur the lines between professional and personal life, making it essential to establish distinct boundaries. By letting friends and family know your dedicated work hours, you minimize interruptions and create a structured routine that mirrors a traditional office environment.
This not only enhances your focus during work hours but also ensures that you can fully disconnect and enjoy your personal life once the workday is over.
11. Combat Loneliness
While remote work offers unmatched flexibility and freedom, it can sometimes be accompanied by a sense of isolation. And so you need to put things in place to actively combat this.
Maintaining social connections is crucial for your overall well-being in the remote work environment. You can start by making a point of staying connected to colleagues and team members through virtual meetups, chats, or online communities. These digital avenues help you foster a sense of camaraderie and stay in the loop.
You could even come up with fun ideas to connect. Like setting up virtual coffee breaks or creating channels for casual conversations with colleagues. These informal interactions not only combat loneliness but also contribute to a healthier work culture, making you feel more connected and supported.
12. Seek Professional Development
A massive plus of remote work is that you are the governor of your time. Use it wisely and strategically, and you’ll find you have way more time on your hands. In other words, remote work grants you a unique opportunity to invest your time wisely. And there’s no better investment than in your own skills and knowledge.
So use those flexible hours to embark on a journey of continuous learning. Look for online courses and webinars that will help you build your skills. Whether you’re honing existing skills or exploring new ones, professional development ensures you stay at the forefront of your field. These are things we all want to do, but finding the time to put these goals into action is not always an option when you’re in your traditional 9-5 office job.
Want to start a podcast as a side hustle? We have four free courses available on Udemy.
Did we mention they’re free?
13. Stay Flexible and Adaptable
Another underrated tip for remote work success is to be flexible and adaptable. The remote work arena is a dynamic one, constantly shifting with new technologies and work styles. Embracing change and being open to adapting to new ways of working is not just a tip; it’s a survival strategy.
In remote work, your environment and tasks can change fairly rapidly. Flexibility and adaptability are the keys to thriving in this environment. It allows you to pivot when needed, seamlessly integrating new tools and methodologies into your workflow. Being flexible not only helps you stay ahead of the curve but also ensures that you remain a valuable asset in the ever-changing world of remote work.
14. Practice Self-Care
The next tip for successful remote work may seem out of place. But trust me, self-care is an essential component of successful remote work. The tricky part of remote work is that it can sometimes blur the boundaries between work and personal life. If you’re not vigilant, this could lead to burnout and stress.
And so need to build self-care into your remote worker schedule. Make time for regular exercise, get up regularly from your desk, get some water, do a quick stretch, read, take a nap. You can do all this because you work remotely. But you also have to do it because you work remotely! (Read that again. I promise, it makes sense!)
Building self-care into your routine equips you with the physical and mental fortitude to thrive in a remote work environment, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and sustain long-term productivity and job satisfaction. As remote work continues to grow in popularity, the importance of self-care in ensuring its success cannot be overstated.
15. Evaluate and Adjust
Finally, Tip #15 for successful remote work, evaluate and adjust. Adaptation is key to long-term success in any venture. The same is true for your remote work endeavor. Your remote work setup and routine should never be set in stone. Periodically, take a step back and assess how things are going.
Are you as productive as you’d like to be? Is your workspace still conducive to concentration and creativity? If the answers are “no”, then, make the necessary adjustments. This might mean reorganizing your workspace, fine-tuning your time management strategies, or exploring new tools and technologies to enhance your remote work efficiency.
The ability to adapt and refine your remote work strategy is a valuable skill that will keep you at the top of your game and will keep remote work working for you.
Ready to Join the Remote Worker Revolution?
For many (myself included!) being able to work remotely is amazing. But I get that it’s not for everyone. For remote work to really work for you, you do need to be equipped with a number of key strategies. Your experience of being a remote worker is also largely dependent on the team you work with.
And I’m really lucky on that front. We have an amazing team and really supportive management who have put all the necessary structures in place to help their team thrive in a work from home environment. This really does make a huge difference! However, as a remote worker, these are factors you often have little to no control over.
But there are a whole bunch of things you do have control over as a remote worker. And by sharing these tips, we aim to help you do just that.
Incorporating these top tips for being a successful remote worker into your daily routine can help you thrive in your digital nomad environment. They will also help you make the most of your remote work experience.
My final takeaway is this: Embrace these strategies, adapt them to your needs, and you’ll find that remote work can really work for you!
We’d love to hear your own remote worker tips and challenges in the comments. Feel free to share your insights and experiences.
