How to Make Remote Work Work For You: 5 Key Strategies
By Dee Kring, CAE, CMP
During the pandemic, many of us were introduced to working remotely. It was a huge adjustment for most of us as we navigated both technological and emotional challenges to be effective in this new environment. If you’d asked me five years ago if I would like to work remotely, my answer would have been no. I liked the separation of home and work, felt I was more productive in an office setting, and I enjoyed interacting with my coworkers.
Today, those aspects are still important to me, but I’ve learned that they can be balanced with the flexibility of remote work. However, this flexibility comes with its own set of challenges. Remote work demands discipline and good habits to remain efficient and maintain a sense of separation between work and home life.
Here are some tips I’ve found helpful for making remote work for me:
- Set a Dedicated Workspace
My first stint at working remote, I set up my laptop on the dining room table. This was not ideal, so when I started working from home more often, I set up a small desk in a spare bedroom which also housed my dresser and vanity. I purchased a room divider to put behind me so that when I was on virtual calls, it wasn’t evident that I was working from a bedroom. Eventually, I found that creating a designated workspace was going to be essential to my success. I turned the spare bedroom into a true home office, complete with full-size functional desk (and standing desk converter!), printer, bookcase, and seating area where I can focus without distractions.
- Stick to a Routine
Establishing a daily schedule to set clear boundaries for when you start, and finish work is important. Unlike what many on the internet think, most remote employees do not work from their bed or lounge around in their pajamas all day. Without commuting to the office, I’m often able to start work earlier. I’m naturally a very structured person, so I still follow the same morning routine as if I’m going into the office, although I usually dress a little more casually. One thing I did regularly while working in an office, and one goal I’m working towards as I work from home is to pack my lunch every day and, if the weather cooperates, take a lunchtime walk.
- Communicate Effectively & Stay Connected
Communication is key to everything we do, especially when we are distanced.
Using collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom for quick communication is one option. I’ve found that Teams works well when working on or overseeing a team project where quick communication is necessary to avoid delaying progress; however, daily, I find that it is distracting and unnecessary. Simple email communications work well if everyone is aware of your availability and reasonable response times are established. In addition, setting up regular meetings, some in person, helps to stay connected. In an office, casual interactions, team meetings, and even spontaneous conversations provided opportunities to connect. While technology has bridged that gap, it doesn’t quite replicate the in-person camaraderie. Extra effort may be needed to stay in touch with colleagues, whether through calls, chats, or simply checking in more frequently to maintain those relationships.
Working from home is an adjustment for family members too, so it’s important to set clear boundaries and help them to understand that just because you are physically home, you are still working. One thing that works for me is to treat my office as I always did in the “office”. I close my door when I’m focused and want to avoid distractions. My husband knows he should knock if the door is closed and, if he sees my “Do Not Disturb” hanger on the door, he just needs to wait!
- Take Advantage of Technology
Technology makes remote work possible. Cloud-based computers and phone systems are the norm, making it easy to work from anywhere. Additional tools like One Drive, Dropbox, and Basecamp are great for file sharing and document collaboration, and a shared office calendar lets others know when you may be unavailable. Otherwise, a vacation day may not be much of a break.
One thing to keep in mind is to have a dependable internet connection at home and on the road. I had high-speed internet at home that worked well but had to invest in a secure mobile hotspot for those times I was not physically at my desk or travelling for work.
- Maintain Work-Life Balance
Overworking when you work from home can be an issue. After all, you never really leave where you work. This is why a designated home office and the discipline to shut down the computer, log off the phone system and close the door at the end of the workday is so important. Taking regular mental breaks is just as important at home as in the office. Whether it’s taking a lunch break to run an errand or go for a lunchtime loop on my bicycle, I always feel refreshed and mentally recharged to step back into work mode.
Lastly, feeling isolated is common among remote workers, so in addition to staying connected with coworkers, engage in activities outside of work, such as exercise, hobbies, or socializing with friends.
Overall, I’ve come to appreciate the flexibility that remote work offers. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but with the right habits, it’s possible to thrive in this environment. The key is being intentional with time management, staying connected with others, and creating boundaries that preserve a healthy work-life balance.
By following these tips, I hope you too will be better equipped to work remotely while staying productive, healthy, and connected.
Dee Kring, CAE, CMP is a Chief Staff Executive at Partners in Association Management and has nearly 30 years of association management experience. Dee serves as Executive Director for two client organizations, was Past President of the Tallahassee Society of Association Executives and is a former board member of the Florida Society of Association Executives. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring camping, biking, and kayaking with her husband, Tony.
